The Henry Royce Institute congratulates Alan Newby, Group Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce and a member of the Henry Royce Institute Governing Board, on receiving an honorary degree from Royce Partner Cranfield University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainable aviation, advanced materials innovation and industry-academia collaboration.
Alan’s recognition formed part of Cranfield University’s 2026 graduation celebrations, which also highlighted the next generation of advanced materials researchers and engineers. Among those graduating were Royce at Cranfield Research Assistants Heshitha Paranavithana and Shwetha Ramaswamy, who completed the Aerospace Materials MSc programme. Shwetha was additionally awarded the Professor and Mrs McKeown Prize for Best Thesis in Applied Nanotechnology, recognising her outstanding academic achievement and contribution to the field.
Together, these achievements reflect the breadth of expertise across the Royce community from internationally recognised industry leaders shaping the future of sustainable aviation to emerging researchers advancing the materials innovations of tomorrow. They also demonstrate the value of strong partnerships between academia and industry in developing talent, driving innovation and delivering impact through advanced materials research.
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.
