Founding Father of Tribology recognised by Royal Academy 15 October 2013

The Royal Academy's Sustained Achievement Award, one of its highest honours, is to go to Dr Peter Jost for his ground-breaking work in tribology, the science and engineering of interacting moving surfaces.

Dr Jost, a member of IPlantE (Institution of Plant Engineers) and its umbrella organisation SOE (Society of Operations Engineers), brought tribology into the public sphere when his 1966 study, the Jost Report, demonstrated that substantial financial losses were incurred as a result of friction, wear and corrosion.

Dr Jost was elected an Honorary Member of IPlantE in 1969, and was awarded Companionship of SOE after IPlantE merged with IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) to form the SOE in 2000.

"The Honorary Membership of IPlantE was the first of many, but I valued it highly and still do," comments Dr Jost.

"The SOE is performing an important function for industry and I am proud to have been associated with it for all these years."

Dr Jost will receive his award on 29 October at the Academy's annual Hinton Lecture.

"In founding the discipline of tribology Dr Jost quite simply revolutionised the scientific basis of maintenance," comments SOE chief executive Peter Walsh.

"His sustained efforts over the years have professionalised plant engineering, and we are delighted he has been formally honoured in this manner."

The early focus of tribological principles and practices was on improving operation and extending the lifecycle of machinery.

Today, however, the science has huge implications in a variety of modern applications ranging from biomedicine to nanotechnology, alternative energies and green methodologies.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Society of Operations Engineers

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.