RAEng News Spring 2010 News Spring 2010

President’s column 2 making things better campaign launch 3 SET for Britain 4 Awards 5 Policy and Public Affairs 6 International 8 New Year Honours 9 News of 9 Education 10 Obituaries 12 Spring events 2010 12

Engineering the future – a vision for UK engineering Over recent months, the Academy has been working closely with its partners in the Engineering the future alliance to produce a shared vision for engineering. This has been circulated to the major political parties’ election manifesto writing teams. The vision document identifies the following five key priorities for a thriving UK economy, based on engineering innovation that builds on our national strengths and addresses the grand challenges of the 21st century. 1. Sustaining and encouraging investment in the skills for the future. World-class engineering and technology skills are critically important if the UK is to compete internationally and create the high-value, technology-based industries of the future. Engineering at all levels is underpinned by the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) taught at school. We call for a greater focus on STEM subjects with young people taught by STEM specialists and given access to focused careers advice. The wide range of pathways into the engineering profession, from 14-19 Diplomas to degree courses, must be supported and industry needs encouragement to provide apprenticeships and graduate training. The right level of investment in university engineering departments must be ensured to maintain the UK’s status as a world leader in engineering and science higher education. 2. Making the UK a leader in low carbon technology. In this section, we make the case for harnessing the UK’s capacity in engineering and scientific innovation to meet the challenges of climate change. We must seize the opportunities offered by low- carbon energy technologies and green innovation to become a world leader in these new industries. To incentivise investment, a stable, unambiguous and well-communicated policy and regulatory framework is needed, together with prioritisation of research funding for low-carbon energy technologies. There is also an urgent need to further reduce barriers to market entry and the costs of doing business. 3. Capitalising on the value of the UK science and engineering research base. The UK has a vibrant world-class engineering and science research base, with a wealth of new ideas and technologies. Greater interaction between business and universities is needed to realise the full potential of this research base and unlock innovation for the benefit of society. Government should encourage more collaboration and people exchange between businesses and universities to increase knowledge transfer into commercial applications. It is also vital that the government investment fund for innovative new companies is maintained and the current R&D tax credit scheme expanded to position the UK ahead of our European competitors. 4. Harnessing the power of public spending to encourage innovation. UK government public procurement is currently worth around £220 billion a year. With the right processes in place, public procurement could be used more effectively to foster innovation, improve public services and provide better value for money, taking advantage of emerging technologies to reduce costs. There must be a better balance struck between the short term drive for low cost and risk and the long term national benefits of seeking novel solutions. 5. Making greater use of engineering advice in government policy making. In the final section of the document, we highlight how the delivery of most areas of public policy has an engineering dimension that needs to be considered at the start of – not the end of – the policy making process. We call on government to develop the policy making contribution of engineers within the civil service and also systematically draw upon the expertise of the professional engineering community. We argue strongly that where appropriate, Chief Engineering Advisers must be recruited to government departments in addition to, or instead of, Chief Scientific Advisers. The Academy will continue to actively engage with the major political parties in the lead up to the 2010 election to ensure that the engineering message is clear. In the autumn, the Academy and its partners will also be attending the main party conferences, building on a series of successful fringe meetings in 2009. Fellows can download the full vision document at www.raeng.org.uk/societygov/public_affairs/thefuture.htm We are also working on a flyer that summarises the vision’s key points, which will soon be available via the above webpage. Lastly, we are pleased to offer a service whereby Fellows can obtain details of their constituency prospective parliamentary candidates should they wish to contact them and take the discussion forward. To utilise this service or for more information on the vision for engineering and the Engineering the future alliance, please contact: Tim Julier, Programme Manager, The Royal Academy of Engineering [email protected] or 020 7766 0655 RAEng News Spring 2010

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN as a most encouraging pipeline. Recent donations include a £1 million gift from the Ruler of Sharjah, for which we are most grateful to Lord Broers FREng, who has brought this about. The funds will transform the Academy’s building into a national Forum for Engineering and help put engineering at the heart of Britain’s future. The funds will also work to attract more young people into all levels of the engineering profession through targeted expansion of our education and engagement activities. From left to right: Sir John Parker FREng, Alan Curtis, Dr Eleanor Stride, Brian Wood, Paul By working closely with partners, we are Cooper, Dr Patrick Naylor, Lord Browne of Madingley making our funds and our know-how go further and we are making things better for The following is based on a speech given by As engineers, we sit at the interface our society and for many young people the President to Fellows attending the launch between science and society. Whether it’s directly. of the Academy’s making things better low-carbon energy sources, robotic tools The quest for new funds continues apace, campaign on 4 March 2010 at 3 Carlton to aid medical surgery or faster and more with the goal of initiating work on the House Terrace. sophisticated communications technology, Forum in 2011. Major gift commitments the products and services developed by The event included presentations from five have often been achieved through engineers are designed with specific, real- of the Academy’s current beneficiaries on connections made by the Fellowship world problems in mind. how the Academy has ‘made things better’ and your help in this regard is much for them and for society. The President also With the right policies, the right attitudes appreciated. During the year, we plan to took the opportunity to thank the campaign’s and, importantly, the right partnerships hold a series of regional meetings to keep chairman, Sir John Parker FREng, and the and commitment to action, Britain can you informed of our progress; we will also campaign board for their excellent work. become a beacon of high-end industry be writing to the Fellowship to invite your and manufacturing, contributing its support in completing our campaign. Firstly I would like to take the opportunity engineering expertise to the global to thank most warmly all those who have community. given their generous support to help us acquire this building [3 Carlton House Yet engineers often appear bashful about Terrace] and for all donations to the publicising their achievements. Humility making things better campaign, which we is a virtue but there is still a lack of are officially launching today. understanding among the general public about what it is that engineers actually do. The Academy is founded on its Fellowship. There is also a general lack of enthusiasm You are all people of great distinction, about engineering among young people at the top of your profession and who who may view engineering roles as dull cover the entire spectrum of engineering. and uninspiring rather than creative and I believe that, with the current wealth of rewarding. As a leadership institution it is expertise among its Fellows, the Academy our job to reverse these trends. is stronger than ever. We have a great story to tell and I know Our position as a leader of the engineering many of you are engaged in telling it. But profession has been reinforced by we must now do more to make ourselves Meetings and visitors important statements from Government heard in society. I want the making things The President has recently met: and Parliament. I am pleased to say that better campaign to be part of writing the Academy is now working together a new narrative for engineering – a HRH Prince Philip, with the engineering institutions and narrative which looks forward to growth The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT leading organisations in the profession in and success, not backwards to doom and Senior ways that are breaking new ground. decline. Helen Alexander CBE It’s worth repeating that our achievements The funds being raised by the making President, Confederation of British Industry depend entirely on the active participation things better campaign will help to Lord Rees of Ludlow OM KT PRS of the Fellows – both in terms of thought address these issues. I think the launch of President, the Royal Society leadership and practical assistance. this campaign could not be more timely. Andrew Mitchell MP The title of our campaign – making things Our aim is to raise £16.5 million; and I’m better – is something of which every very pleased that we already have firm Professor Sir Adam Roberts KCMG FBA engineer can take ownership. pledges for more than £5.5 million as well President, the British Academy

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making things Breakfast launch better: the launch The Academy’s making things better development campaign was launched on 4 March 2010, with three celebration events. The campaign aims to raise £16.5 million for the Academy’s education and engagement work and to create a national Forum for Engineering at 3 Carlton House Terrace. The campaign has made a flying start with gifts of £5.5 million already announced in its Dick Olver FREng, campaign board member first few days from donors including Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, major trusts and foundations The initial launch event provided an such as the Wolfson opportunity to thank supporters, reveal Foundation and the Anglo to a new audience the work of the American Foundation and Academy and show plans for the forum global engineering companies for Engineering at 3 Carlton House including BAE Systems plc, Terrace. BP plc, National Grid plc, Speeches by Academy President Petrofac Services Ltd and Shell Lord Browne, Sir John Parker, chair of International Ltd. the campaign board, and Dick Olver, If you would like to find out a member of the campaign board, more about the campaign, you highlighted the importance of the Stephen Whittaker, Schlumberger; Hayaatun Sillem, can visit Academy’s work and in particular RAEng; Angela Seay, David & Elaine Potter Foundation; www.raeng.org.uk/ the aims of the making things better Charlotte Edgeworth, Anglo American Foundation development campaign.

Fellows’ lunch Evening reception at St James’s Palace The Academy held a special event for Fellows to celebrate the launch of the campaign. In addition to speeches from Lord Browne and Sir John Parker, Fellows were given inspiring presentations from a range of Academy beneficiaries. The Academy would like to thank all the Fellows who have supported the acquisition of the Academy’s headquarters and the making things better campaign. A donor board is now on display in the reception area of 3 Carlton House Terrace.

Prince Philip with Past President Lord Broers (left) and a founder Fellow, Sir Hugh Ford

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, founder and with the handing over of £1 million Senior Fellow of the Academy, hosted towards the development of the a special reception at St James’s Palace Forum for Engineering by Sultan Bin to mark the launch of the making things Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. better campaign. The event was attended by many Fittingly, the reception was held in the eminent engineers, some of whom Queen Anne Room, where the inaugural are new to the Academy’s work. Other meeting of the Fellowship of Engineering attendees came from a range of partners, took place in 1976. including global companies and Fellows Sir Peter Gershon and Sir John Parker The evening got off to a successful start charitable institutions.

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RESEARCH Sir Ned Warner Showcasing Britain’s engineers celebrates century The Academy has continued to play a leading role in the SET for Britain poster Sir Frederick ‘Ned’ Warner FREng has competition, organised by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee and held become an Academy centenarian. at the House of Commons. The event highlights the excellent research being undertaken by Britain’s early-career engineers, scientists and technologists. A founding Fellow, he will have reached the landmark birthday on 31 March 2010. The one-day event was held on 8 March 2010, when 180 research projects were It marks a further milestone in a life that presented to MPs and peers. The 60 engineering posters were presented by has seen Sir Ned Warner build a chemical researchers at varying career levels, including masters students and lecturers, and plant for manufacturing explosives in the represented research being conducted at 29 UK institutions. Second World War, become President The Engineering Medal was awarded to Julian Rose from the University of Bath for of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, his research on ionospheric tomography, a new technique that can prevent delays in and lead the first international team to GPS signalling caused by global ionospheric storms. The runner-up prize went to Dr examine the after-effects of the Chernobyl Kosmas Tsakmakidis from the University of Surrey for his research into stopping light meltdown. using meta-materials, which will lead the way for the development of new hybrid Sir Ned Warner formed a team of experts, optoelectronic devices for information processing and telecommunication networks. each of whom were aged over 65, to visit Dr Tsakmakidis’ research was also recently published in Nature. the site of the nuclear disaster. This led to The research topics ranged from the development of commercial materials for the formation of Volunteers for Ionising tougher biodegradable bottles, detection of blockages in natural gas pipelines, Radiation, a 100-strong team of engineers autonomous science for planetary exploration, the safe design of nuclear reactors who would visit areas affected by nuclear and organic memory devices. In addition to winning the Engineering prize, Julian incidents to make initial damage estimates. was also awarded The Westminster Medal which is presented to the best poster He began his career in the 1930s, working presentation of the day. shifts in a chemical plant. After his retirement from full-time work in 1980 he has continued to act as a consultant.

Academy CEO Philip Greenish, winner Julian Rose, runner-up Dr Kosmas Tskamakidis and chair of the judge panel, Professor Liz Tanner FREng Research Fellow prepares for bad weather Academy and EPSRC-sponsored Research through evaluation of probabilistic Fellow Dr Patrick McSharry has been in the forecasts. Weather prediction is perhaps media spotlight recently as his research the most pertinent application of this 100 years old: Sir Frederick ‘Ned’ Warner FREng could help the UK be better prepared for research but others include biomedical extreme weather conditions. time series, speech modelling and risk In an interview with the BBC’s Newsnight, management in healthcare and energy President’s book Dr McSharry argued that people could sectors. Academy President Lord Browne be better prepared for variations in the Dr McSharry’s first appointment since published his autobiography in weather if forecasters provided greater completing the Fellowship is to lead the February 2010. The book, Beyond detail, such as the chance of snow or Smith School’s Centre for Catastrophe Risk heavy rain. Business, covers his business life as chief Financing at Oxford, the first of its kind in executive of BP for 12 years – including the world. The centre has been established During his Fellowship Dr McSharry the engineering feats and high-level to study the risks associated with natural developed techniques that could meetings with the world’s elected provide this information by accounting disasters and to develop effective and leaders. for uncertainty in modelling processes sustainable methods to manage those risks.

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AWARDS AND EVENTS ‘mHealth’ technology Award for satellite specialist The NHS could save hundreds of millions of pounds if it used mobile technology Dr Alexandre Pechev, Lecturer in Control Engineering from Surrey Space Centre to deliver aspects of healthcare, Professor at the University of Surrey, has won the Academy’s ERA Foundation Entrepreneurs Lionel Tarassenko FREng told an audience Award 2010. at the Academy’s headquarters in February Dr Pechev’s research into the control of satellites in space, using complex software 2010. algorithms, opens the possibility, for the first time, of truly interactive, real-time, Professor Tarassenko spoke on mHealth: full-body animation of characters in video games and other computer-generated mobile technology for 21st century environments. healthcare, as part of the ninth lecture in Games currently use motion capture and animation libraries to animate characters the Vodafone series. He outlined his vision because of a lack of adequate processing power. This leads to unrealistic characters for delivering healthcare remotely, using with limited interaction. Dr Pechev developed an algorithm that allows animation to mobile phone-based monitoring to reduce take place in real time, and placed it in IKinema software due to come to market in hospital admissions. This could potentially 2010. save the NHS £750 million a year, he said. In-game characters will be able to truly People with long-term conditions, such interact with each other and scenery in as diabetes and hypertension, could real time. The algorithm can be applied share health data with a ‘remote nurse’ to any platform from mobile phones to through their mobile phones. This high-end games consoles. would, Professor Tarassenko said, lead to reduced admissions and also facilitate Dr Pechev says: “IKinema is yet another early discharge of patients from hospital example of research carried out in our supported by home-based monitoring universities which will have worldwide programmes. impact far beyond its original concept and I hope this award will inspire others Read a transcript of the event at to undertake similar commercialisation www.raeng.org.uk/events ERA Foundation award winner Dr Pechev steps.”

Sustained Achievement Award Sir Bernard Crossland CBE FREng FRS In 1959 he became Professor of was awarded the Academy’s Sustained Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, Achievement Medal for his contribution where he went on to serve as Head of to engineering education and research. Department, Head of Faculty, and Pro Vice-Chancellor. During his professional career and following his retirement, Sir Bernard His achievements in research include forged links with industry and academia the development of explosive welding and played a leading role in investigations in prototype nuclear reactors, and including the Kings Cross Underground high-pressure engineering for an ICI fire and Ladbroke Grove rail disaster. polyethylene plant. Professor Lionel Tarassenko FREng Rooke medal The Academy’s Public Promotion of Engineering Medal has been renamed in honour of former President, the late Sir Denis Rooke OM CBE FREng FRS. The new Rooke Medal for the Public Promotion of Engineering is due to be presented for the first time at the Academy’s Awards Dinner on 7 June. Sir Denis devoted much of his career and private time in giving support to young people engaged in the public promotion of engineering. Sir Bernard Crossland FREng (left) is presented his award by Professor Robert Mair FREng

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POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS Generating future energy Planning energy Energy has been the focus of two Academy reports over the last 18 months. The infrastructure second, launched on 17 March 2010, Generating the Future: UK energy systems fit for In November 2009, the Government 2050, considers possible energy scenarios that could meet the UK Government target published the first of its draft of 80% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. National Policy Statements for Energy The four scenarios proposed describe the whole energy system in its widest sense Infrastructure (NPS). These cover five and illustrate the enormous engineering challenge faced. Although each scenario separate sectors: fossil fuels, renewable is based on different assumptions of the level of energy demand and which energy, gas and oil networks, electricity technologies will be utilised, it is clear that the energy system of 2050 will be very networks and nuclear power, together different from the energy system of the past few decades. Restrictions on carbon with a general overarching NPS. emissions from the use of fossil fuels will require a degree of electrification for both The Academy, along with the IET, ICE, transportation and low-grade heat and, even if the capacity of renewable power IMechE and IChemE, submitted a joint is increased to as high a level as is realistically possible. Nuclear power, along with response to the main consultation that carbon capture and storage, will also be needed. was carried out by the Department of There is no single ‘silver bullet’ solution that will achieve the required 80% cuts in Energy and Climate Change as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Fundamental restructuring of the whole of the UK’s a simultaneous inquiry carried out by energy system will be unavoidable. Demand reductions across all sectors of the the corresponding House of Commons economy will be critical through a combination of increased efficiencies and Select Committee. behavioural change. The full suite of low-carbon energy supply technologies already The Academy’s response recognised available (or identified as credible) will be needed, including: nuclear, renewables and the urgent need to reform the planning carbon capture and storage. The scale of these engineering challenges is vast. system – the current system being The working group, chaired by Dr Dame Sue Ion FREng, highlighted the fact that prone to long delays – and the need for implementing fundamental changes to a system as large and complex as the UK’s a strategic approach to energy policy. energy system can only be achieved with the political will to drive the changes It also supported the basic premises forward. The market can only be relied on to a limited extent and the combined of the Government’s national energy challenges of climate change, security of supply and affordability require a more policy, namely that the future energy directed approach, which concentrates on facilitating and ensuring delivery of the system must increase efficiency and necessary infrastructure. This means reorganising Government departments to reduce demand wherever possible; coordinate action and provide the clear and stable long-term framework for business be made up of as diverse a range of and the public. This coordination is not currently evident. primary fuels as possible; and increase the proportion of low-carbon energy. The report concluded that implementing such fundamental and widespread changes across the planning, industrial, technological, economic, business and To see a full list of Academy responses, customer dimensions of the UK’s energy system will only be achievable in the visit context of a national strategy to coordinate and drive the process. www.raeng.org.uk/news/publications The full report can be found at www.raeng.org.uk/gtf Meetings round-up In the run-up to the General Election, Government report on Science for All representatives from the three main political parties were invited to contribute a piece A new report, Science recent years for engaging the public for All, was published with science and technology and lays for Ingenia magazine, outlining their views on 9 February out a roadmap for all science-related on the importance of engineering to the 2010 as part of the organisations, the Government and other nation’s future (see Ingenia 42). UK science and interested groups, to commit to take Over recent months, the Academy has society strategy action. been holding a number of meetings with commissioned by The report draws on the Government’s frontbench spokespeople of all parties to the Department of previous consultation, and on seven discuss the role of engineering in areas of Business Innovation pieces of wider research, out of which public policy. Science for All report and Skills (BIS). the Academy specifically led on the PolicyNet, the Academy-hosted network of The Academy formed part of the expert research to develop a competency policy professionals, has invited the three group, commissioned by BIS to focus on framework for public engagement. main political parties to visit the Academy a public engagement strategy for all the The report and supporting documents to outline their views on science and science-based disciplines. can be downloaded from: engineering policy. The first guest will be The report identifies an urgent need www.bis.gov.uk/science-for-all- Adam Afriyie, Conservative MP and Shadow to build on approaches developed in report-launched Minister for Science and Innovation, who will speak at the Academy on 12 April 2010.

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- APEG Integrating health technology The Associate Parliamentary Engineering On 19 January 2010, the UK Focus the session were Professor David Delpy, Group held a meeting in the House for Biomedical Engineering hosted a FREng FMedSci FRS, Chief Executive of Commons on 25 January 2010 on briefing seminar on the integration EPSRC; Colin Callow, National Technology the topic of how to rebalance the UK’s of new technologies into the clinical Adoption Centres; Professor Graham economy. Chaired by Bill Olner MP, environment. Spittle CBE, Chair of the Technology the meeting was addressed by Helen Globally, healthcare is becoming Strategy Board; Dr Leonard Fass, GE Alexander, President of the CBI, and increasingly dependent on engineering Healthcare; and Dr John O’Dea, Crospon. President Lord Browne. technology. The UK has plenty The day brought together a range of The debate focused on how to create a of expertise in the research and delegates from across the biomedical more diverse economic base, in favour of development of such technology and bioengineering fields who heard hi-tech, high-value industries. but, historically, we have been less from experts on integrating health adept at exploiting and integrating The President said, “Our focus should be on technology into the UK medical these developments into the clinical reinventing our success and learning from environment, the challenges of environment for the benefit of patients our failure. The impact of the low carbon implementing new technologies into and the UK economy. economy will be enormous but society the NHS, assistance available from the and business will benefit.” In recent years, it has become recognised Technology Strategy Board, enabling Outlining the role of the CBI in promoting that both benefits need to be realised technologies around the patient, along business and industry, Helen Alexander and organisations now exist to with a case study on EndoFLIP, a new pointed out that engineering and encourage those processes. Healthcare gastro-diagnostic tool. manufacturing form 13% of UK’s GDP technology is complex and expensive – it – more than the finance sectors. is important that correct decisions are Feedback from the day was positive, with made regarding its implementation. delegates particularly interested in how to make introducing their technology Guidelines on scientific This seminar discussed the development into the UK health environment easier. of such technologies and their advice to government The Academy would like to thank Dr integration into the healthcare system. In February 2010 the Academy responded Chaired by Professor Tony Unsworth Patrick Magee for organising the seminar to the Government consultation on FREng, Chair of the UK Focus for as well as the speakers and delegates Guidelines on Scientific Analysis in Policy Biomedical Engineering, speakers at who made this event a success. Making. The guidelines provide a high- level framework for addressing the way in Young people debate privacy which Government departments obtain and use science and engineering advice. On 5 and 6 March 2010, the Academy held Mind Your Own Business (MYOB), a young The response highlighted several key people’s conference on privacy, technology and society, funded by the issues, including that engineering input and the Research Councils. into policy formulation is vital and not just As part of a wider Theatre of Debate programme to raise young people’s awareness about the end-point implementation. Also, on the use of personal information, led by Y Touring Theatre Company, the two-day that engineering advice can contribute to conference explored concerns over the privacy and security of personal data and how the development of policy itself and it is that balances against potential benefits for society. therefore crucial that it is taken in the early stages of policy development. The conference placed science, technology and engineering within a social context, and gave attendees the chance to explore, debate and discuss Publications received related issues. Through a series Beyond Business – An Inspirational of activities, young people were Memoir from a Visionary Leader, by urged to explore the impact of John Browne; donated by the author. engineering on society, question access to personal data, and Bristol to Bradford-on-Avon examine the use of electronic – A lifetime in engineering, by Dr A data to benefit wider society. Moulton; donated by the author. As part of the conference, Bridges: The science and art of the students were treated to a world’s most inspiring structures, by performance of Y Touring’s David Blockley; donated by the author. Breathing Country, a play that Bad Ideas? An Arresting History of explores the central themes of Our Inventions, by . MYOB, and is part-way through a Donated by the author. national tour. One of the sketches produced at the event by Luke Warm

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INTERNATIONAL Newton International Academy hears business Fellowship event The development of terahertz imaging views on EU research used in body scanners at airports and extreme objects in the outer solar system were just two of the cutting-edge research projects discussed at a meeting of Newton International Fellows on 16 February 2010. The Newton International Fellowship Scheme is a £13 million initiative to bring world-class international postdoctoral researchers to the UK. The scheme’s first 100 fellows gathered for the first time to discuss the potential applications of their research projects, and network with other Newton fellows and their British sponsors. Also in attendance were representatives John Hill, Colin Harper, Professor Ric Parker FREng, and Paul Jenkins from leading UK universities, research On 15 January 2010, the Academy hosted a workshop which brought together councils, and foreign embassies. industry and government to help develop the UK position for the primary EU The scheme was established in 2008 by research funding programme. the British Academy, the Royal Society The European Union’s Eighth Framework Programme for Research and Technological and The Royal Academy of Engineering to Development (FP8) will not be launched until late 2013, but debate is already under build a network of postdoctoral research way in Brussels and among EU member states on the shape it may take. leaders with lifelong links to UK research and education institutions. It has so far While the UK’s universities continue to win substantial European Union R&D awarded 100 fellowships worth up to contracts, there are concerns that UK business performance at this level has tailed £100,000 each to highly talented and off in recent years. The Academy’s workshop invited industry figures to discuss their promising young academics in natural experience of previous Framework Programmes and to provide suggestions on what sciences, social sciences, engineering and changes could be made in future to maximise industry participation. the humanities from countries such as The workshop was chaired by Professor Sir William Wakeham FREng, the Academy’s Brazil, China and the US. International Secretary, and attended by over 100 guests from a wide range of The Newton International Fellowship industry sectors. Speakers included Professor Ric Parker FREng, Director of Research scheme has become a recognised brand and Technology at Rolls-Royce Group, as well as representatives of Pfizer, QinetiQ, across the world, helping UK universities BT, the Technology Strategy Board and PERA (a European innovation and business and research institutions to develop their support consultancy). The event was sponsored by the Department for Business, international connections and promote Innovation and Skills. global partnerships. The scheme has been There was strong agreement at the meeting that the EU application and auditing very successful in attracting some of the systems needed to be simplified if greater business participation was to be achieved. world’s brightest early-career researchers Funding mechanisms should be revised to give more weight to exploitation than and in establishing links that will benefit novelty. In high-technology areas, the EU also needed to aggressively promote the the UK research base for many years. results of its research among international standards bodies and key multinationals in (Continues on page 9) order to achieve industry acceptance. The Academy was also instrumental in International Fellows preparing a European engineering response The Proactive International Fellowship to an EU consultation on its strategy to Group strives to ensure that the pool of return to sustainable economic growth by candidates for International Fellowships 2020. The response, produced on behalf of better reflects both the Academy’s Euro-CASE, the umbrella group of European international priorities and the wider engineering academies, drew attention international society within which the to the need for increased investment in Academy exists. STEM education across the continent, called for the European Commission to We are currently looking to increase the solicit engineering policy advice at an number of nominations and welcome earlier stage in the development of policy your suggestions. For further information and recommended the appointment of a regarding international nominations please Sir William Wakeham FREng European Chief Engineer. contact Dr Shafiq Ahmed. [email protected]

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Among the speakers at the event were Philip Greenish CBE, Chief Executive New Year Honours News of Fellows of The Royal Academy of Engineering, Several Academy Fellows received Lord Rees FRS, President of the Royal Professor Arthur Bergles was Society, Professor Duncan Gallie FBA, honours at the start of 2010. awarded an honorary doctorate Foreign Secretary of the British Academy, Dame Commander of the Order of from Sapienza University of Rome. and Professor David Clary FRS, Chief the British Empire Professor Howard Chase was Scientific Adviser to the Foreign and appointed Head of the School Commonwealth Office. Dr Susan Elizabeth Ion OBE Visiting Professor, Imperial College, of Technology at Cambridge The talks were followed by a poster session and Chair, UK Fusion Advisory University’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. where over 40 Newton fellows presented Board. For services to Science and their work. It is hoped that the event will Engineering. Dr Alfonso Farina was awarded the be an annual occasion for Newton fellows IEEE Dennis J Picard Medal for Radar both past and present to showcase their Commanders of the Order of the Technologies and Applications. research and network with a range of British Empire (CBE) stakeholders. Dame Julia Higgins and Professor Professor Robert James Mair FRS Helen Atkinson were both Fifty Newton Fellowships for 2011 will Master of Jesus College and Professor of named Women of Outstanding be announced later this year. For further Geotechnical Engineering, University of Achievement by the UK Resource information visit Cambridge. For services to Engineering. www.newtonfellowships.org Centre for Women in Science, David Malcolm Orr Engineering and Technology. Director of Corporate Services, Professor Tony Kinloch was Department of Finance and Personnel, awarded the Royal Society’s Executive. Armourers and Brasiers’ Company Adrian Shooter Prize. Chairman, Chiltern Railway Company Professor Trevor Kletz was awarded Ltd. For services to the Rail Industry. the Society of Chemical Industries’ Officers of the Order of the British Mond Health and Safety Award. Empire (OBE) Professor Adrian Long was Alexander Beveridge Anderson DL awarded the James Alfred Ewing Chairman of Governors, University Medal 2009 by the Institution of of Teesside. For services to the Civil Engineers. Professor Long and Community in the North East. his team were also awarded the Construct Award 2009 for Innovation Dr Andrew James Herbert and its adoption. Managing Director, Microsoft Research, Cambridge. For services to Computer Dr Henry McDonald was awarded Science. the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Gold Medal 2009. Professor John Alexander McDermid Professor Alvin Nienow For services to the Defence Industry. was Ukrainian Newton fellow Dr Oleksiy Sydoruk awarded the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ 2009 Plenary Academy supports disaster relief charity Lecture Award. The Academy has become a Patron of RedR, the leading training and recruitment Barrie Scuffham was awarded an charity for international disaster relief. The Academy’s Senior Vice President, Professor honorary Fellowship of Newcastle Robert Mair, said: “The Academy is strongly committed to the application of University. engineering to poverty reduction and helping communities rebuild in key areas such as water and sanitation, shelter, and infrastructure, following natural disasters. Professor John Wood CBE was Everything that RedR strives for is central to the Academy’s key strategies.” appointed Secretary General of RedR is appealing for emergency funding as it steps up its activity in Haiti in response the Association of Commonwealth to the devastating earthquake which killed an estimated 230,000 people in January. Universities. The sheer scale of the disaster has meant that there is a shortage of skilled staff. RedR is delivering urgently-needed training to develop skills in logistics, water, Professor Paul Younger DL was sanitation, hygiene and security, ensuring that the best possible aid is being delivered appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the to the 3 million people affected. County of Tyne and Wear. He was Further funding will mean that RedR can expand its efforts to respond to the also awarded an honorary doctorate unprecedented need in Haiti. If you would like to donate please visit by the National University of St www.redr.org.uk/donate Augustin, Arequipa, Peru.

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EDUCATION 14-19 Diploma in Engineering Tomorrow’s Engineers The 14-19 Diploma in Engineering was officially launched in September 2008, with a pilot in the boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth in London. The qualification is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a good understanding of the engineering sector. There are currently around 30 UK schools and colleges delivering the Level 3 (A Level) Diploma, although this figure looks set to rise in September 2010. The initial aims of the programme were to gain an understanding of the progress of the Diploma in schools and colleges, identify good practice and listen to the concerns of lecturers and teachers to build strong relationships between the Academy and post- 16 engineering educators. Facilitating the sharing of resources as part of the initiative is particularly important for the lecturers who are delivering the Diploma.

It is already clear that the practitioners delivering the Diploma are experienced and EngineeringUK and the Academy have committed to making the qualification a success for their students. Engineering announced the launch of Tomorrow’s businesses are proving very supportive and providing students with fantastic Engineers, a determined effort to reach out opportunities to learn in commercial and industrial contexts. Lecturers and teachers to the next generation of engineers and have commented on how the Diploma appears to be better at preparing their technicians at a time when society and the students for university and employment than traditional A Levels. Most importantly, economy needs them most. students are expressing how much they enjoy the variety of topics they get to study Tomorrow’s Engineers brings together a and, not surprisingly, how they are inspired by visits to engineering companies. number of well-established organisations Developed in consultation with industry, the Diploma covers topics such as that promote engineering to young mathematics for engineers, scientific principles and engineering enterprise. It places a people: Primary Engineer, Stem Cymru strong emphasis on the need for students to learn through practical activities and (incorporating Engineering Education industrial settings and is suitable for students who wish to progress to university or Scheme Wales), (Northern join the workforce. Ireland), The Engineering Development Trust, The Industrial Trust, The Smallpeice The Academy was actively involved in the development of the Diploma and was Trust, Young Engineers and Young instrumental in helping Southwark and Lambeth to become a pilot consortium for Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland the new qualification in 2008. It produced the Mathematics for Engineering resources (SCDI). available to Diploma students and has recently commissioned specialists to produce It aims to extend the reach of these teaching and learning resources for the plant maintenance unit. organisations by providing funding for Stylli Charalampous and Dominic Nolan have joined the Academy to support the work with young people and support with colleges and schools that are delivering the Post-16 (Level 3) Diploma in Engineering. identifying schools and evaluating impact. It builds on the work of the Academy’s Sports venue design Best Programme, which will continue to Summer Soirée support post-19 engineering students, The Academy is supporting a sports with Tomorrow’s Engineers reaching out to The Academy is always pleased to venue design competition led by design younger students. receive suggestions from Fellows for and construction group Arup and events and activities. In particular, The founding partners for Tomorrow’s jointly supported by SportsAid and the imaginative offers to host the Engineers are EngineeringUK, The Royal Construction Youth Trust. Academy’s Summer Soirée or visits by Academy of Engineering and Lloyd’s The brief is to design a sports venue for Fellows are always welcome and are Register Educational Trust. These are any sport, new or old, existing or future. now being considered for the coming being joined by further supporters from The aim is to raise interest, engagement three years. industry and the professional engineering institutions. and excitement in engineering, design and As many readers will know from construction. experience, a Soirée allows VIPs, Fellows For more information, please visit www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk It is open to 12-14 year old students from of the Academy, their partners, and schools within London, particularly the five other guests to enjoy entertaining 2012 Olympic boroughs: Waltham Forest, displays of engineering expertise occasion. A typical Fellows’ visit attracts Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, and associated with the host – typically, up to 30 Fellows, and includes technical a company, university or research Newham. Judging is over two rounds and tours and presentations by key staff. organisation. This is followed by the final will take place on 29 April 2010 at a dinner for 200 to 300 guests. A For further information please contact Arup’s London offices in Fitzroy Street. For successful Soirée marries engineering Amy Abbott on 020 7766 0641 or more information, visit fascination with an enjoyable social [email protected] www.maddesign.ning.com

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Support for teaching Update: National HE STEM Programme design programme The London Engineering Project and the Welsh Engineering Project are jointly preparing to roll out the effective practice lessons learned over their lifetimes. This is in The Academy has announced an exciting response to a call by the National HE STEM Programme for collaborative proposals to new programme to support Visiting transfer and embed good practice within higher education institutions. Teaching Fellowships in Engineering Design, with a particular emphasis on the The National HE STEM Programme is a £21 million, three-year initiative funded by the built environment. Higher Education Funding Councils for England and Wales (HEFCE and HEFCW) that commenced on 1 August 2009 and is taking forward activities in three related strands. Supported by The Ove Arup Foundation, the programme will see 10 young The programme features activities to widen participation within the STEM disciplines industrial engineers appointed to leading at university level by working with those currently within the school and further universities from October 2010. The aim is education sectors. Activities include higher education curriculum developments, to enrich the undergraduate engineering focusing on course delivery and design, student support, and knowledge and skills. curriculum and learning experience by There are also activities to encourage those currently within the workforce, and relating and applying teaching material generally, without a prior university-level qualification to engage with further study to to the operational issues and real-life develop enhanced knowledge and skills. problems that graduate engineers often face when enter industry. Michael Grove of the National HE STEM Programme, said: “The nature of the call is to support the transfer and wider adoption of proven good practice within the higher The Foundation’s support of engineering education STEM sector. The National HE STEM Programme is making funding available design in the built environment is timely to those among HEFCE and HEFCW-funded higher education institutions to share given the publication of the Academy’s proven, evidence-based interventions directly related to its three strands of activity.” recent report, Engineering a low carbon built environment (see In Brief, Ingenia 42) The Royal Academy of Engineering’s National HE STEM Programme team will also which followed on from Arup’s support of be calling for other engineering-related proposals in the next few months as well a Visiting Professorship initiative in Building as holding a series of effective practice seminars in partnership with the Higher Engineering Physics. It is hoped that some Engineering Subject Centre. of the new posts will support Visiting For further details, visit www.thelep.org.uk/national Professors in this technical area. In addition to the technical aspects of For further details of the collaborative fund, visit www.stemprogramme.com their involvement, Visiting Teaching Fellows have proven to be inspiring role Engineering graduates for industry models for undergraduate engineers and The Academy has published a report innovative and sustained partnerships valuable in giving career advice. They have identifying how to increase the number between universities, business and also been instrumental in establishing of employable engineering graduates in industry. and building sustainable links between the UK. industry and academia. The report can be downloaded at: Commissioned by the Department www.raeng.org.uk/egi Academy at the for Business, Innovation and Skills, Engineering graduates for industry 2010 Design Festival provides details on how the teaching of The Academy will be organising a engineering degrees can be improved to programme of events and activities meet the skills required by industry. to coincide with the London Design A previous Academy report, Educating Festival 2010. At the invitation of the Engineers for the 21st Century, festival’s founder, Sir John Sorrell, the demonstrated that businesses are Academy will introduce an engineering looking for engineers who have design flavour to the week-long festival “practical experience of real industrial in September. environments”. With this in mind, The Academy has chosen Designing a Engineering graduates for industry focuses low carbon infrastructure for London as on the options available for enabling the title for its four-day programme, universities to develop experience-led which will be divided into daily themes teaching for engineering courses. dealing with transport, innovation, The report is based on a wide-ranging buildings, and a London schools day study of engineering higher education, dedicated to low-impact living and the which found that experience-led London of 2050. For more details visit teaching develops a range of skills that www.londondesignfestival.com industry requires but also necessitates The front cover of the Academy’s report

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Obituaries Proactive Membership Committee Mr Frank Mackley FREng died aged Last year saw a healthy number of candidates nominated for Fellowship. This year 86 on 11 January 2010. Prior to his has already seen significant improvements in the nomination process and the retirement he was Chairman, Proactive Membership Committee (PMC) has taken full account of advice passed to J T Mackley and Co Ltd. it regarding the range of individuals nominated for election. There is, however, an urgent need for more Fellows to identify, nominate and assess candidates, especially Sir Norman Payne CBE FREng died those who by nature of their work are relatively unknown to the Fellowship. aged 88 on 7 February 2010. Before his The Proactive Membership Committee runs masterclasses for Fellows interested in retirement he was Chairman, BAA Plc. learning about nomination best practice and how to assess candidates. The next one Professor Cedric Turner CBE FREng will take place in early June. died aged 83 on 13 February 2010. At If you would like to attend this masterclass or simply talk through someone you have the time of his death he was Emeritus in mind as a possible candidate, please contact the PMC Chair, Ian Nussey Professor of Materials in Mechanical ([email protected] or 01789 773356), or Fellowship Manager, Chris Coulter Engineering, . ([email protected] or 020 7766 0687).

Engineers Against Poverty cycle challenge Staff news Three Academy staff members have completed a long-distance bicycle ride through south-east Asia to raise money for charity. Dominic Nolan has joined the Academy as Joint Manager, 16+ Teaching Cuong Dang, Helen Berrington, and Éva Culleton-Oltay took part in the 512 km cycle Programme. Previously he was Head ride from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, in of Faculty, Design and Technology, at aid of charity Engineers Against Poverty. Coopers Technical College in Bromley. So far they have raised Tim Julier has joined the Academy around £8,000 for charity. as Programme Manager, Policy and If you would like to make Public Affairs. Previously he was a senior a donation or find out executive at the University of Surrey. more about the challenge itself, visit www.raeng. Sapna Somani has returned to the org.uk/international/ Academy as Project Officer, HE STEM cyclechallenge/ Programme – Engineering, following cyclechallenge maternity leave.

Events Spring 2010 Environmental Adviser, Lloyd’s Register – Briefing seminar and reception Chair: Lord Browne of Madingley Chair: John Armitt FREng, Chair, Olympic 12 April 2010 Location: Royal Society of Medicine, Delivery Authority PolicyNet General Election Session 1 Wimpole Street, London W1G 0AE Location: 3 Carlton House Terrace, Speaker: Adam Afriyie MP, Shadow Contact: faye.whitnall@raeng,.org.uk London SW1Y 5DG Minister for Science and Innovation 7 June 2010 Contact: [email protected] Location: 3 Carlton House Terrace, 2010 Academy Awards Dinner (in 5 July 2010 London SW1Y 5DG association with BAE Systems) AGM and Awards Ceremony Contact: [email protected] Location: The Guildhall, Gresham Street London EC2V Location: 3 Carlton House Terrace, 13 April 2010 London SW1Y 5DG 2010 Lloyd’s Register Educational Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] Trust Lecture and Dinner: A low carbon 22 June 2010 world – is it realistic? 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: For more information visit Speaker: Dr Anne-Marie Warris, Engineering from Beijing to London www.raeng.org.uk/events

News Spring 2010 – printed on 100% recycled paper

Published by The Royal Academy of Engineering The Royal Academy of Engineering 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DG promotes excellence in the science, Tel: 020 7766 0600 Fax: 020 7930 1549 www.raeng.org.uk art and practice of engineering. Edited and designed by Chris Atkinson Registered charity number 293074

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