Hancock Legacy Laboratory Supports Smart Energy Future

June 2009 saw the opening of The Maurice Hancock Smart Energy Laboratory, a new research laboratory within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Opened by Imperial College Rector Sir Roy Anderson, the Maurice Hancock Smart Energy Laboratory has been designed to help our students and researchers explore how smarter forms of control and coordination will enable the energy systems of the future to match low-carbon energy generation to consumer need. Named in honour of the late Maurice Hancock, a former member of staff whose bequest to Imperial College alongside generous support from E.ON and EDF Energy has made the project possible, the laboratory will allow researchers to validate and demonstrate some of the key technologies involved in energy conservation.

Professor Tim Green, Director of the Smart Energy Lab, said 'The creation of this lab was only possible through the generosity of our sponsors and a tremendous amount of hard work from our researchers and technicians, who helped design and implement an experimental space that is flexible and easy to use, yet rich in possibilities.'

Maurice Hancock's association with Imperial College began in 1929 when he won a scholarship to the College. In 1962, he returned to Imperial College as a senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering where he specialised in teaching electrical machines and electrical power engineering.

Maurice passed away on 17 May 2006 but his undiminished passion for intellectual activity epitomises how he will be remembered by all at the College. Maurice chose to leave a bequest of £1.3 million to Imperial as a way of making an impact on the College's future and as a testament to his connection with the College. In addition to developing this laboratory, the bequest provides bursaries to support undergraduate students in their studies as a reflection of the support that Maurice himself received.