A student from Lancaster University’s Department of Engineering has become the first at the university to win the prestigious Armourers and Brasiers’ Prize.

Benjamin Carrera-Knowles, a third-year Engineering student, has received the 2020 Prize for his project in materials science.

Mr Knowles’ project was around the development of a ‘hydrogel’ to help encourage bone regeneration in patients.

He was nominated for the prize by his supervisor Professor Ihtesham Rehman.

“It is a very prestigious award in the field of materials science and engineering with a very rich history,” said Professor Rehman.

“Benjamin’s project involved use of hydrogels that provide extremely good biodegradability and strengthen and other useful properties to increase its functionality.”

As part of the award Mr Knowles wins a £250 prize.

Benjamin Carrera-Knowles said: “I am very honoured and excited to have received the Armourers and Brasiers’ prize for the best final year project in Material Science. This was a challenging and rewarding project and I am very grateful for the support and guidance of Professor Rehman and Ms Kocak.”

The Worshipful Company of Armourers & Brasiers, through its Gauntlet Trustis one of the most significant private sponsors of Materials Science education and research in the UK, providing support at all stages of education from primary schools to post-doctoral level.

More information is available by visiting: www.armourershall.co.uk.