Professor Atkinson, who is Professor of Metals Processing in the Department of Engineering, was described as being among ‘the cream of the UK’s engineering talent’ in being recognised with a Fellowship.

She said: “I am thrilled to be made fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This is one of the highest honours an engineer can be given in the UK and I feel that this is a tribute to the fact that I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful and very able team of people.

“Engineering makes an enormous impact on everyday life. Transport, Energy, Healthcare and Communications all depend on the skills and expertise of engineers. Engineers shape the future and I am privileged at the University of Leicester to be teaching some of the best engineers.

“My work is all about how you shape metal alloys when they are part liquid and part solid -like ice-cream. You can then make car components, for example, which are lighter and stronger than conventional ones. I am also involved with the steel industry improving the quality of steel and the power generation industry on helping to predict whether it is safe for components to continue in operation over long periods of time.

“There are still relatively few women engineers. I will be one of only 27 women Fellows at the Royal Academy of Engineering out of 1,407 Fellows. It is a career I would thoroughly recommend. I find it fascinating trying to improve our understanding of metals and how best to make use of their properties. “

Academy president Lord Browne of Madingley said: “Our new Fellows demonstrate the importance of engineering in the modern world. They are the cream of the UK’s engineering talent and many of them are actively involved in meeting some of the world’s greatest challenges: energy provision, climate change and sustainable use of materials. We salute their achievements and invite their help in moving engineering to the centre of society.”