Zane Brough, a fourth year Mechatronic Engineering student, came third in the competition, which was open to undergraduates and MSc students.

He was selected to take part in the last round of the awards at the IMechE headquarters in London, where he presented his third year project ‘Advanced Deployable/Retractable Solar Panel System for Satellite Applications’.

The project focuses on the design and fabrication of a novel solar panel system for satellite applications based on a hybrid concept and biomimetic engineering.

Zane, 23, from St Ives in Cornwall is currently in the application process for a range of jobs in mechatronic engineering, including robotics, aerospace and satellite systems.

"Studying for an MEng in Mechatronic Engineering at Lancaster University has provided me with the skills and knowledge that have allowed me to participate and qualify for the award," he said. "During the last four years I have received incredible support from both lecturers and technicians, and in particular from my supervisor Professor Claudio Paoloni, which gave me the confidence to develop something I am proud of."

Zane’s project supervisor Professor Claudio Paoloni said: “The outstanding achievement and Zane’s fully deserved award are the best demonstration of the importance of the third year projects in the careers of our engineering students. This is also recognition for Lancaster University’s Engineering Department as a high quality education institution.”