A Lancaster University Engineering student has scooped a runner-up prize at a prestigious national competition.

Scott Dearnaley, a third-year MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering student, has been awarded £500 after coming runner-up in the annual RF Engineering and Communications Competition, which was organised by the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) in partnership with the Radio Communications Foundation.

The competition highlights the work of final-year students focusing on radio frequency engineering and communications.

Participants were assessed on posters that explained and demonstrated their final-year projects.

Mr Dearnaley’s project focused on the creation of a low-cost flexible antenna that can be used with wearable electronic devices – known as ‘wireless body area networks’. Antenna like these are critical for the development of wearable devices that can monitor and transmit health data of patients to medical staff.

He said: “I am very pleased with the results of my project and the competition allowed me to display my work and be rewarded for it as well as giving me the opportunity to meet industry professionals. The competition has boosted my confidence in my abilities and will aid me further in my education and career, I am very thankful for the opportunity.”

Dr Rosa Letizia, Lecturer in Engineering and supervisor of the project, said: “I am delighted by Scott’s well-deserved achievement in the competition. This is also a recognition of the quality and significance of the third-year projects run at the Lancaster University Engineering Department and an excellent opportunity to promote the field of radio frequency engineering.”

The final was held at the University of Bristol on July 25.

Stew Edmondson, CEO of UKESF, said: “Our aim in organising this competition is to encourage the study of radio-frequency and communications engineering among undergraduates. Therefore, it was very heartening to see the high-quality of the entries submitted this year and the judges selected worthy winners from a strong shortlist of finalists.”