 On Tuesday 28th November, Sir Alec Broers FREng FRS, Vice-Chancellor of the University
and former Head of the Department of Engineering (1992-1996), was presented with the solid gold Prince Philip
Medal, the highest award from the Royal Academy of Engineering, in
recognition of his pioneering work in the world of miniature electronic circuits on silicon chips. 
The award was made by HRH Prince Philip, in the Department of Engineering at Cambridge where Sir Alec carried
out his research in the 1960s. The award also recognises Sir Alec's achievements in building the University's
links with industry as Vice-Chancellor. He has brought in substantial investment, notably the Microsoft
Research Centre and is playing a pivotal role in developing the Cambridge Science Park and the new
partnership between Cambridge University and MIT.
Sir Alec holds strong views about the role of engineers in society. He firmly believes that the divide
between engineers and scientists is an artificial one, both disciplines being essential for technological
progress. He has always encouraged engineering students to articulate their discoveries and to broaden their
horizons into the humanities, thus also blurring the distinction between arts and sciences.
A biography of Sir Alec Broers was
prepared as part of our 125th anniversary celebratory web site.
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