It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death yesterday of Prof David Harrison, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University and, for many years, the Honorary Secretary of the Engineering Professors’ Council.
We would like to invite members to submit their own memories and tributes to David in the comments section below. (Visitors are encouraged to email us and your tribute will also be shared.)
David, who has died at the age of 68, was a mainstay and a key champion of the EPC since its formation in 1994 and had served as Secretary for more than ten years – a position he held until his passing on 11th December 2022. He held a respected position on the Board and had been an active member of multiple committees.
Among other achievements he was instrumental in establishing the partnership with the Hammermen of Glasgow (of which he was a proud member) which gave rise to the annual Hammermen Award, through which the EPC recognises exceptional achievement by Engineering students.
At Glasgow Caledonian University, David managed a wide range of collaborative projects with colleagues and students as well as a diverse group of manufacturing companies. His research interests were primarily concerned with improving overall manufacturing competitiveness in companies via Optimised Design, CADCAM and advances towards CIM. Through his involvement with European projects he built up strong links with fellow academics in several European countries forging relationships that led to many research breakthroughs.
In 1995 he was awarded the Rector’s Medal of the University of Mining and Metallurgy, Krakow, Poland, for his work in promoting international co-operation. Over his long research career, he contributed to over 250 publications, many in international journals, and presented papers and chaired sessions at a number of international conferences.
He leaves behind his widow Gill, his two daughters and three grandchildren.
If you have a memory of David you would like to share or would like to make your own tribute to him, we would be very grateful for comments to be posted below. You need to be logged in to comment.
A memorial page has been set up by David’s family where you can read further moving tributes and where you can make a contribution to Marie Curie Cancer Care in his memory.
