Key Points
- Cathy Holt, a professor at Cardiff University’s School of Engineering, has been appointed a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
- Professor Holt is one of 74 Fellows in the disciplines of engineering and technology, who include an impressive 24 female Fellows – a record number.
- The Professor Holt is regarded as a prominent scientist in the realms of healthcare technology, medical engineering and arthritis.
- The new fellows are being announced during the Golden Jubilee year of the Academy to recognize advances in clean energy, artificial intelligence, medicine and public health.
- New fellows will receive their Fellowships in a ceremony to be held in London on 19 October 2026.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) September 24, 2026 – Professor Cathy Holt from Cardiff University’s School of Engineering has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Joining a cohort of 74 peers in engineering and technology, Professor Holt is being recognized for her remarkable contributions to healthcare technology and medical research. The prestigious distinction comes during the Academy’s 50th anniversary year, shining a light on her pioneering work in medical engineering and arthritis.
Why Was Professor Cathy Holt Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering?
As reported by Cardiff University, Professor Cathy Holt of Cardiff University’s School of Engineering has been officially recognized for her extensive and impactful research within healthcare technology, medical engineering, and arthritis. Her election places her among 74 peers within the broader fields of engineering and technology. Notably, this year’s intake features a record number of 24 women, aligning with broader efforts to champion diversity and widen participation across the sector.
Reflecting on her neurodiversity and professional journey, Professor Cathy Holt explained that being neurodivergent and dyslexic has shaped her career. As detailed by Cardiff University, Professor Holt stated that: “Being neurodivergent and dyslexic has shaped the engineer I am, helping me make connections across disciplines, see the bigger picture and look for different ways to solve complex problems.”
She further added regarding the distinction: “I am immensely proud and honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, particularly in the Academy’s 50th anniversary year.”
What Impact Are the New Fellows Making Across the Engineering Sector?
According to announcements from the Royal Academy of Engineering, the new class of Fellows announced during the 50th-anniversary milestone are driving incredible impact throughout the engineering and technology landscapes. Their innovations span clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), medicine, and public health. Furthermore, these figures have actively influenced both academia and commercial sectors, championed participation for underrepresented groups, and extended vital expert policy advice to government entities.
Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, elaborated on the importance of the fellowship community. As noted by Cardiff University, Sir John Lazar CBE FREng stated that:
“Our Fellowship has been at the core of our work for the past 50 years, connecting the businesses leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers who are at the heart of the UK’s technological progress.”
Sir John Lazar CBE FREng also noted:
“This year’s cohort will be joining a community of over 1,700 top engineers and innovators in the UK and around the world. Together, we ensure that bright ideas are supported, scaled and shared, turning ambition into innovation and innovation into impact. We aim to strengthen education, skills and inclusion to inspire and equip the engineers of today and tomorrow.”
The selection process for the 2026 cohort reflects the long-term influence of the Academy’s ‘Fellowship Fit for the Future’ initiative. Launched in July 2020 prior to the 50th-anniversary markers, the campaign systematically drives nominations for exceptional engineers originating from diverse backgrounds. This includes women, disabled and LGBTQ+ engineers, ethnic minority practitioners, individuals traversing non-traditional educational pathways, and leaders across emerging industries.
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How Have University Officials Responded to the Accolade?
Leadership at Cardiff University has expressed widespread pride regarding Professor Holt’s inclusion in the prestigious academy. Professor Caroline Lear, Dean for Research and Innovation for the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering at Cardiff University, shared high praise for her colleague’s professional trajectory.
As reported by Cardiff University, Professor Caroline Lear stated:
“I am absolutely delighted to see Cathy elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This is a richly deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare technology and medical engineering, and the positive impact her work is having on patients’ lives.”
Professor Caroline Lear also added:
“Cathy is an exceptional researcher, but she is also a deeply valued colleague whose insight, generosity and commitment to supporting the wider University are appreciated by all who work with her. This Fellowship is a fitting acknowledgement of both her professional achievements and the contribution she makes to our community, and we are immensely proud of her success.”
Following the announcement, the newly elected Fellows are scheduled to take part in a formal admission ceremony in London on 19 October 2026, where each individual will formally sign the official roll book. Through joining the Fellowship, they will contribute their capabilities toward the overarching strategic objective of engineering better lives.
Background of the Particular Development
The Royal Academy of Engineering serves as the UK’s national academy for engineering, bringing together top-tier minds to promote excellence, advance technological progress, and solve complex societal challenges. Established decades ago, the institution relies heavily on its Fellowship body—comprising over 1,700 leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers—to guide industry standards and mentor future generations.
In July 2020, the Academy initiated the “Fellowship Fit for the Future” campaign to intentionally address historical imbalances in representation within the engineering sector. Ahead of its 50th anniversary, the program sought to broaden the pipeline of nominees, ensuring that engineering excellence from women, minority groups, non-traditional paths, and specialized medical technology domains like those researched by Professor Cathy Holt received appropriate institutional visibility and acknowledgment.
This development enhances the international profile of Cardiff University’s School of Engineering, potentially attracting increased research funding, prospective students, and strategic partnerships within the medical technology and healthcare sectors. For the academic and student community at Cardiff University, Professor Holt’s recognition—particularly highlighting her journey as a neurodivergent and dyslexic engineer—serves to promote inclusivity, demonstrating that diverse cognitive perspectives are vital to solving complex multidisciplinary challenges. On a broader scale, her continued leadership within the Royal Academy of Engineering will likely influence national health technology policies and accelerate clinical innovations aimed at improving patient outcomes in arthritis care and medical engineering.
