Middlesex engineering leader named among 130 UK manufacturing innovators

Professor Mehmet Karamanoglu recognised in Make UK 130 Honours for helping to shape the future of UK manufacturing

Middlesex Professor Mehmet Karamanoglu is one of 130 innovators, industry experts and business leaders honoured by Make UK as part of its 130th anniversary celebrations.

Launched today (24 September) on National Manufacturing Day, in partnership with Barclays, the Make UK 130 Honours initiative recognises individuals across England and Wales whose leadership, expertise, innovation and commitment are helping to shape the future of UK manufacturing.

Professor Karamanoglu, Head of the Department of Design Engineering and Mathematics and a Professor of Design Engineering, is one of just ten people from the South East selected for the honours list. The region's honourees represent a diverse range of sectors, including transport, advanced engineering, life sciences, electronics and specialist manufacturing.

The recognition reflects Professor Karamanoglu's longstanding commitment to advancing engineering education, manufacturing innovation and industry collaboration.

A member of the Middlesex community for more than 30 years, Professor Karamanoglu earned both his BEng in Mechanical Engineering and PhD at the University.

His research interests span engineering education, advanced manufacturing, optimisation, mechatronics, robotics and automation. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with businesses across a range of industries, delivering knowledge transfer projects and partnerships that connect academic expertise with real-world industrial challenges.

Professor Karamanoglu continues to play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of engineering talent. He serves as the UK national expert and training manager for Mechatronics and Automation competitions with WorldSkills UK, helping young people develop the technical skills required in an increasingly advanced manufacturing sector. Until earlier this month, Professor Karamanoglu was Chair of the GAMBICA Education-Industry Council (GEIC) for the last three years. GAMBICA brings together universities and employers to strengthen innovation and skills development. He also serves on the GAMBICA Management Board.

Professor Karamanoglu has also been recently recognised by German control and automation technology company, Festo, for his outstanding contribution to the collaboration between the company and Middlesex.

Speaking about the Make UK honour, Professor Karamanoglu said:

"I am delighted to be recognised by Make UK as part of its 130 Honours initiative. Manufacturing plays a vital role in the UK's economy and future prosperity, and it is a privilege to work alongside colleagues in industry and higher education who are developing the technologies, skills and talent that will drive the sector forward.

"At Middlesex University, we are committed to helping the next generation of engineers and innovators succeed through industry-informed teaching, applied research and strong partnerships with employers. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of many colleagues, students and industry collaborators."

National Manufacturing Day, organised annually by Make UK, aims to showcase the reality of modern British manufacturing and inspire more people to consider careers in the sector. This year, more than 130 manufacturing companies are opening their doors to local communities, schools, colleges and prospective employees through factory tours, demonstrations and careers events taking place across the UK.

Make UK supports around 20,000 companies ranging from start-ups to multinational organisations across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector.

Professor Karamanoglu's inclusion in the Make UK 130 Honours underlines the impact of Middlesex University's work in advanced engineering, manufacturing and technical skills development. It also recognises the University's commitment to working with industry partners to drive innovation, nurture talent and support the future success of UK manufacturing.

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