A FORMER bricklayer turned academic from Gornal has achieved further academic success by scooping his fourth Professorship spanning three different continents.

David J Edwards, Professor of Plant and Machinery Management at Birmingham City University, has gained title number four after negotiating an Adjunct Professorship with Deakin University in Victoria Australia.

The Dudley academic already had a Professorship with Birmingham City University, as well as Visiting Professorships with the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana.

Professor Edwards said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be awarded these titles from peers at such prestigious institutions worldwide. Whilst I am humbled and honoured to receive such accolades, this success is an important reflection upon the quality of teaching and research conducted at Birmingham City University."

He added: “It demonstrates that in key pockets of research, the University is world leading. Such success would not have been possible without the help of friends and colleagues and the support and mentorship of our former Dean, Professor Mel Lees and the late Frank Harris of the University of Wolverhampton. I am indebted to you all.”

Professor Edwards' expertise in engineering design and machinery health and safety has seen him work alongside the UK and US Departments of Defence and various government bodies.

He was even named as a Ghanaian Chief in a special ceremony held in Kumasi.

Professor Clinton Aigbavboa, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovation at the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, said: “Professor Edwards has an outstanding international profile and it is a pleasure to have him join the team here at the University of Johannesburg.

“As one of Africa’s leading universities, it is essential for both our staff and students to learn from his exemplary record of achievement and ensure that our taught curriculum is infused with the latest research and development knowledge.

“His ability to successfully build and manage a research team is invaluable to us and we look forward to a very exciting future under his guidance and support.”