EngD researcher Tom Bartley runner-up in graduate awards

(9 December 2013) - Tom Bartley, a graduate engineer working on Parsons Brinckerhoff's Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption strategy, while also studying for an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) at the Bristol University-based Industrial Doctorate Centre in Systems, received high praise from judges and was runner-up in this year's NCE Graduate of the Year competition.

Described as the "cream of the crop", the six finalists had already been chosen over 100 other entries for this celebrated annual award. Michael Portillo, speaking on behalf of the judging panel, said that Mr Bartley was a highly articulate and natural communicator, and a true ambassador for his chosen profession.

After graduating from Manchester University in 2012, Bartley has been focussed on the adoption of BIM processes in infrastructure. At the IDC in Systems at University of Bristol, he is undertaking a research project into the ‘Effective Application of Building Information Modelling Across the Infrastructure Cycle’. This is analysing both the technical requirements of BIM projects and the business change processes necessary to move forward with new ways of working.

Bartley sits on Parsons Brinckerhoff’s BIM Leadership Team and is actively involved in outreach programmes into the industry. In his work so far, he has supported projects for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Network Rail and Transport for London.

Welcoming Bartley’s recognition, Steve Reffitt, Chief Operating Officer of Parsons Brinckerhoff, Europe, said:

“Talented engineers like Tom are the life-blood of companies like Parsons Brinckerhoff. Their desire to meet new challenges, and make a difference in the world, defines them. I am proud to have Tom on the team, and to support his Engineering Doctorate studies with the EPSRC and the University of Bristol.”

At University, Bartley was president of the Manchester branch of Engineers without Borders, becoming heavily involved in a water and sanitation project with a Tanzanian orphanage, running schools outreach programmes and organising lectures for students and staff about the role of engineering in development and disaster relief.