Professor Atilla Incecik of the University of Strathclyde has been awarded the David W. Taylor Medal by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) in the United States, recognising his outstanding achievements in naval architecture and marine engineering.
The medal, established in 1935, commemorates Rear Admiral David Watson Taylor – widely acknowledged as the father of American ship research – and is presented for ‘notable achievement’ in the field. Professor Incecik joins a distinguished group of international recipients acknowledged for their enduring contributions to maritime innovation, including Professor Dracos Vassalos from Strathclyde.
Shaped design
A world-leading authority in hydrodynamics, Professor Incecik’s research has shaped the development of design and analysis tools for marine and offshore systems, including technologies for marine renewable energy. His work has advanced model testing techniques and informed industry practices worldwide.
Professor Incecik, a former Head of the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering and former Associate Principal and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Strathclyde, said:
It is a great honour to be recognised with the David W. Taylor Medal. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with many talented colleagues and students, and I share this recognition with them.
In 2019 Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden awarded Professor Incecik an Honorary Doctorate for his research on green shipping and environmental sustainability. In 2021 he received the Confederation of European Maritime Technology Societies’ Award in recognition of his extensive personal contributions to European research and knowledge exchange in offshore engineering.
Highest distinction
In 2022, Professor Incecik was awarded the William Froude Medal by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects – its highest distinction – for making a conspicuous contribution to naval architecture and shipbuilding.
The Medal will be formally presented in the United States later this year, and SNAME President Richard Mueller, said: "The David W. Taylor Medal is among our most prestigious awards and I will be pleased to bestow it upon Professor Atilla Incecik at our Annual Meeting in October at the SMC 2025.
"Professor Incecik is a great example of how SNAME is an international Society that benefits its membership.”