University of Warwick researcher has been awarded a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for Engineering
Dr Soroush Abolfathi at Warwick’s School of Engineering has been awarded one of the prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prizes in Engineering. The £100,000 prize from the Leverhulme Trust will be made available to Dr Abolfathi to use over a three-year period to advance his research.
On the award, Dr Soroush Abolfathi, Reader, School of Engineering, University of Warwick says: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Philip Leverhulme Prize. This prize is not only a personal recognition but also a celebration of the brilliant students, early-career researchers, and collaborators whose energy and insight continually inspire my work.”
The prize will enable Soroush to advance new methodologies for developing next-generation virtual replicas of real-world systems. These ‘digital twins’ will integrate advanced modelling, machine learning, and real-time environmental sensing data to simulate and predict how natural and urban systems respond to change. They will help enhance climate resilience, mitigate pollution, and support evidence-based environmental management across multiple scales.
Professor David Towers, Head of the School of Engineering, University of Warwick says: "I’m delighted to see this recognition for Dr Soroush Abolfathi’s pioneering research in environmental pollution, nature-based solutions, and resilient infrastructure. His innovative work—combining advanced computational modelling with cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques—is driving progress in this vital interdisciplinary field.
“Soroush’s contributions are advancing sustainable water management, strengthening natural flood defences, and supporting the transition toward a circular plastic economy to reduce pollution and enhance environmental resilience in the UK and worldwide."
Philip Leverhulme Prizes have been offered annually since 2001 to recognise the achievement of outstanding research scholars whose future career is exceptionally promising, and whose work has made original and significant contributions to knowledge as well as shown sustained international impact. It is awarded in commemoration of the contribution to the work of the Trust made by Philip Leverhulme, the Third Viscount Leverhulme and grandson of William Hesketh Lever, the founder of the Leverhulme Trust.
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Notes to Editors
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About the Philip Leverhulme Prizes
Philip Leverhulme Prizes have been offered since 2001 in commemoration of the contribution to the work of the Trust made by Philip Leverhulme, the Third Viscount Leverhulme and grandson of William Hesketh Lever, the founder of the Trust. Up to 30 prizes are awarded each year and each prize is worth £100,000 and the funding is available over 2 to 3 years. Applications will be considered within the six broad subject areas available each year. These rotate on a 3-year cycle. 2025 featured Archaeology, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, Geography, Languages and Literatures.