2025 – HIPER: Helmet Impact Performance Effectiveness Rating (UK)
“The HEAD Lab team at Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College, is honoured to receive a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in recognition of the Hiper helmet rating programme.
“We are hugely honoured to receive this prestigious road safety award. This affirms the the real-world impact our translational research is already having through the helmet rating programme. It is a key moment for our team and a powerful motivation as we take the next steps in our journey”. Dr Mazdak Ghajari, Associate Professor in Brain Biomechanics
The problem?
Cycle helmets all pass a basic safety standard, but some are better than others at protecting the head and brain from injury. Surprisingly, the cost (anything from £30-300) is not the best way to tell, and manufacturers aren’t obliged to tell buyers how good they are.
The solution
Hiper is a bicycle helmet rating system built on state-of-the-art research in brain injury biomechanics. In our labs, engineers use a testing rig to simulate head impacts under real-world impact conditions. They make this information available to the public on their website while engaging with the manufacturers.
The impact
This has prompted retailers to lower the prices of their better-performing helmets, while manufacturers have sought to innovate their designs for improved safety performance. In long term, this will reduce head injuries in cycling incidents.
In making his award, The Prince was impressed by the way Hiper addresses a significant need to provide better consumer information around safety performance of cycle helmets; the academic rigor and the engagement with industry make this an outstanding nomination.”
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