Work ofWelsh scientist honoured with new academic prize

A new academic prize has been introduced by publisher Elsevier to honour a leading scientist from Aberystwyth University.

The Walters Prize recognises the contribution of Professor Ken Walters, a Distinguished Research Professor in the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science at Aberystwyth.

The prize was launched to mark the 40th anniversary of the Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics.

Professor Walters was executive editor of the journal for 25 years, from its launch in 1976 until the publication of Volume 100 in 2002.

The annual Walters Prize is awarded to the author(s) of the best full length research paper published in the journal during the calendar year and carries a prize of €2,500.

The inaugural Walters Prize was awarded to three scientists from the University of California at Davis, Jennifer Staton, Professor Stephanie Dungan, and Professor Ronald Phillips.

Professor Qiang Shen, director of the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science said: “The contribution made by Professor Walters not only in his own academic discipline but also in many other areas, has been and continues to be immense.

“For over half a century he has been a significant figure in science both in Wales and internationally, and his knowledge and intellect have enriched our teaching and research at Aberystwyth University.”

Professor Walters started his career graduating in applied maths from Swansea University.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1991 and is one of the Founding Fellows of the Learned Society of Wales.