This award is the premier award of the University. The prize consists of an award of £1,500 plus a commemorative medal and is presented annually to an outstanding student at the University.
During his PhD, Rameesh made significant breakthroughs in nanogenerator (TENG) research, a new technology for generating electricity using human movements and vibrations. His co-development of the Distance-Dependent Electric Field Sliding Model Theory has revolutionised TENG performance, leading to a significant boost in energy output. Notably, he was the first researcher to experimentally verify the effect of varying the permittivity of TENG on its outputs, a critical parameter for their performance.
Applying these fundamentals, Rameesh introduced embroidered TENG sensors for super-smart textiles (SST), which can conformally integrate with human skin or clothing to autonomously detect health parameters. His innovations in asymmetric TENG and wireless TENG sensors are now being processed into patent applications, with Rameesh listed as co-inventor. These developments are central to Loughborough’s unique SST platform, which aims to provide remote rehabilitation support for the over 15% of the global population living with disabilities, many of whom lack access to healthcare. SST envisions facilitating remote rehabilitation support that can massively increase affordable and accessible global healthcare.
Rameesh’s research output has been remarkable. He has published nine papers, including six as first author, in leading journals such as Advanced Energy Materials (IF 27.8), Nano Energy (IF 16.8) and Advanced Science (IF 15.1). Five of these papers are ranked among the top 10 globally in their disciplines. He has also contributed to six conference presentations and holds one granted patent.
Rameesh’s work has helped secure a Royal Society International Exchange Grant, worth £24,000 and he has independently acquired around £2,000 in travel and research funding. His 2023 paper on ‘System level approach for TENG’ laid the foundation for the successful VC Doctoral Cluster ‘SuS-Tex’, led by his group. In recognition of his contribution, Rameesh won an award in the ‘Significant Contribution to Knowledge’ category at the Loughborough University PhD Awards 2024.
Beyond research, Rameesh has played a key leadership role in establishing Loughborough’s Smart Textiles Lab, now evolving into a strategic university-wide facility. His collaborative spirit has sparked partnerships across the UK and internationally, including his work as a KTP Associate with Gen-Phoenix.
Passionate about science communication, Rameesh has showcased his work at major UK events such as the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition and the RAEng National Engineering Day. He also led a STEM outreach initiative in Sri Lanka, inspiring over 250 female students to pursue careers in science and engineering.
His talent for engaging public audiences is evident. He was the first from the Wolfson School to place in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and won Loughborough’s inaugural No-Bell Prize for communicating complex research. He was also a finalist in STEM for Britain 2025, a national poster competition hosted by the UK Parliamentary Scientific Committee, placing him among just 30 engineering finalists nationwide.
Find out more information on the Sir Robert Martin University Prize.
The University also awarded prizes to several other outstanding students:
- Mahla Tayefi Nasrabadi: Sir Robert Martin Achievement Prize
- Dua’a Hamdan: Dennis Holt Travel Prize
- Dan Zhang: John Guest Philips Travelling Scholarship
- Shadi Soheilian: John Guest Philips Travelling Scholarship
- Victor Success Ikpe: Lilian Elizabeth Bowmaker Fund
- Lolly Roberts-Biggs: Loughborough College of Education Commemorative Awards
- Sonya Sander: Ursula Lockley Travel Bursary
- Hung-Ju Chiu: T S Shipman Prize
- James Turner: T S Shipman Prize
- Ruth Stephens: Hannah Community Prize
- Catherine Philips: Mavis Stone Prize for Music