Dundee University student top software engineer of the year

A student from the University of Dundee has been named Young Software Engineer of the Year at the ScotSoft23 awards hosted by ScotlandIS. 

Struan Robertson received the award for his project 'Lunar Terrain void filling' – which has solved problems in lunar surface modelling.  

Originally from the Isle of Eigg, part of the Scottish Inner Hebrides, Robertson used a machine-learning model to illustrate gaps in lunar mapping. 

The innovation can also help to manage earth-based challenges, including disaster management and climate change.  

Karen Meechan, chief executive at ScotlandIS, said: “Each year we are amazed at the amount of young talent coming through our universities, showcasing true innovation by producing creative solutions to solve real-world problems.  

“It’s ever more important to acknowledge and foster emerging talent to ensure that our tech sector in Scotland continues to flourish. Our industry needs to constantly evolve with skilled people staying ahead of the curve – especially with the growth of AI.  

"This year’s winners really demonstrate how original thinking and a flair for software engineering can transform our understanding of and aptitude in wide-ranging subjects”  

Runner-ups for the award were Enrique Martin Ocana from Strathclyde University for his model analysing the effectiveness of AI-generated content in schools and William Brown from Aberdeen University for his coding project 'MediaWiki'.

The Leidos Best Engineering Prize was awarded to Michael Suttie from Edinburgh Napier University for developing a prototype which may help F1 e-sports drivers improve lap times.    

Hosted in Edinburgh, the ceremony celebrated its 34th edition this year. 

 “These awards are a fantastic way for us to showcase the exceptional technological minds, cultivated right here in Scotland, as they begin their transitions into the workplace”, Meechan added.  

To be considered for the annual award, universities submit the best final-year project among their undergraduate computing science and software engineering courses.