Professor Michael Fitzpatrick Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engineering, Environment and Computing) at Coventry University, and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Chair of Structural Integrity and Systems Performance.

Michael’s research centres around the application of advanced experimental methods to materials engineering applications, particularly through the development and use of the international neutron and synchrotron X-ray facilities. He has published over 230 research papers, and was the recipient of the Lidstone Medal of The Welding Institute in 2009. His recent interests include the study of laser shock peening for life enhancement of aerospace and marine structures, and the development of novel structural concepts such as bonded crack retarders for improving airframe structural integrity.

He is a Non-Executive Director of Diamond Light Source Ltd, the UK’s synchrotron X-ray facility; and a Non-Executive Director of Feraru Dynamics Ltd, a University spin-out company developing novel technologies for improving personal safety in the workplace.

His hobbies include walking, running, and early 20th Century crime fiction.