McGill's Guthrie awarded $100,000 Killam Prize
Metallurgist revolutionized steel, aluminum processing
McGill researcher Roderick Guthrie has been awarded the 2006 Killam Prize in Engineering for his groundbreaking work in the field of process metallurgy.
"I am delighted about Professor Guthrie's award," said the McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Heather Munroe-Blum. "I congratulate him on the recognition of his important research at McGill, as well as his vital international collaborations and contributions to industry."
The $100,000 awards are given in five categories: Engineering, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities.
Professor Guthrie's Killam Prize recognizes his enormous contribution to the steel and aluminum industries in applying modern experimental techniques using mathematical and physical models to predict and improve the performance of metal processing and refining operations. His revolutionary technique for detecting foreign particles during metal processing has enhanced and assured quality control in a range of products the world, over from soft drink cans to refrigerators to Boeing 747s to high-performance cars. In his 30-year career at McGill, he has authored over 400 publications, including two textbooks. He also holds some 200 patents based on 11 different inventions. His singular contribution to research and development in the Quebec aluminum industry is evidenced by his longstanding support from Alcan, among others.
"Canadian engineers are renowned around the world for their competence and skills," declared Dr. Guthrie, Director of the McGill Metals Processing Centre and Macdonald Professor of Metallurgy in the Department of Mining, Metals and Materials Engineering. "Global demand for process and extraction metallurgists is higher than it has ever been. I proudly call myself a Canadian engineer, and consider this award a great privilege and honour."
"This is fantastic news," said Professor Denis Thérien, McGill's Vice-Principal of Research and International Relations. "Professor Guthrie is a top-notch researcher in an important field. His work has greatly contributed to McGill's international research profile."
The Killam Prizes, Canada's most prestigious awards for career achievement in research, were announced today in Ottawa by the Canada Council for the Arts. Professor Guthrie's Killam Prize brings to 14 the number of McGill researchers who have received Killams since they were first awarded in 1981.
On the Web:
McGill Metals Processing Centre
Killam Prizes
