Dowding Medal and Prize (not available in 2025)
The Dowding Medal is presented in recognition of professional contribution to the invention, development, design or technical operation of metallurgical plant, particularly rolling and finishing, leading to improved economy, yield or quality in metal production.
The winner will receive a medal and £300.00
Award judging
Past winners
2022 Mr Stuart Leflay, 2021 Joseph Lee CEng MIMMM, 2019 J Talamantes-Silva, 2018 D Shipton, 2017 M Steeper, 2016 P Montmitonnet, 2015 G Terlinde, 2014 A Bainbridge, 2013 M Clark, 2012 Z Fan, 2011 H Uijtdebroeks, 2010 Dr J E J Wadsworth, 2009 Mr James T Hogg, 2008 Dr Didier C Farrugia, 2007 Dr Peter D Spooner, 2005 P F Round, 2003 Dr M C Pope, 2001 J Rushe, 1999 P J Kidd, 1997 E F Walker, 1996 Dr J L Evans, 1995 D E Humphreys, 1994 Dr B J Hewitt, 1993 F B Traice, 1992 W R Irving, 1991 I D Tomlinson, 1990 P Ellerton & B Hill, 1989 R Ellwood, 1988 G Hanniker & R B Rands, 1987 W R Laws & G R Reed
About Michael Frederick Dowding
Michael Frederick Dowding CBE MA CEng FIMech FIM was born in 1918 and educated at Westminster School and Magdalene College, Cambridge. He joined the Army immediately after. Following war service with the 81st (Welsh) Field Regt Royal Artillery, during which time he reached the rank of Major and was mentioned in despatches, he joined Davy and United Engineering Co as a graduate apprentice. He bacame Managing Director of that company in 1961, having served as Chief Engineer, Director in charge of Engineering and Sales, and Director and General Manager.
From 1963 to 1964 he served as Chairman, Steelworks Plant Association; he was also Chairman at Davy AshmoreInternational. Indeed, Mike Dowding was widely known and admired for his unshakeably international outlook and his broad circle of contacts and friends. He was particularly respected in Finland, being a Member of the Finnish British Technological Committee in 1969 and, in the same year, being created Commander, Knights of the Finnish Lion, 1st Class.
His Presidency of the Metals Society 1978-1979 (he had joined the Iron and Steel Institute in 1949) was notable for the mission to Finland, Sweden and Norway in August and September 1978. That mission included a conference in Stockholm, many discussion sessions and plant visits elsewhere in Sweden as well as throughout Finland and Norway, and UK Embassy liaison and receptions in all three capitals.
Always a keen member of the ISI, the Metals Society and then The Institute of Metals, he made enormous contributions to Council and various committees. At the time of his death, he was an active member of the Finance and Planning Committee.