First Scientist Becomes President Of IMarEST
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) appointed Dr. David Wynford (‘Wyn’) Williams CB, PhD, CMarEng, CPhys FIMarEST, FInstP, the National Hydrographer 2001-2006, as its 105th President at its AGM yesterday (8 March).
The first scientist to take on this prestigious role, he takes over the reins of office from David Cobb CBE, LLD, CEng FIMarEST, FRINA. Prof. Yoo Sang Choo PhD (Manchester), CEng, PEng, FASCE, FIMarEST, FRINA, Hon. FSSSS of the National University of Singapore has been appointed President Elect – the first IMarEST member from the Far East to take on this responsibility.
Dr Williams’s first task as President will be his speech at the IMarEST 104th and Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) joint Annual Dinner – their first combined dinner. The principal guest and speaker will be HRH The Princess Royal, one of the newest Fellows of the IMarEST. Over 700 guests representing the global engineering, science and technology sectors of the maritime industry will be present.
The former President and his year in office:
Looking back on his year in office, David Cobb explains, “My year opened with a splendid dinner at Grosvenor House where my principal guest was Alderman Sir David Brewer, the Lord Mayor of the City of London. His presence was a great coup for our Institute for he has been a great supporter of maritime and science matters, not only here at home, but more particularly on his travels around the world.
“Thinking of other highlights in my ‘year to remember’…. two events stand out. I made a visit to a new marine engineering facility in the University of Trinidad where education at all levels is free, supported by the oil and gas reserves of that country. They had 30 mature students studying marine engineering. Finally, a visit to BAE Systems Shipyard in Glasgow was a particular highlight. I had a guided tour of the new building HMS Daring, a type-45 destroyer, which will be delivered later this year. It is encouraging to hear that BAE Systems are again hiring apprentices and have taken on a hundred this year. I know that Wyn will enjoy his time in office and wish him well.”
Paying tribute to his predecessor Dr. David Wynford (‘Wyn’) Williams said: “Over the past year I have seen David do a terrific job, bringing more business focus to the Institute, driving forward our programme of change and keeping the IMarEST at the forefront of Professional Institution development.”
Looking forward to his year in office he went on to say: “I am looking forward to an interesting and challenging year. I am certainly taking over as President of an extremely healthy Institute. Our membership numbers are growing, and I am glad to say that our increasing numbers include both marine engineers and scientists and it is encouraging that our growth is at the young end of the spectrum, and internationally too, with well over half our members based outside the UK. To continue that demographic change and global reach, we have a membership drive underway that we confidently expect will boost membership over the coming years.
“It is not only with members and soon-to-be members that we are increasing our reach and influence, but through our increasing input to Government Bills and consultations and involvement with IMO, IOC and other key organisations. This emphasis will continue throughout the coming year. I can see I am going to have a busy, but thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding time in office. I am looking forward to every minute of it!”
New President Elect:
Prof. Yoo Sang Choo, Founding Director of the Centre for Offshore Research & Engineering (CORE), and Director of Offshore Engineering Programme, Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore is the first IMarEST President Elect from the Far East. “His long and distinguished career in offshore research and engineering make him the ideal person to take over from Wyn Williams as President this time next year,” explains Keith Read CBE, IMarEST’s Chief Executive.
“I am deeply honoured to be elected as President-Elect of this great Institute,” says Prof Choo. “Many members of the Institute are experts in marine engineering, science and technology and are making significant contributions towards sustainable development of energy and resources in the oceans and arctic regions. I look forward to working with them to encourage young talent to our fold and seizing the challenges and opportunities in these exciting times.”
Source: www.imarest.org
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