Microelectronics industry names first 'Young Engineer of the Year'

29-year-old Anna Gilbert, a Technical Specialist with NXP, Southampton has received the 'Young Engineer of the Year' award from the National Microelectronics Institute (NMI). Anna was presented with the award at the NMI's prestigious annual awards dinner held in London and attended by 300 guests from across the industry.

In its inaugural year, the NMI's new Young Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by ARM, recognises individuals demonstrating significant advancement in one or more of the following aspects: the electronic engineering profession, an employer's competitiveness and personal professional development. The winner enjoys a cash prize of £500, a trophy and certificate.

In selecting Anna as the winner, the judging panel commented, She is already leading a team that has achieved global recognition for its work in reducing manufacturing test costs for what is a highly complex TV processor product. Anna's professional accomplishments are also impressive, as is her clear commitment and contribution to the engineering profession as a whole.

Derek Boyd, CEO of the NMI said, For the country to continue to innovate and compete on a global scale, it is vital that we recognise the importance of attracting exciting young talent into the UK's microelectronics industry. Anna is a real credit to her profession and a shining example to other young engineers. Well done Anna!

On receiving the award Anna Gilbert said, I admit to being surprised but very honoured to receive this accolade. The award can only be good for the industry as I'm sure it will help to inspire the young engineers of tomorrow.
The two runners up for this year's Young Engineer award who also attended the awards dinner were: Ioannis Askaroglou, Provision Communications, Bristol and Ralph Burditt, Cambridge Silicon Radio, Cambridge.

In its 7th year, the NMI awards dinner attracted 300 guests from throughout the UK and around the world. A highlight of the evening was a keynote address from Anand Chandrasekher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel Corporation's Ultra Mobility Group. The other NMI Award Winners announced on the night were:

Start-up of the year Powervation
Outstanding Innovation NXP Semiconductors
Emerging Technology Company Toumaz Technnology
Low Power Design Nujira
Environmental Management International Rectifier
Manufacturing Site of the Year Diodes Incorporated
Services to Training and Education National Semiconductor
Contribution to Industry Indro Mukerjee, C-MAC