Alexander Coniff BEng (Hons) IEng wins 2024 Baroness Platt of Writtle Award for most outstanding Incorporated Engineer
Congratulations to Alexander Coniff BEng IEng MIET, an Engineering Manager at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), for winning the 2024 Baroness Platt of Writtle Award. The announcement was made during a presentation ceremony at Carpenters Hall in London at the beginning of June.
Alexander leads the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) at Rothera, the UK's largest research station. He leads a team of specialist engineers responsible for providing engineering assurance, managing upgrade projects on-site, overseeing a digital estate, and modernising BAS's engineering capabilities.
The judges remarked: “We were very impressed with Alex’s exceptional ability in applying engineering knowledge and the transferable skills he acquired during his time with the Royal Engineers across diverse, and sometimes, rather challenging scenarios - from designing defensive upgrades in operational theatres to leading the construction of scientific facilities in Antarctica.”
This annual award is given to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in achieving Professional Registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) in the past year. Each professional engineering institution (PEI) licensed by the Engineering Council can nominate one candidate for the honour, and Alex was nominated by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Head of Registration and Standards, Colin Sellers, said: “The IET is delighted that its nominee for the Baroness Platt of Writtle Award, Alexander (Alex) Coniff, has been announced as the winner. Alex is an inspirational engineer and his excellent engineering work for the British Antarctic Survey helps to keep the UK at the forefront of science and research in the Antarctic.”
Alex trained as a combat engineer and completed a technical apprenticeship at the Royal School of Military Engineering. During his service in the British Army as a Royal Engineer, despite facing challenging active deployments and struggles with dyslexia, he enrolled in part-time studies at the Open University, graduating with a BEng (Hons) in Engineering. After leaving the military, he joined the BAS, where he advanced from Deputy Facilities Engineer to Engineering Manager in just four years.
He is also pursuing postgraduate studies with a part-time MPhil in Engineering at the Centre for Technology Management at the University of Cambridge. He aspires to pursue a PhD, demonstrating his commitment to advancing his engineering knowledge.
As the recipient of the Baroness Platt of Writtle Award, Alex received an engraved medal, a certificate, and a cash prize of £1,000. Alex’s wife collected the award on his behalf as he is currently living at Rothera in Antarctica.
The award is named after Baroness Platt of Writtle CBE FREng, recognising her contributions to the engineering profession, particularly Incorporated Engineers. It is presented by the Charitable Trust Fund of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, through their trust fund The Engineers Trust, in conjunction with The Dulverton Trust and the Engineering Council.
For more information on the Baroness Platt of Writtle Award, please visit the Engineers Trust website.