Romano, who is professor emeritus at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), has written more than 40 titles about print and publishing in a career spanning more than 40 years.

He said: "I am delighted to receive this award. Print has survived many challenges in the past and I believe that new technological developments will continue to offer many opportunities for printers to prosper in the future."

Romano is the third such champion following the launch of the scheme last year, which is organised by the team behind Ipex 2010.

Previous winners include Benny Landa, the founder of digital print company Indigo, and Harry Potter author J K Rowling.

Ipex 2010 event director Trevor Crawford said: "We are pleased to recognise Professor Romano as a ‘Champion in Print' with this award.

"Many people have nominated him and it is easy to see why. For decades, he has played an important role in advancing knowledge of print both within and outside of the industry through his books, publications and appearances in consumer media."

If you want to nominate someone for the next Champions in Print award, complete a nomination form on-line at www.ipex.org/cip.