Sound acoustics win for Dr Hopkins

Carl Hopkins , Head of the University's Acoustic Research Unit in the School of Architecture , was awarded the prestigious Tyndall Medal in recognition of his contribution to the field of acoustics. A Fellow of the Institute of Acoustics , Hopkins joined the University five years ago, and was presented with the medal in the French town of Nantes, as part of the Acoustics 2012 conference. Describing the honour as "very flattering", Hopkins said: "Most of my research concerns sound and structure-borne sound transmission in the built environment, such as in my book, Sound Insulation which has been well received with very positive reviews." The Tyndall Medal is awarded every two years to a UK citizen, in recognition of their achievement and services in the field of acoustics. It is named after John Tyndall (1820 - 1893), who investigated the acoustic properties of the atmosphere, and preceded Lord Rayleigh as Professor of Natural Philosophy at the Royal Institute. A distinguished experimental physicist, he was also one of the world's most brilliant scientific lecturers. 'Intellectual rigour' Presenting Hopkins with the Tyndall Medal, the Institute of Acoustics said: "Carl combines intellectual rigour in his research with the ability to apply the findings to the practical world, and to communicate his findings to the expert and lay person alike.