Professor Siddartha Khastgir awarded 2026 James Clayton Prize

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has awarded the Institution’s highest annual honour to Professor Siddartha Khastgir CEng MIMechE, recognising a career dedicated to advancing emerging transport technologies and helping bring them safely into everyday use.

The award recognises his global leadership in autonomous and electrified transport, and the impact his work is having on the safe development of technologies that will shape the future of mobility.

Recognising engineering impact

The James Clayton Prize is awarded annually to an engineer whose work has delivered exceptional benefit to mechanical engineering and society.

The Trustee Board Awards Committee (TBAC) selected Professor Khastgir for his significant contributions to the development of emerging transport technologies. Over many years, he has played a leading role in advancing autonomous operation and electrification across road, aviation and marine transport, helping to shape technologies that are set to transform the movement of people and goods around the world. 

The committee also highlighted his commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise, both with engineering students and with major strategy and regulatory bodies in the UK, Europe and the United Nations. It recognised that Professor Khastgir continues to lead globally in this rapidly evolving field. 

Today, Professor Khastgir is Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, University of Warwick, where he leads a team of researchers focused on developing the evidence, methodologies and standards needed to demonstrate that emerging technologies are safe for society. His work has helped influence policy, standards and regulation across autonomous road vehicles, drones and maritime transport, providing independent advice to governments, regulators and international bodies including the UK Government, European Commission and United Nations.

Among his many achievements, he has served as lead technical author on six international standards and was the lead author of ISO 22737, the world's first international standard for self-driving vehicles. His research has helped establish globally recognised approaches to the safe deployment of autonomous and AI-enabled transport systems, supporting industry, policymakers and regulators as these technologies move towards wider adoption.

From student member to prestigious prize winner

Professor Khastgir's connection with the Institution began in 2008 when he joined as a student affiliate member while studying in India. He later established IMechE's first student chapter in India and helped support the Institution's growth across the region. 
Since then, he has contributed to the Institution in a range of volunteer and leadership roles, serving on the International Strategy Board, IMechE Council and as Chair of the International Young Members Committee. He is currently a member of the Automobile Division Board. 

His journey from student member to recipient of the Institution's most prestigious annual award reflects the role IMechE members play in advancing engineering knowledge, supporting the profession and delivering positive change for society.
Reflecting on the award, Professor Khastgir said:

"The history of the award, and the achievements of its past winners, make this an overwhelming honour. At the same time, it brings with it a responsibility to help nurture the next generation of engineers, just as I was supported by mentors throughout my career, and to continue driving positive change through engineering research and innovation.
There is still much more to be done in the field of engineering and its impact on society, and I feel fortunate to be able to continue contributing to that goal."

Find out more about the James Clayton Prize