Harper Adams University academic named new President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers
A Senior Engineering Engagement Fellow from Harper Adams University has been unveiled as the new President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE).
Kit Franklin, a Chartered Engineer and Harper Adams alumnus as well as an academic at the University, took up his post after the organisation’s Annual Meeting on Monday.
He brings a wealth of expertise across mechanical design, precision farming, robotic systems and agricultural automation and combines industry insight with academic rigour through his role as a Senior Engagement Fellow at Harper Adams University.
Kit, from Cirencester, has recently returned from North America, where he served as a visiting scholar at the Mississippi State University’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute. He will continue to support them as an Adjunct Faculty Member, contributing to commercial projects and global thinking on automation in agriculture.
A well-known figure in the agricultural engineering sector, Kit was the project lead for the groundbreaking Hands Free Hectare and then Hands Free Farm projects, which attracted international recognition and multiple awards for demonstrating the future potential of fully autonomous field operations.
His achievements have earned him titles such as Farmers Weekly’s Rising Star of UK agriculture – as well as the IAgrE President’s Award for outstanding progress as a mid-career engineer.
He also co-chairs IAgrE’s Robotics Special Interest Group, is a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society of England and has contributed to the Society’s influential Farm of the Future programme.
Beyond academia and research, Kit is a respected conference speaker and committed advocate for agricultural engineering. He co-hosts the Brash Ag Podcast, helping to demystify agricultural technology and share insights from across the agritech landscape.
Kit said: “As a proud Agricultural Engineer, it is a tremendous honour to serve as President of IAgrE.
“Agricultural engineering sits at the heart of some of the most important challenges and opportunities facing our society.
“Our members are improving productivity, climate resilience and sustainability on our farms by driving forward environmental understanding, mechanisation and automation.
“I have been fortunate to work across research, industry and education, and I am excited to help champion the engineers, technicians and innovators who are shaping the future of land-based industries.
“I look forward to supporting IAgrE’s mission, representing and growing our diverse and talented community.”
Chief Executive Officer of IAgrE, Charlie Nicklin, added: "Kit brings an exceptional blend of practical experience, academic insight and forward-looking vision to the role of IAgrE President.
“His work on automation, robotics and the Hands Free Farm Project has already influenced the direction of agricultural engineering in the UK and internationally. Kit’s passion for engaging the public, supporting innovation and inspiring the next generation makes him an outstanding ambassador for our profession.
“We are delighted to welcome him as President.”
