Dr. Richard Taylor, CTO of Vector Photonics, was a finalist at the prestigious Mike Sargeant Medal, at the annual IET Achievement Awards. The medal is awarded for outstanding contribution to engineering, with candidates coming from all over the world, nominated by their peers. The Mike Sargeant Medal is one of two ‘Early Career Professional Medals’ awarded by the IET to young engineers.

Richard was shortlisted for his pioneering work in developing photonic, crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) technologies, which are set to revolutionise the compound semiconductor laser industry with their cost and performance benefits. This led him to found Vector Photonics Ltd, in 2020; a company expressly focused on commercialising the technology for fast growing data communications, metal and plastic printing, LiDAR, and optical sensing markets.

The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Achievement Awards were introduced to inspire and reward engineering excellence. The Mike Sargeant medal recognises world-class engineers at the start of their careers, for their exceptional impact on society and contribution to the advancement of engineering and technology. Richard is one of only four other international candidates shortlisted for the award.

Our congratulations go to this year’s winner of the IET Achievement Awards, Mike Sargeant Medal, Dr Adeayo Sotayo, CEng PhD.