Professor Tim Baker awarded Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Engineering Designers

We are pleased to announce that Professor Tim Baker (UCL Mechanical Engineering) has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Engineering Designers.

The Institution of Engineering Designers (iED) is the UK’s only professional body representing those working in engineering and technological product design.

The Honorary Fellowship is the highest honour the institution can bestow and has been made in recognition of Tim’s work on the  UCL Ventura device – a non-invasive breathing aid that has already helped thousands across the world in the fight against COVID-19.  The UCL Ventura is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device which supports COVID patients to breathe more easily, helping them to recover without the need for more invasive mechanical ventilation.

The UCL Ventura device has helped patients in 29 countries, including Pakistan, Peru and Uganda. The free manufacturing designs have been downloaded more than 2000 times across 105 countries – allowing local teams to produce the devices themselves to support their countries’ health infrastructure. More than 24,000 devices have been made around the world.

On receiving this honour, Tim said;

“I’ve been fortunate in my career to always do what I have found interesting. I often wonder how I have got to where I am, because it was never part of a master plan. I believe the secret is to find what inspires you, and then give it your all. This ethos has led to incredible opportunities and working with amazing people. The UCL Ventura project, which I co-led with Rebecca Shipley, is a great example of what can be achieved when you gather like-minded people together. I have learned so much in return and it has challenged me more than anything I have done.

Tim will be presented with his Honorary Fellow certificate at the iED’s annual awards lunch in July. Congratulations, Tim!