A NEW academic prize has been introduced in honour of a leading scientist from Aberystwyth University.

The Walters Prize, introduced by publisher Elsevier, recognises the contribution of Prof Ken Walters, a distinguished research professor at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science at Aberystwyth­.

The prize was launched to mark the 40th anniversary of the Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics.

Prof Walters was executive editor of the journal for 25 years from its launch in 1976 until the publication of Volume 100 in 2002.

He remains its founding editor and a member of the editorial board.

The annual Walters Prize is awarded to the author or authors of the best full-length research paper published in the journal during the calendar year and carries a prize of €2,500.

The inaugural Walters Prize was awarded to three scientists from the University of California at Davis: Jennifer Staton, Prof Stephanie Dungan, and Prof Ronald Phillips.

It was awarded for their article ‘Topological transitions in unconfined vibrated concentrated suspensions’ published in March 2016 and was presented by Prof Walters at the Annual European Rheology Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Prof Qiang Shen, director of the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science at Aberystwyth University, said: “The contribution made by Prof Walters not only in his own academic discipline but also in many other areas, has been and continues to be immense.

“For over half a century he has been a significant figure in science both in Wales and internationally, and his knowledge and intellect have enriched our teaching and research at Aberystwyth University.

“To have an award named in his honour by a leading publisher is testament to his pioneering work in the field of rheology.”

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