Engineering award

An automotive engineering graduate from

 has recently become the

Young Engineer of the Year.

John Bucknall, who is also a global lubricants technology (GLT) engineer at BP, was chosen from a field of engineers across the BP group. He said: ‘I was surprised, honoured and thankful to receive this accolade. It is great that this sort of engineering gets recognised at such a level.’

Dr Chris Brace, senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bath University, said: ‘We have sent a lot of graduates to BP over the years. It’s really nice to see them recognised within the company. This award was across the company and is a significant recognition of John’s abilities.’

The Young Engineer of the Year award recognises engineers from companies that support the Royal Academy of Engineering in addition to a number of engineers who have benefited from development programmes initiated by the academy.

Bucknall joined BP after graduating in 2004 and worked on the first generation of Castrol Edge as a technical services engineer within the Product Performance Department. In November last year, he took over responsibility for marine and energy lubes market space projects.

The judges said: ‘John was selected for his significant contributions to lubrication development of both automobile and marine applications. He is now involved in testing the oils used to control deep-water valve assemblies. John brings a deep professional engineering approach combined with practical skills developed through his involvement in design, building and racing top-level hovercraft.’