Citation | Bonfield is distinguished for his internationally recognised pioneering research on biomedical materials. From distinctive early work on the deformation of germanium, beryllium and precipitation hardening alloys, he has made outstanding contributions to an understanding of deformation and fracture of bone. His knowledge of the biological template provided the insight for his subsequent pioneering research on bone-replacement materials. His innovation of hydroxyapatite reinforced polyethylene as a bone analogue has been world leading. This "artificial" bone has already been taken from laboratory concept to provide a major clinical benefit as a middle ear prosthesis, with a range of other skeletal implants in prospect. He was founder, and the first Director, of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) in Biomedical Materials in London, where he demonstrated exceptional scientific leadership for this emerging subject. He recently moved to Cambridge as the first Professor of Medical Materials. He has also played a pivotal role in the international development of materials science through his position, since 1973, as Editor of the Journal of Materials Science. He is a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Engineering, and has received many other honours, including the Armourers and Brasiers' Company Medal, the AA Griffith Medal, and the Acta Metallurgica J Herbert Holloman Award. In 1998 he was appointed CBE for his contribution to healthcare and to materials science. |