The Institution of Structural Engineers has awarded their prestigious Gold Medal for exceptional contribution to the field.

In a year which promises to be momentous for the UK with the staging of the London 2012 Olympics, the Institution marked the occasion by selecting Chris Wise and Paul Westbury to receive the Gold Medal, celebrating their lifetime achievements in the structural engineering sector. Indeed, both engineers have also had a huge involvement in projects for the Olympics.

Paul Westbury, CEO at Buro Happold, has been selected for the award due to his innovation in the structural form, and design of sports and entertainment buildings; in particular for his leading contribution to the design and construction of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London, the 2006 Olympic Speed Skating Oval in Turin, Dublin's Aviva Stadium and the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. Paul has also very successfully promoted structural engineering internationally through his innovative papers on design and technology.

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"I am overwhelmed and delighted to receive the Institution's Gold Medal; to receive such an accolade for doing something I enjoy really is fantastic."

Chris Wise, co-founder of Expedition Engineering and former director with Arup, has been chosen for his outstanding contribution to the design of elegant and functional structures covering a wide range of forms. These include award winning projects such as the Infinity Bridge and the Velodrome for the London Olympics. Chris has also contributed significantly to design education, a role that has been complemented by his creation of the Constructionarium.

"To receive the Gold Medal is a significant honour. My career has been about pushing the boundaries of engineering from a human perspective and I'm enormously flattered that this has been recognised by the Institution of Structural Engineers."

A Gold Medal Address will be given by both winners on 3 October 2012. For more information visit www.istructe.org

(HMc)