Dr. William Crowther

Biography

Bill Crowther is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester. He holds a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, obtained in 1990, and completed his PhD in Experimental Aerodynamics in 1994 at the University of Bath. He joined the University of Manchester as a lecturer in 1997 and has significantly contributed to the field through his roles, becoming a Senior Lecturer in 2006 and a Reader in 2011. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. He has directed the Aerospace Engineering Undergraduate Programme since 2011. His research specializes in Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), focusing on mission systems, flow control, and simulation of aerospace systems. Professor Crowther has led numerous research expeditions, notably in the Amazon rainforest for biodiversity surveys using UAVs. His research has received substantial funding, with over £5 million raised as a principal investigator for various projects since 1997. Crowther has supervised 25 PhD students and has been involved in developing innovative UAV technologies, contributing to projects such as the 'FLAVIIR' team that demonstrated a flapless aircraft and the 'Tumbleweed' unmanned helicopter displayed at the Science Museum in London. His work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting the use of UAVs for scientific and commercial applications.

Research Interests

Experience