News Summer 2007
3 Carlton House Terrace – update 3 Academy Awards 2007 – the winners 3 Research News 4 Policy News 6 International News 6 Education News 8 News of Fellows 8 Council News 9 Annual Regional Public Lecture 9 APEG update 9 Education Programmes 10 Ingenious 11 Development News 11 Annual Academy Awards
The Academy celebrated its latest round of awards in grand style at Christ Church, Spitalfields in London on 5 June, 2007. Over 250 guests attended the event and were treated to an excellent evening in the company of some of the country’s most eminent engineers. The Senior Fellow, HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, said after the event that “the atmosphere was one of excitment and enjoyment, and it was a very fitting environment to pay tribute to those who have contributed so much to the field of engineering.”
Alastair Stewart OBE, broadcaster and ITV newsreader, was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies and his considerable skills ensured that the event fulfilled the expectations of all. The MacRobert Award is the UK’s premier award for innovation in engineering and the evening began with an opportunity for guests to inspect the exhibits of the 2007 MacRobert Award finalists. The eventual winner was Process Systems Enterprise Ltd and the three other very worthy finalists were Intelligent Orthopaedics Ltd, Roger Bullivant Limited and Transitive Corporation.
The evening as a whole was a great success which, according to the President, Lord Browne, served to add to the “standing and reputation” of the Academy. Among the guests was honorary Fellow Sir David King HonFREng FRS, Chief Scientific Advisor to the government. Sir David commented later to Philip Greenish, the Academy Chief Executive: “What a wonderful and inspirational evening. I was particularly pleased to see a MacRobert winning team made up of brilliant engineers who came to this country from overseas, which shows just how open the UK is to people with innovative ideas from across the world.”
The winners of the Academy’s other awards revealed the sheer strength of engineering in this country. Among the victors were Dr Johnny Ball who received The Public Promotion of Engineering Medal and Mario Iobbi, of Imperial College London, whose unique respiratory therapeutic device led him to win the ERA Foundation Entrepreneurs Award. The other awards (a full list of winners is included on page 3) ensured that both young and old, those with huge experience and those just beginning their careers, were recognised for their impressive achievements in the last year.
HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT Contact: [email protected] alongside the 2007 MacRobert Award winners, Process Systems Enterprise Ltd RAEng News Summer 2007
The President’s Column
promoting international action on climate endeavour with the potential to have a change mitigation and adaptation. This is profound impact on the key challenges likely to entail leading by example, as well of our time. These problems transcend as engaging with those countries which all national boundaries, and so does the will be the most significant emitters of knowledge required to tackle them. The greenhouse gases in coming years. Academy must reflect this in its outlook and actions if it is to succeed in repositioning The second of my presidential priorities, engineering at the centre of society. poverty reduction, is an inherently international challenge. I am convinced that the impact of globalisation has been overwhelmingly positive but it has also been associated with some more sinister outcomes. These include the disruptive effects on those who are ill prepared for change and the exclusion of sections of society from the benefits of globalisation due to its uneven rate and reach. Engineers Lord Browne can help to minimise the number of people who become disaffected in this Meetings and Visitors We are often told that we live in an era way – globalisation is only frightening of globalisation. The concept embodied for those who cannot see how they will The President has recently met: in the term ‘globalisation’ is not new gain from it. The task for the Academy is – flows of people, knowledge and capital HRH The Prince Philip Duke of to promote awareness amongst decision have always traversed national barriers. Edinburgh KG KT makers worldwide of the role that However it is true that the opening Senior Fellow engineering can play in reducing poverty up of markets and developments through facilitating economic growth and Mr Marcus Agius in information and communication sustainable development, and to form Chairman, Barclays Bank plc technology (ICT) have accelerated change partnerships with engineers in developing at the global scale and deepened our countries which help to strengthen their Mr John Armitt CBE FREng sense of interconnectedness. In business, ability to fulfil this role. Chief Executive, Network Rail understanding the international dimension is accepted as being critical to success. Sir Paul Judge The disruptive effects of globalisation I believe that this too applies to the Chair, The Royal Society for the also have implications for my third Academy, notwithstanding the fact that encouragement of Arts, Manufactures priority area: health and well-being. we have a national remit. and Commerce One unwelcome development is that international terrorism now poses a The Academy’s new International Strategy Sir David King HonFREng FRS significant threat to our quality of life. On is an important document which brings Chief Scientific Advisor to HM Government the one hand, there is evidence that it has clarity and focus to the Academy’s Office of Science & Technology been fuelled by disenfranchisement from international interests. It emphasises the and resistance to the changes brought Lord Peter Levene of Portsoken need for us to view our priorities through about by globalisation; on the other, many Chairman, Lloyds of London an international lens, and to make full use terrorist groups have taken advantage of international networks and activities of developments in ICT to extend their Sir Duncan Michael FREng in working to achieve our objectives. The global reach and conceal their operations. Trustee of Arup Group Ltd significance of this can be illustrated by The Academy’s recent report, Dilemmas considering how the Academy can make a Sir John Parker FREng of Privacy and Surveillance, highlighted difference in the areas I have identified as Chairman, National Grid plc the vital role of engineers in responding priorities for my term of office as President. to these developments in a way that does Mr Ian Ritchie not compromise people’s trust or privacy. Taking climate change and energy first, it is Founder of Ian Ritchie Architects clear that developing an effective national Global issues such as climate change, Lord Sainsbury of Turville engineering response to this challenge poverty reduction and international security Former Parliamentary Under-Secretary both requires an understanding of the are shaping the future of our planet. Young of State for Science and Innovation, global context and must involve actions people recognise this and the Academy’s House of Lords that affect other countries. Although the responses to these imperatives could be UK contributes only 2% of global carbon instrumental in attracting a new generation Mr Malcom Wicks MP dioxide emissions, it is very much in into engineering. Engineering is a global Minister of State for Science and our interests to take a leadership role in Innovation, House of Commons
RAEng News Summer 2007
Move to 3 Carlton House Terrace – update
As we go to print developments are purpose built lecture theatre for 150 people Meanwhile we may have found new continuing apace with the project to move with supporting facilities in the basement; tenants for 29 Great Peter Street who, the Academy to its new centre at 3 Carlton they will open up the main rooms on the subject to contract, will take over the lease House Terrace. ground and first floors as flexible space on 14 October. for functions, meetings, and exhibitions. The lease on 3 Carlton House Terrace was They will also provide a modern, open plan Contact: [email protected] assigned to the Academy on 8 June and we working environment for the Academy now have custody of the building. We are staff and its partners which will provide finalising a “phase 0” building refurbishment the flexibility to accommodate project programme which covers the basic works teams through all stages of their work. needed to get the Academy into the The alterations will be designed with building and able to operate effectively. This the aim of underwriting the Academy’s will include improving the facilities available sustainability agenda. They will be to Fellows with a dedicated area which will sympathetic to the history of this delightful provide workspaces with IT and an informal grade 1 listed building, whilst meeting the meeting area. We plan to move into Carlton needs of a forward looking organisation House Terrace in the autumn, with the aim in the 21st century, and thus will provide of being operational there from 8 October. an opportunity to showcase excellent contemporary engineering design. Detailed plans are also being developed for more substantial alterations to meet the A fundraising programme is being developing requirements of the Academy developed to support this major stage of in full. These will provide a permanent, the Academy’s development.
Academy Awards 2007 The former Director of the The ERA Máire McLoone and Dan Mutadich were Foundation, Sir David Davies CBE all recognised as the Academy’s Young – the winners FREng, presented The ERA Foundation Engineers for the year. Also, the President Entrepreneurs Award to Mario Iobbi, a congratulated the Corporate Sponsors’ This year’s awards were presented at PhD Research Student at the Department Young Engineers who included Dr Mike Christ Church, Spitalfields and recognised of Bioengineering, Imperial College Colechin, Jacqueline Lemon, Luciano technical prowess, innovative new London. He was recognised for his work in Pischedda, Saqib Shaikh, Steve Talbot and designs and the achievements of the best creating a new respiratory device which Folkert Visser. engineers in the country. can provide better treatment for hospital patients, as well as reduce healthcare costs. The evening was sponsored by BAE The Academy’s flagship prize, the MacRobert Systems, BP, E.ON, Microsoft, National Award, was presented by the Senior Fellow, The Academy President, Lord Browne Grid and Rolls-Royce – without them the HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh FREng FRS, handed out the Academy’s four evening would not have been possible. KG KT, to Process Systems Enterprise Ltd for prestigious Silver Medals to those who had The Academy is most grateful to these their gPROMS advanced process modelling shown outstanding contributions to British sponsors for their generous support. software. The considerable innovation engineering, despite having less than 30 developed through this product made the years in full time employment. Those to Contact: [email protected] Process Systems Enterprise Ltd team fitting recieve the medal this year were Professor winners. However, the three remaining Gehan Amaratunga FREng, Professor Nigel finalists provided stiff competition and, Brandon, Professor Christofer Toumazou, despite not leaving victorious, all team and Professor Christopher Wise RDI FREng. members from Intelligent Orthopaedics Ltd, Roger Bullivant Limited, and Transitive were Professor Philip Withers FREng was able to enjoy the atmosphere and present presented with the Education Innovation their products to all guests. Prize by Lord Browne for the manner in which he made his excellent research into Dr Johnny Ball, the well-known and much allowing the introduction of new materials loved TV personality, was presented with The into aerospace and nuclear applications Public Promotion of Engineering Medal by available to schools and the general public. Kate Bellingham, the President of the Young Engineers for his long, active and positive There was also time throughout the involvement in the promotion of science, evening to recognise some of the technology and engineering to young country’s leading young engineers. John people, teachers and the general public. Armstrong, Ahmed Kotb, David Lakin, Dr
RAEng News Summer 2007
• Dr Sachi Arafat (Glasgow University), Research News ‘Foundations research in information Global Research retrieval inspired by quantum theory’; Awards Research Chairs & • Dr Richard Cobley (University of Wales, Swansea), ‘Pushing forward Over the past three months three new Senior Research scanning probe techniques to meet the Global Research Awards have been Fellowships new challenges of optoelectronics and approved: nanotechnology’; We are pleased to announce the • Dr Darren Cosker (Cardiff University), Dr Xiaoyu Luo of Glasgow University is establishment of two Royal Academy of ‘Exploiting 4D data for creating next seconded to the Courant Institute, New Engineering Research Chairs and one new generation facial modelling and York University, USA, to conduct research Senior Research Fellow: animation techniques’; on a project called, ‘Developing a New Dynamic Model for Mitral Valves’. Dr Luo • Dr Dino Distefano (Queen Mary Professor Martin Trusler of Imperial is a mathematical biologist who will University, London), ‘Software Model apply mesh modelling techniques to the College London has been appointed checking with separation logic’; the Royal Academy of Engineering/ simulation of the human heart, to improve Schlumberger Research Chair in • Dr Matthew Eaton (Imperial College), the design of artificial medical implants. Oilfield Process Engineering. Professor ‘Integrating design and uncertainty Trusler’s particular interest lies in the within a common modelling framework: Dr Ian Eames of University College thermophysical properties of fluids and applications to nuclear engineering’; London will spend four months at the in developing fluid-property sensors and • Dr Ross Hatton (University of Surrey), National Technical University of Athens, control systems for oilfield applications. ‘Hybrid nano-structured electrodes for Greece to work on a project to examine, organic photovoltaics’; ‘The Effect of Phase Change on Dispersed Turbulent Multiphase Flows’. Dr Eames’ Professor Jeremy Everard of the University • Dr Ignacio Hernandez (Queen Mary research in this broad area of fluid of York has been appointed Research University, London), ‘Halogenated mechanics addresses a range of industrial Chair in High Frequency Signal Generation organic mixed lanthanide and transition problems involving particulate-laden and Electronics, to be co-sponsored by metal ion complexes for infrared opto- gases, eg dust laden air from combustors BAE Systems. Professor Everard plans to electronic devices’; investigate new oscillator and resonator and engine exhausts. • Dr Vlado Lazarov (Oxford University), techniques, supporting waveform ‘Polar Oxide Interfaces: from generation electronics and measurement Mr William Carson of the Cambridge fundamentals to spintronic applications’; systems to greatly extend the current state Computing Laboratory at Cambridge of the art. This is research of vital industrial • Dr Martyn McLachlan (Imperial University will conduct research at the importance and will impact upon many College), ‘Three-Dimensional University of Porto, Portugal on a project types of electronic system, for example nanosphere templating: A novel for the ‘Analysis, Design and Optimisation of increasing accuracy for radar and Global method for the preparation of Iterative Detection and Decoding Systems’. Positioning Systems (GPS). nanostructured photovoltaics’; This work will develop powerful error • Dr Anna Peacock (Southampton correcting, coding and decoding schemes, Dr Bruce Grieve of the University of University), ‘Fiberised semiconductor and their application to broadband fixed Manchester has been awarded an devices: a new platform for nonlinear wireless access (BFWA) systems. Academy Senior Research Fellowship photonics and applications’; Contact: [email protected] in the area of 'Biosensors and Remote • Dr Richard Sandberg (Southampton Detection', sponsored by the sustainable University), ‘Numerical investigation of agribusiness company, Syngenta UK. the hydrodynamic and acoustic fields of Dr Grieve’s research will involve the compressible axisymmetric flows’; Leverhulme Trust development of novel biosensing and • Dr Andras Sobester (Southampton Senior Research detection technologies for crop protection University), ‘Towards the 21st Century and parasite control. ‘Whisper-Jet’ – a Machine Learning Fellowships Approach to Design for Fan Noise Contact: [email protected] Each year the Leverhulme Trust funds Deflection’; Fellowships which allow mid-career • Dr Amanda Wright researchers to take up to one full Research Fellowships (Glasgow University), ‘New horizons in year’s research sabbatical. This year’s adaptive optics for life science research: Fellowships have been awarded to: The Royal Academy of Engineering/ adaptive microscopy’; and EPSRC Research Fellowships are highly • Dr Shi Zhou (University College London), Dr Mark Biggs (Edinburgh University), sought after appointments designed to ‘Statistical topological studies on large- ‘Prediction of dynamics of proteins on solid support young engineering researchers scale complex communication surfaces over macroscopic timescales’; in academia. This year we have been able networks’. to appoint 14 new Research Fellows, 75% more than in the previous round. They are: Contact: [email protected]
RAEng News Summer 2007
Dr Caroline Fitzpatrick (University College for three to six months with a view to seconded to the University of Nottingham London), ‘Solar Treatment of Humic improving the quality and industrial to work on modulated light camera Substances in Drinking Water Sources’; relevance of the teaching of engineering. research in the applied optics group; and Three new awards were made since March Dr Simon Gill (Leicester University), 2007: Dr Margaret Varga from QinetiQ was ‘Multiscale models for strain-controlled seconded to the University of Oxford to diffusion problems with applications in Professor J R Banerjee from City University work on liver and colorectal cancer analysis nanoengineering’; received an award for a secondment at technology and tools. Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited Dr Catherine Holt (Cardiff University), to develop a finite element model of the Contact: [email protected] ‘Using motion analysis techniques and fuselage structure of A400M Flying Test objective classifiers to characterise Bed for Airbus Military and to use this mechanisms of human movement for prediction of vibration levels and the Distinguished Visiting and postural control: Applications in evaluation of mitigation schemes; Fellowship Scheme Orthopaedics and Neurology’; Dr Paul Greening from University This new scheme provides funding Professor Angela Seddon (Nottingham College London received an award for to enable academic engineering University), ‘Development of Infrared- a secondment at Ove Arup & Partners departments in UK universities to be hosts Transmitting Optical Fibre Devices and Limited to work on the use of dynamic test for up to a month to Distinguished Visiting Systems for Applications in Surgery and data for the improvement of future Finite Fellows from overseas academic centres of Diagnosis’; and Element modelling and on the inclusion excellence. of non-structural elements in modelling Dr Michael Ward (Birmingham University), dynamic response of structures; and The aim of the scheme is to access global ‘Q control of micro resonators in an centres of excellence in engineering aqueous environment’. Dr Steve Love from Brunel University research and teaching with a view to received an award for a secondment at enabling and strengthening international Contact: [email protected] Hutchison 3G UK Limited to work on the relations and networking in engineering evaluation of a new range of technology Higher Education. Annual Research services and process solutions to improve customer experience for new and existing There are two rounds of applications. The Forum Hutchison 3G UK Limited Customers. deadline for the first round of applications is the end of June 2007. The deadline for Each year The Royal Academy of For more information visit www.raeng.org. the second round of applications is the Engineering hosts a Research Forum uk/research/univ/secondment/ end of October 2007. For more information to exhibit the work of a selection of visit www.raeng.org.uk/research/ our incumbents. The Forum includes Contact: [email protected] researcher/dvfs/ presentations by researchers who have been awarded funds under one of the Industry Into Academia Contact: Academy’s research schemes. The event [email protected] itself provides an excellent opportunity for Fellowship Scheme those engaged in engineering research, industrial sponsors and a host of other The Industry into Academia Fellowship interested parties, to network and to hear scheme provides funding for suitably about the current direction of leading qualified company employees to spend edge research carried out under the three to six months in a UK university badge of the Academy. The event is held engineering department, providing annually at the Royal College of Physicians, exposure to the latest research in electro- Regent’s Park, London. This year’s event technology relevant to the company’s will be held on Friday 28 September. current and planned activities.
Contact: [email protected] The scheme aims to encourage companies to benefit from the latest developments and advances in electro-technology Industrial produced by UK universities and to foster Secondment Scheme continuing relationships and improved links between industry and academia. The Industrial Secondment scheme provides funding to UK Higher Education The awards made in 2006-07 are as follows: institutions to enable them to release engineering academics to industry Dr David Summers from Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd was
RAEng News Summer 2007
The committee requested evidence on • A clear approach to prioritising the Policy News the impact of increased CCTV surveillance, Academy’s international engagement the construction of a national DNA which has been applied to define the Philosophy of database and greater sharing of data. The countries, activities and organisations of committee was keen to learn whether highest strategic importance; Engineering there were sufficient safeguards on the • A commitment to ensure that the collection and use of personal data and international dimension is represented Two pursuits characteristic of engineering whether technologies could be developed in all relevant Academy activities; research and practice are involvement in to better protect data. • Proposals to improve the mechanisms for design and the management of complex engaging Fellows, including International systems. These rich and controversial The Academy submitted a response based Fellows, in international activities and concepts raise deep theoretical issues on its report Dilemmas of Privacy and review the processes by which and thus were explored in a Philosophy Surveillance, published at the end of March, International Fellows are elected; and of Engineering seminar on 26 March on and also supplied committee members with • Specific targets by which progress ‘Systems Engineering and Engineering copies of the report. This is an important towards the objectives in the Strategy Design’. issue; the level of public interest was can be assessed. made evident by the media response to John Turnbull FREng discussed the nature the publication of the report – including The Strategy will be updated and revised of engineering systems, drawing particular a front-page article in the Metro on the over time to reflect changes in the attention to the fact that the public are launch day. The Academy will be holding a Academy’s overall strategy. Full details part of the wider ‘system’ the engineer briefing meeting on 19 July on ‘The Security of the Strategy can be found on the must deal with, arguing that the engineer of Personal Information’, following up on a Academy’s website. must therefore be sensitive to social number of issues dealt with in the report. values. Professor Maarten Franssen of the Contact: [email protected] University of Delft discussed philosophical Contact: [email protected] issues in the modelling of complex systems which include notoriously Engineering Grand unpredictable human agents as variables. International News Challenges Dr Chris Elliott FREng spoke on the principles for designing systems effectively, International Strategy Over the last few months the Academy and Professor David Andrews FREng called has had the opportunity to reflect upon for a philosophy of engineering design to Engineering policy and practice have the ‘Grand Challenges’ for Engineering underpin the design process – drawing on long been international in nature and are during the next 100 years and beyond. This examples of naval design. becoming increasingly so. The challenge exercise was triggered by an initiative of the for the Academy is to ensure that its US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) The Philosophy of Engineering seminar objectives and actions take full account of which, with the help of a committee of series has proven to be very successful the global context. In recognition of the eminent experts, including the Academy’s – demonstrating the fascinating growing importance of the international Immediate Past President Lord Broers FREng philosophical and social issues raised by dimension, the Standing Committee for FRS, will select the 20 greatest challenges modern engineering. The next seminar International Activities has developed an and announce them in September 2007. in the series is to be held on 11 July on International Strategy for the Academy. Artificial Intelligence and IT, and will The purpose of this Strategy is to set out The Royal Academy of Engineering has explore the philosophical issues raised the Academy’s vision for its international taken the opportunity to contribute to by engineering developments in these activities and provide a means of the NAE project and, at the same time, areas – especially the development and prioritising its international engagement. to conduct a horizon scanning exercise expansion of the Internet. It will also advance progress towards the in its own right. Fellows of the Academy, Academy’s Strategic Objectives and the Research Fellows and Chairs, Visiting Contact: natasha.mccarthy.org.uk President’s Priorities by enabling more Professors and Industrial Secondees were effective leveraging of international invited to submit their ideas. Numerous Home Affairs Select networks and activities. contributions were received and their Committee quality was such that a very stimulating The vision underpinning the Strategy discussion ensued among the Working Group tasked by the Academy with Increasing concerns about the level of is that the Academy should become selecting the best ideas to submit to the surveillance and personal data collection recognised as an international exemplar of NAE. The Group is chaired by Sir Duncan in the UK has led the House of Commons best practice in promoting engineering’s Michael FREng and consists of Fellows and Home Affairs committee to open an position at the heart of society, with the Academy Sponsored Researchers from a inquiry entitled ‘A Surveillance Society?’ global reach to enable it to influence the range of disciplines. The inquiry was prompted by the findings agenda of the worldwide engineering of a report of the same title, commissioned community and act as an invaluable Complex issues such as climate change, by the Information Commissioner’s office partner to the UK Government. Towards energy and sustainability featured highly and published in November 2006. this end, the Strategy introduces:
RAEng News Summer 2007
in the discussion. However, the Working international policies and activities of the Group chose to concentrate on more Research Councils and Office of Science Lloyd’s Register specific issues that were perceived as and Innovation (OSI). The Academy Educational Trust playing an instrumental role in addressing argued that it was essential for the UK these topics. The paragraphs below to have a clear and effective strategy Lecture 2007 provide a succinct description of the for global engagement in science and challenges chosen by this Academy. A engineering. Although broadly supportive The annual Lloyd’s Register Educational paper discussing each subject is currently of the approach being taken by the Lecture was this year given by Academy being prepared for submission to our sister Research Councils, the Academy identified Fellow, Professor Roderick Smith FREng. Academy in the US. various areas where improvements Some 200 people attended the lecture could be made. These included the which was entitled ‘Carpe Diem: the Ethics to develop a genuinely aspirational coordination of strategies at the national, Dangers of Risk Aversion’. ethical ethos in the engineering European and international levels and profession. the communication and marketing Professor Smith revealed his concerns of opportunities for international that the UK is becoming a culture of risk Education to raise the profile of the collaborations and the benefits arising aversion by identifying the attitudes of engineering profession among the public from them. In addition, the Academy individuals and governments to risk in the and the young in particular, and to ensure called for more creative approaches to funding of health care, in the provision of that engineering education is matched to international partnerships focussed on infrastructure, and in society’s reaction to current and future need. innovation and a more inclusive approach global threats such as terrorism. He ended to the development of international by saying the scientific community should Energy & Environment to provide science policy by the Government. measure risk appropriately and present the affordable and sustainable energy and results with focus and clarity to society. to adopt a holistic approach to the Contact: [email protected] management of complex infrastructural Contact: [email protected] networks and communication systems. Corporation, was awarded one of the Brain Science to address the complexity International prizes three 2007 Grand Prizes of €200,000 for of the brain as a problem of reverse its ‘QuickTransit’ hardware virtualisation engineering and to develop computers On 16 April, the Academy hosted a technology. The other two Grand Prize capable of dealing with tasks that delegation of prize-winning Chinese winners were Telepo (SE) for Telepo challenge human intelligence. S&T journalists for a briefing on Business Communication Solution sustainable buildings delivered by and TREVENTUS Mechatronics (AT) for Health & Wellbeing to develop surgical Arup Director Alistair Guthrie. This was ScanRobot. Professor Bill O’Riordan devices capable of treating defective followed by visits to City Hall and 30 FREng served on the ICT Prize panel cells and bio-molecules from within the St Mary Axe (otherwise known as ‘the and Sir John O’Reilly FREng and body; to provide large scale production Gherkin’), organised by Arup and the Professor Danny McCaughan FREng on techniques and facilities for rapid and Foreign and Commonwealth Office. the Executive Jury. cheap vaccine manufacturing; and to enable the production and distribution The European ICT Prize is the most Contact: of clean water worldwide, including to distinguished European award for [email protected] underdeveloped regions. innovative products and services in ICT. It is organised by Euro-CASE on behalf Digital World to manage the growing of the European Commission. In March Below: A member of the Transitive team information load and guarantee security 2007, a British company, Transitive collects their European ICT Prize trophy. of cybermarkets; to optimise the use of Information and Communication Technology and ensure widespread provision of the skills necessary for utilising it.
Contact: [email protected] International Policies and Activities of the Research Councils
The Academy submitted a memorandum to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee’s inquiry into the
RAEng News Summer 2007
The study group highlighted the growing Education News Engineering in the pressure from the rapidly developing 21st Century economies of nations such as India and Education Innovation China. These growing economies, the An Academy working group chaired by report says, are producing enormous Prize 2007 Professor Julia King CBE FREng has delivered numbers of graduate engineers to meet a report, Educating Engineers for the 21st the industrial expansion. The report states This year saw Professor Philip Withers Century, on the future of UK engineering. that it is now up to mature economies, FREng, Professor of Materials Science, The group cited evidence gathered from such as the UK, to keep up with these University of Manchester, and his team, over 400 companies and 88 UK university nations, and that this could only happen become just the second recipients of engineering departments which suggests if engineering education is refined for the The Royal Academy of Engineering/Nexia that a major shortage of high quality new century. Solutions Education Innovation Prize. graduate engineers could lead to the UK to This prize was initiated to recognise slide into insignificance as an internationally Professor King’s team believes that contributions by organisations and competitive nation. with new types of engineering rapidly individuals to Engineering Education, becoming hugely important to industry, UK and is focused on the innovation in the Despite total university admissions for all engineering education must adapt to suit approach taken to teaching the subject. courses rising by 40 per cent between 1994 the modern needs. The group concludes and 2004, there is serious concern over that, while this is achievable, there will be a Professor Withers and his team won the fact that admittance to engineering cost; indeed it is estimated that funding per the £10,000 prize for their research courses over the same period has remained university student must rise by 50 per cent into accelerating the introduction of stagnant. The challenge now, the report if UK engineering is to retain its historical new materials and new manufacturing says, is both to encourage more students reputation for excellence in engineering processes into aerospace and nuclear to enter engineering and to modernise the into the 21st century. applications and making it accessible to university courses in order to keep up with schools and the public. the ever-changing needs of industry. Contact: [email protected] The team were able to construct a 3D image of a jet engine using high energy X- University London and Fellowship of the rays which was then made available to all. News of Fellows Transport Research Foundation. The transferral of this complex technology to the public arena has allowed everyone John Armitt CBE has been made the Professor Norbert Morgenstern has who is interested to take a virtual 3D new Chair of Olympic Delivery Authority been awarded an honorary Doctor of journey through a jet engine. for the London 2012 Olympic and Science degree by the University of Paralympic Games. Alberta. School students have benefitted enormously from both this and a number Dr Alan Begg has become Senior Vice Dr Adam M Neville CBE has been of educational tools that have developed President of SKF Group Technology awarded the Gold Medal of the from it. Foremost amongst these are a set Development and Quality. Conctrete Society and was elected of materials-based playing cards, an on- as Honorary Member of the Brazilian line ‘Internet Microscope for Schools’ and Professor Sir Timothy Berners-Lee OM Concrete Institute. a PC-based challenge where students can KBE was awarded the Order of Merit by design their own engine to see if it will the Queen in June. Dr Ian Nussey OBE has been awarded the take off efficiently. University of Warwick’s Chancellor’s Medal. Professor David Delpy has been made This project was developed in Chief Executive and Deputy Chair of the Professor Andrew Palmer has been collaboration with Rolls-Royce and it EPSRC. named as the the Keppel Chair Professor has recieved praise from many quarters. in the Department of Civil Engineering. Indeed it has been exhibited at the Royal Nigel Gee has had a new building at He has also been awarded an Honorary Society Summer Science Exhibitions Southampton Solent University named science degree from Clarkson University, in both London and Glasgow and was after him. New York. selected for the Queen’s 80th Birthday Science day at Buckingham Palace. Professor Thomas Kelly has been Professor David Payne CBE has recieved employed in the new post of the IEEE 2007 Photonics Award. Contact: [email protected] Professor of Nuclear Decommissioning Engineering at Manchester University’s John Weston CBE has been appointed Dalton Nuclear Institute. He took up the Non Executive Chairman of Insensys Ltd. The Fellows’ newsletter is now position in May 2007. online, to view it go to: Professor John Vivian Wood CBE has www.raeng.org.uk/about/ Professor Adrian Long OBE has been been appointed as the next Principal of fellowship/newsletter.htm awarded an Honorary DSc by City Imperial College's Faculty of Engineering.
RAEng News Summer 2007
Council News Annual Regional APEG update Council held its second meeting of the Public Lecture year on 16 April. Council had set up a Study APEG has enjoyed three highly Group in 2006 to look into the membership The Academy’s 7th Annual Regional Public successful events this year. On process and how best to increase the Lecture was given by Professor Geoff 30 January, Tom McCarthy, Vice- number of nominations from under- Tomlinson FREng, Pro-Vice Chancellor President of Bechtel, gave an represented sections of society. Council (Research) and Director Rolls-Royce insightful presentation on the approved the recommendations of the University Technology Centre in Materials subject of ‘UK Infrastructure: Study Group which included the setting up Damping Technologies, University of Delivering major projects on time’. of a new Proactive Membership Committee Sheffield. His subject ‘Next Generation Mr McCarthy rejected the argument and an additional member of staff to Materials for Reducing Vibration in Aircraft that UK businesses were incapable undertake candidate research and further Engines’ attracted a wide audience of of delivering major infrastructure support membership activities. Council Fellows, students and other professionals. projects on time and to budget. asked the Study Group to come up with an Kindly hosted by Professor John Perkins appropriate implementation plan. CBE FREng, Vice President and Dean On 21 March, Peter Head OBE FREng, of Engineering and Physical Sciences Director of Arup, gave a fascinating Philip Greenish reported on the at Manchester University, thanks are presentation on the planning and Engineering for Society initiative. Work is again due to Dr John Bramley FREng for development of the Dongtan Eco-City underway with the ETB and institutions organising this valued annual lecture and on Chongming Island in Shanghai on defining the engineering brand, to dinner event. for the client Shanghai Industrial improve public attitudes to engineers and Investment Company. The event was engineering. A round table of experts is The event also provided the opportunity particularly well supported by MPs working on Climate Change and Energy. to confer three of this year’s six Excellence – an indication that the environment The aim is to prepare a paper which would in Engineering Teaching Prizes. These is high on the political agenda. justify and seek funding for a study aimed £10,000 prizes look to reward the most at identifying optimal routes to carbon able lecturers who have chosen to The APEG Annual Dinner took place reduction. remain in the higher education sector on 25 April in the House of Lords. during the early years of their career. The 67 members who supported Council was updated on the Academy The winners were Dr Sherri Johnstone, this event listened to speeches move to 3 Carlton House Terrace. A master Dr Andy Hunt and Ms Elena Rodriguez- from Bill Olner MP and Lord Haskel, plan for the building is being developed Falcon, respectively from Durham, York and respectively the Chair and Treasurer of which the Academy will work towards Sheffield universities. APEG, and from the Rt. Hon. Margaret as funds permit. As part of the funding, Hodge, Minister of State (Industry and Council approved the taking out of a £2 Contact: [email protected] the Regions), Department of Trade million bank loan which is repayable over and Industry. The Minister highlighted 20 years. the success of British engineering and manufacturing and the challenges Council approved the awards of Academy facing the sector. medals and prizes for 2007. Council also approved the names of Fellows to serve APEG has a full programme of events as Officers of the Academy and the names lined up for the rest of the year. For of candidates for election as Fellows, further details about APEG, please see: International Fellows and Honorary www.apeg.org.uk Fellows, these recommendations will be put to the AGM on 4 July 2007. Publications Chris Price, Honorary Treasurer, presented a revised budget for 2007/08. This included Received the effects of the closure to future accruals of the defined benefits staff pension The Outspoken Dr Miller scheme, and the likely move to Carlton By Dr Kenneth Miller CBE FREng House Terrace in the autumn.
Prior to the Council meeting Dr David Grant, Chairman of the Education and Training Committee, and staff gave a presentation on the work of the Education Department during the past year. Professor Geoff Tomlinson FREng with his fiancée, Jill Knosley at the 7th Academy Contact: [email protected] Annual Regional Lecture.
RAEng News Summer 2007
2008 with a phased national roll out At Level 2, half the week is spent on the Education Programmes thereafter. The biggest 2008 pilot will be in diploma and half studying maths, English, the London boroughs of Southwark and science and ICT GCSEs. So successful Level 2 The 14-19 Specialised Lambeth where the engineering diploma diploma students reach the age of 16 with will be delivered alongside the Academy’s more maths, science and computing skills Diploma in London Engineering Project. This has than their peers. This can only be a good Engineering only just been announced and it marks thing for those interested in an engineering the culmination of an 18 month national career. Finally, at Level 3 the diploma Nine out of ten young people in the UK competition to determine where the becomes a full time course for students. give up school science at the age of 16. engineering diploma will take hold first. In doing so, not only do they limit their It is at this full time Level 3 where there career options but also the economy is In Southwark and Lambeth the has been some controversy recently. There starved of people with more advanced engineering diploma will be delivered has been concern voiced in the press that technical skills. by a partnership of seven schools, two the Level 3 engineering diploma will be FE colleges and one university (London insufficient preparation for engineering It is clear that the UK suffers from an acute South Bank University). All three levels degree courses. The concern hinges on the problem with progression in science and (1, 2, and 3) will de delivered from the level of maths provision within the course. hence engineering and technology. Not start, so time to get ready is short. There Representatives from the Academy, ECuk, enough students are making a successful are just 15 months in which to set the the Engineering Professors Council and the transition between Level 2 (GCSE level) syllabus, produce the teaching materials, HE Academy Engineering Subject Centre and Level 3 (A Level and its equivalents) train the teachers and recruit the students. are working on this now and mechanisms science-based study. A rather tall order, but worth it if we see are already emerging whereby the maths many more young people opting for content of the course can be boosted. The new 14-19 Specialised Diploma in engineering in the capital at a time when Engineering is designed to overcome the city is desperately short of skilled The period running up to the launch of the this by offering a distinct pathway where people to undertake the many major engineering diploma in September 2008 Level 3 studies flow more naturally from projects planned or underway – the 2012 promises to be a very busy one. However, Level 2 studies. This smooths one point Olympics, upgrades on the tube network, with the outcome being the creation of of transition, with the anticipated effect Cross Rail, sewer renewals, new electrical clearer pathways into engineering for more that success with a Level 2 diploma in networks and new housing in the Thames young people, the effort should be worth it. engineering will then provoke students to Gateway. Contact: opt for the Level 3 programme. Success with the engineering diploma [email protected] [email protected] Apart from dealing with issues of transition depends on recruiting a strong cohort of able students. This depends in turn in school science, the engineering on putting a compelling proposition to diploma also introduces engineering as potential registrants. In Southwark and Shape the Future a curriculum option in schools. This has Lambeth the proposition looks good. been tried before with the Engineering The Academy is always looking at new and GCSE, but that failed to make progress interesting ways to promote engineering Firstly, local employment opportunities in in most schools because the curriculum as an exciting career to young people. First engineering have never been better. Work was considered dry and over-theoretical year Oxford engineering undergraduate is varied and interesting, and pay is good. by pupils. Having a more engaging Tsz Fok couldn’t understand why so few UK Secondly, the diploma in Southwark and engineering curriculum as part of the students were interested in engineering Lambeth will be delivered in an innovative school day must be welcomed, as it ought and science. He therefore decided to do way which should prove attractive to to break down popular misconceptions something about the problem and applied learners. Fundamentals of maths, English about engineering in the minds of young to NESTA for an Ignite! grant for his idea and ICT will be delivered in schools in people, ie that engineering is dirty, poorly of a case study booklet aimed at young the conventional way. However, much paid, only for men and the like. people in schools and colleges. of the principal engineering learning will be delivered by visiting staff from Despite natural concerns over the With the support of the Academy, who Further Education and the most advanced introduction of yet another initiative in our helped identify prominent engineers to engineering material will be taught in schools, there is a degree of excitement feature in the booklet, it was published Higher Education. As a result, the student around the engineering diploma. The under the Shape the Future banner during experience will be very different from the Academy is involved at two levels: at a National Science & Engineering Week conventional. national level it has contributed advice in March. Engineers featured included on content and output standards while, Academy Fellows Wendy Hall CBE (Senior In addition to innovative delivery, the at a local level, the engagement has been Vice President), Peter Head OBE, Sir James content of the course is carefully balanced. much deeper. Dyson CBE, Professor Sir Michael Brady, At Level 1, students get only a taste of Professor Sir Michael Sweeting, Dr Alex engineering one day a week, leaving their The engineering diploma runs as a pilot Moulton CBE and Honorary Fellow Lord options open for the rest of the time. in a few local authorities from September Sainsbury of Turville.
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Tragically Tsz was killed in a bicycle The teachers were also involved development of an ethics training course accident just weeks after publication, but with placement days at science and for engineers, and the installation of a his family and friends have asked that the engineering companies around the striking arts piece at the Science Museum’s booklet is still used in memory of Tsz’s country under the Shape the Future –STEPS Dana Centre to inspire discussion on how passion for engineering and everything at Work programme. These included engineering impacts on our lives and bodies. else he undertook with great success the BMW Research Centre, Jodrell Bank, during his short life. London Eye and Stagecoach Manchester. Martin Earwicker FREng, Chair of the Ingenious grants panel says, “We want to Contact: [email protected] The week was a huge success, with over see contemporary engineers engaging 660,000 people taking part. in real discussion about the 21st century engineering challenges they are addressing.” National Science & Contact: [email protected] Engineering Week A full list of the Awardees is available from www.raeng.org.uk/engagement 2007 Bringing engineers and society together Contact: [email protected] This nationwide event was designed to get as many people, especially school pupils, through drama and to participate in hands-on activities. The Development Academy, London Engineering Project (LEP) debate and Best Programmes added to the list of appeal events, which totalled over 3,000 for this first Engineers will be taking the stage alongside At the initiative of Fellows working year that engineering has been included. able bodied and disability athletes to debate the impact of engineering on the at Rolls-Royce, a proposal was made modern Olympics with school pupils. for Fellows connected currently or The LEP organised exciting hands-on The ‘By Design Group’ has won over historically with Rolls-Royce to make activities for local schools, including £25,000 to enable engineers to discuss the gifts to the Academy’s Building Fund Science Circus for primary pupils and evolution of sporting performance through and for Rolls-Royce plc to match Future Fuel for Year 9 and 10 secondary technological advances and the associated this fund with support for specific students. Added to this was a full day of ethical implications. educational activities. Go4SET organised by the Engineering Development Trust which challenged This is one of 15 projects funded in the The goal for the Fellows is to raise teams of Year 9 students to devise a water first round of the Academy’s Ingenious – enough monies for a room in 3 conservation system. After school each engaging citizens; engaging engineers grants Carlton House Terrace to be named day, pupils were given the opportunity scheme. In addition to raising public after Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce to go to the cinema to see a thought awareness through imaginative formats, who, one certainly thinks, would provoking film about engineering. a particular objective is to encourage have been Fellows had the Academy dialogue between citizens and engineers existed in their day. The Fellows have The Smallpeice Trust organised whole-day on both the applications and implications committed nearly £85,000 to date. events throughout the week for schools in of engineering in society. London, South Yorkshire and Warwickshire Rolls-Royce plc has commissioned the Academy to develop and deliver for students in Year 9 about to make their Other funded activities include the making learning materials for (particularly subject options for GCSE. Working in small of a schools’ online drama production new) maths and physics teachers teams the students had to put on their to stimulate debate about engineering, throughout the country that design hats to come up with answers to surveillance and civil liberties, the set maths and physics within an engineering challenges. London Museum, Science Hills, Jennie engaging engineering context The Academy also partnered the University and make these subjects more of Southampton in a series of events over interesting to the students. This work nearly three weeks including family days at complements the Rolls-Royce Science the National Oceanography Centre and its Prize, an annual awards programme Boldrewood campus where they could fly which rewards and promotes an Airbus A380 simulator, identify and feel teamwork in science teaching parts of a (pig) body and build electronic throughout the UK and Ireland. circuits. There were also lectures by the RNLI and a science presentation entitled We wish to express our very warm ‘Life, Water and the Planet’. The festivities thanks to the 18 Fellows who have were rounded off by Professor Kathy so far made personal donations and Sykes who showed local students the to Rolls-Royce for this very welcome Philip Greenish takes part in a public debate support of the Academy. importance of science and engineering on engineering and the ‘Big Brother’ society at and that it is them who will Shape the the Science Museum’s Dana Centre, one of the Contact: [email protected] Future. organisations awarded an Ingenious grant.
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8 October 2007 After more than seven years service in the Events Academy moves to 3 Carlton House role of Pre-University and Undergraduate Terrace Programme Manager, Dr Peter Revell A selection of forthcoming events. For the left the Academy on the 8 June to work full events programme visit www.raeng. 10 October 2007 on a number of other projects. His org.uk/events Hinton Lecture contribution to the development of the Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, Best Programme was significant. 4 July 2007 London, SW1Y 5AG Annual General Meeting Contact: [email protected] Craig Clarke is leaving the Academy to The Royal Aeronautical Society, London W1J take up a place at Roehampton University, Contact: [email protected] 5 November 2007 where he will be studying English Language & Linguistics. 11 July 2007, 2.00pm New Fellows Dinner A Philosophy of Engineering Seminar: Drapers’ Hall, London EC2 AI and IT – Where Engineering and Contact: [email protected] Philosophy Meet Chair: Professor Wendy Hall CBE FREng Staff News Speakers: Professor Nigel Shadbolt FREng, Professor Igor Aleksander FREng and Dr Liz Read has joined the Academy’s Obituaries Dr Ron Chrisley, University of Sussex Education Programmes team as the Air Marshal Sir Geoffrey Ford KBE Location: TBC Education Innovator for the London CB FREng died on the 1 April. Before Contact: [email protected] Engineering Project. Liz joined from his retirement he was the Secretary of Coventry University where she was a The Institute of Materials. 19 July 2007, 300pm senior lecturer. She will be working closely Academy Briefing: with University College London. Dr Harry Jack FREng died on the 16 The Security of Personal Information – A April. Before his retirement he was Follow Up to the Report ‘Dilemmas of Shafiq Ahmed has joined the Academy as Technical Director, Davy Morris Ltd Privacy and Surveillance’ Assistant Manager, International Affairs. Prior (Davy Corporation). Chair: Professor Nigel Gilbert FREng to this, Shafiq was completing a DPhil in Speakers: Dr Martyn Thomas CBE, Materials Science at the University of Oxford. Dr Keith Kent FREng died on the Consultant, David Birch, Consult Hyperion, 29 March. Prior to his retirement he Tom Ilube, CEO Garlik, 4th Speaker TBC Dr Loredana Santoro has left the was Director of Quality Assurance 29 Great Peter Street, London SW1P Academy to join the Institute of Systems Technical Support, MOD. Contact: [email protected] Biology at Imperial College as Operation Manager, Research and Administration. Sir George Macfarlane CB FREng 13 September 2007, 4.00pm for 4.30pm died on 20 May. He was Controller, R&D Lecture Series in Mobile Establishments & Research, MoD, before Telecommunications & Networks: HM The Queen’s becoming a Board Member at British Technological Steps to Future Mobile Birthday Honours Telecom plc. He was a Founder Fellow. Communications Networks Mr Linley Ollier FREng died on the Chair: Professor Michael Walker FREng 2007 8 June. He was Formerly Chairman, Speaker: Professor Gerhard Fettweis Allott & Lomax, Consulting Engineers. 29 Great Peter Street, London SW1P Commanders of the Order of the Contact: [email protected] British Empire (CBE) Mr Desmond Pratt FREng died on 15 December 2006. Before his 25 September 2007 John Patrick Cheffins FREng – Chief retirement he was Research Fellow at Fellows’ Visit: Operating Officer, Rolls-Royce. For Courtaulds plc. Magnetic Resonance Imaging services to Indsustry. Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Professor John Webb FREng died Centre, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD Dr Roger Urwin FREng – Lately on 2 April. He was Emeritus Professor Contact: [email protected] Group Chief Executive, National Grid of Applied Geochemistry, Imperial plc. For services to the Energy Industry. College London.
News Summer 2007
Published by The Royal Academy of Engineering The Royal Academy of Engineering 29 Great Peter Street, London SW1P 3LW promotes excellence in the science, Tel: 020 7227 0500 Fax: 020 7233 0054 www.raeng.org.uk art and practice of engineering. Edited and designed by Angus Dawson Registered charity number 293074
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