WMG Professor wins IMechE’s highest annual honour
Tuesday 10 November 2026
WMG Professor wins IMechE’s highest annual honour
Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick has been awarded the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) highest annual honour, the James Clayton Prize.
The James Clayton Prize, first presented in 1945, is regarded as the most prestigious annual award made by the Institution. It recognises members who have made an exceptional contribution to modern engineering science, research, invention, or design.
Professor Khastgir has been recognised for his global leadership in autonomous and electrified transport, and the impact his work is having on the safe development of technologies that will shape the future of mobility.
Commenting on his award, Professor Khastgir said: "The history of the award, and the achievements of its past winners, make this an overwhelming honour. At the same time, it brings with it a responsibility to help nurture the next generation of engineers, just as I was supported by mentors throughout my career, and to continue driving positive change through engineering research and innovation.
There is still much more to be done in the field of engineering and its impact on society, and I feel fortunate to be able to continue contributing to that goal."
At WMG, Professor Khastgir leads a global research portfolio focused on AI safety and the safe deployment of autonomous transport across road, aviation and marine sectors. Working with over 100 partners worldwide, he also advises the UK Government through the Department for Transport’s Science Advisory Council and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Expert Advisory Panel.
As a Director of Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE UK), he leads national efforts to improve public understanding and acceptance of automated vehicles, while also representing the UK on international standards and regulatory committees including the SAE, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), serving as lead author of six ISO standards.
His contributions have earned him numerous honours, including recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, and the BSI Impact Award 2026 for Standards Leadership.
Professor Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG, said: “This award is a testament to Siddartha’s outstanding contribution to safe autonomy research. His vision and leadership have established him as one of the leading experts in the field, and we are all incredibly proud of the impact he continues to make on research, industry and regulation worldwide.”
Learn more about WMG's Safe Autonomy Research group: Safe Autonomy