IMechE’s Tribology Gold Medal 2023 Winner Announced

Professor W. Gregory Sawyer has been awarded the Institution’s 2023 Gold Medal for Tribology.

Professor W. Gregory Sawyer is a trailblazer in tribology and biotribology, focusing on both experimental and theoretical studies in interfacial dynamics during direct contact shear. His extensive career involves developing instrumentation to understand the evolution of these interfaces, exploring mechanisms leading to durability, dynamicity, and low friction.

With a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sawyer's work began at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contributing to the Mars Rover design, which sparked his passion for tribology. At the University of Florida, he established a multidisciplinary tribology lab, delving into nanomaterials for space and biological surface studies.

His achievements include founding a centre for cancer engineering, where he employed tribology tools to advance cancer research. Recently, in 2023, Sawyer assumed the role of Chief Bioengineering Officer at Moffitt Cancer Centre. Honoured as a member of the National Academy of Inventors and a Fellow of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, Sawyer’s contributions encompass over 20 patents, 200 scientific publications, and mentoring numerous doctoral students who now work are faculty members and researchers. His commitment to teaching remains a fundamental part of his influential career.

Read Professor W. Gregory Sawyer’s full citation

The Institution would like to congratulate Professor W. Gregory Sawyer on winning the 2023 Tribology Gold medal.