The Royal Academy of Engineering is gearing up for National Engineering Day 2024 on November 13th, their annual event that aims to raise public awareness of how engineers make a difference in the world and shape the future.
This year’s theme, “Engineering Role Models,” seeks to inspire the next generation to pursue engineering careers by celebrating remarkable engineers’ achievements and contributions.
The Importance of Engineering Role Models
Engineering role models are crucial in attracting young people to the field. Research conducted by the Royal Academy of Engineering shows that engineering-specific role models strongly influence young people’s decision to choose engineering as a career path.
National Engineering Day 2024 aims to recruit a new, more diverse generation of engineers by showcasing the accomplishments of a wide range of engineers.
Currently, only 16% of the engineering workforce are women, and 10% are from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. Highlighting role models from underrepresented groups will be essential to promote diversity and inclusion in engineering.
The Royal Academy of Engineering calls upon the engineering community to nominate their role models. Nominees should be individuals or teams who have made significant contributions to the field, creating feats of engineering that have improved or will improve the world.
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Ideal nominees include innovative engineers like Lucy Hughes, who developed Marinatex, a bioplastic made from fish waste that serves as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. Or Navjot Sawhney, the creator of Divya, the world’s first flat-packable manual washing machine designed for people without access to electricity.
Unsung heroes whose contributions have substantially contributed to a project’s success are also encouraged. These could include historical figures or teams like the engineering team at Buro Happold, which made Foster + Partners’ design for the British Museum’s roof possible.
The nominated engineers should demonstrate some or all of the following traits:
- Innovative mindset
- Ethical and environmentally responsible
- Adaptable and resilient
- Creative outlook
- Engaging persona
- Inclusive and an advocate for diversity and inclusion
Celebrating Engineering Role Models
On November 13th, 2024, National Engineering Day, statues of the chosen engineering role models will be unveiled. These inspiring creations will serve as a tribute to their achievements and contributions, moving and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
The campaign will also spotlight engineering role models from underrepresented groups, particularly welcoming nominations of engineers who are women, LGBTQ+, disabled, from Black, Asian, minority ethnic groups, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
National Engineering Day 2024 presents an excellent opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of engineers shaping our world for the better. By nominating and showcasing engineering role models, we can inspire young people from all backgrounds to consider engineering as a rewarding and impactful career choice.
The nominations for engineering role models are open until August 16th, 2024.
TLDR:
- National Engineering Day 2024 theme: Engineering Role Models
- Nominations open until August 16th, 2024
- Celebrating engineers who have made significant contributions
- Inspiring the next generation, promoting diversity and inclusion
- Unveiling statues of chosen role models on November 13th, 2024
