Professor Tim Denison FREng and Professor Alison Noble CBE FRS FREng have been selected for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s 50for50 portrait series, a major new exhibition celebrating the Academy’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
The exhibition features 50 Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering whose work has helped to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges. Commissioned by the Academy and photographed by award-winning photojournalist Jude Vidal, the portraits showcase engineers from across the UK whose innovations have shaped fields ranging from telecommunications and energy to artificial intelligence, healthcare and space technology.
The photographs capture Fellows in locations that reflect their work and achievements, offering a personal insight into the people behind some of the most significant engineering advances of the past five decades. The series forms part of the Academy’s anniversary celebrations and is also featured in a special commemorative issue of The Engineer.
Advancing neurotechnology
Professor Tim Denison, Professor of Engineering Science and Clinical Neurosciences at the Medical Research Council and Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies at the University of Oxford, was recognised for his pioneering work developing technologies to restore and enhance neurological function.
His research combines microelectronics, control systems and clinical neuroscience to develop physiologically responsive bioelectronic therapies for conditions including epilepsy, chronic pain and disorders of consciousness. Before joining Oxford, he led research and core technology development for Medtronic’s Restorative Therapies Group and has contributed to more than 100 US patents covering areas such as brain-computer interfaces and biomedical devices.
Professor Denison was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2024 in recognition of his contributions to bioengineering and translational medical technology.
Transforming healthcare with AI
Professor Alison Noble, Technikos Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Oxford, was featured for her internationally recognised leadership at the intersection of artificial intelligence and clinical medicine.
Her research has helped transform the acquisition and analysis of medical images, particularly ultrasound imaging, using artificial intelligence techniques to support earlier diagnosis and more efficient clinical workflows. Alongside her research accomplishments, she co-led a successful ultrasound AI university spinout whose technology is now used worldwide, was a founding member of the Academy’s Enterprise Committee, and is widely recognised for championing women in engineering. Alison was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008.
“The Royal Academy of Engineering’s 50 engineers for 50 years is a wonderful reminder of the strength and diversity of UK engineering. It is a genuine honour to be selected to be pictured alongside so many other amazing UK engineers.” – Professor Alison Noble
Congratulations
Everyone at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering congratulates Professors Denison and Noble on this well-deserved recognition. Their inclusion in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s 50for50 series reflects the global impact of their research and highlights the strength of engineering innovation taking place within IBME and the University of Oxford.