Advanced materials expertise recognised at Cranfield University's 2026 graduation: from emerging researchers to an honorary degree

The Henry Royce Institute at Cranfield University offers our congratulations to Alan Newby, Group Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, on receiving an honorary degree from Cranfield University in recognition of his decades-long contribution to sustainable aviation, advanced materials, and industry-academia collaboration. 

Last week the Royce at Cranfield team joined in celebrating the culmination of hard work, strategic project management, resilience and mentorship that it takes to graduate with a master’s or PhD from Cranfield University. 

This year is particularly special for the team, as not only do two of our newest team members, Research Assistants Heshitha Paranavithana and Shwetha Ramaswamy both graduate from Aerospace Materials MSc, but Shwetha was awarded the Professor and Mrs McKeown prize for the Best Thesis in Applied Nanotechnology. Read Shwetha’s interview for an insight into emerging talent in advanced materials. Plus, the University has bestowed an honorary degree on Alan Newby, a member of the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials Governing Board, for the major influence he has had within sustainable aviation. 

INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA PARTNERSHIP IN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION 

“It is a very great honour to receive this award from Cranfield University, which has played such an important role in my own journey. I was proud to complete my MSc at Cranfield in 1993, and throughout my career at Rolls-Royce we have continued to collaborate closely with the University to solve today’s problems and address tomorrow’s challenges together. Cranfield exemplifies the powerful impact of industry–academia partnership in shaping the future of sustainable aviation.” 

Alan Newby, Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026 

ABOUT ALAN NEWBY, ROLLS-ROYCE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY AND NEXT GENERATION PROPULSION 

Alan Newby is Group Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, where he defines and leads the company's technology and innovation strategy. He works closely with customers to understand future requirements, shapes the development of next-generation products, and builds global partnerships to co-fund advanced technology programmes. This strategy is underpinned by long-term relationships with a global network of 29 University Technology Centres. 

Alan played a central role in shaping the highly successful Trent family of engines. He was instrumental in defining the next‑generation UltraFan engine programme – a milestone in the journey towards net-zero aviation. The UltraFan concept is underpinned by a number of materials advances including a composite fan system, advanced turbine coatings, ceramic matrix composites, next generation powder nickel alloys and extensive use of additive layer manufacturing.

In addition to his executive role, Alan holds several external technology advisory positions, including Non‑Executive Director of the Aerospace Technology Institute, member of the Henry Royce Institute Governing Board and the EPSRC Council. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering where, as Chair of the Engineering Leaders Scholarship Programme, he is strongly committed to developing the next generation of engineering leaders. 