News Autumn 2007

AGM 2007 3 Move to Carlton House Terrace – update 3 Research News 4 International News 5 Policy News 6 Education News 8 Ingenia 8 Summer Soirée 8 Council News 9 APEG update 9 Development Appeal 9 Education Programmes 10 Events 12 Staff News 12 Would Like to Meet the Innovators

In July the Academy teamed up with the Channel 4 British Documentary Film Foundation to bring together 15 engineers and 15 documentary makers in an unusual networking session entitled ‘Would Like to Meet the Innovators’ (WLTM). The event was held at this year’s BritDoc 2007 Festival, which took place at Keble College Oxford, and was organised in partnership with the , the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Each organisation invited a number of engineers from a range of different disciplines to take part in the event.

The session provided the attendees with a unique and energetic introduction to the world of filmmaking and engineering. Adopting a ‘speed dating’ format, each engineer spent five minutes with each documentary filmmaker, before moving onto their next ‘date’. The aim of the event was to facilitate potential collaborations and valuable contacts between two creative yet radically different sectors who would not normally meet. Covering a variety of contemporary and engaging topics, such as artificial intelligence, smart materials, climate change and disaster relief, the aim was to create a platform that would act as a catalyst for future documentaries on engineering-related issues.

Feedback from the event showed that the filmmakers were enthralled by the broad scope of engineering, the challenges it faces, and its impact on society. Attending engineers included expert, Professor Steve Furber FREng FRS; Professor Peter Orgrodnik who co-designed the surgical device ‘STΦRM’ (MacRobert award finalist 2007); skeleton bobsleigh racer Iain Roberts, who won an Academy grant towards his PhD research on ice friction and sled mechanics; and RAEng/ EPSRC Research Fellows Dr Eleanor Stride and Dr Karla Miller, whose research focuses on biomedical engineering.

Christo Hird, Chair of the British Documentary Film Foundation said, “WLTM is an essential, effective and entertaining way for filmmakers to meet those with great stories to tell. Every specialist with a passion believes there is a documentary in it; every filmmaker wants to find the subject that no-one else has spotted”.

Future evaluations will track the progress of any developments that have been made through this event. For further information visit www.britdoc.org/festival/wltm.php

Contact: [email protected] Speed-Date: PhD student Iain Roberts (Edinburgh University) and Filmmaker Roger Stotesbury (Jump Off The Screen Productions) discuss how to communicate cutting edge innovation to a broadcast audience. RAEng News Autumn 2007

The President’s Column

Demography is destiny. This aphorism has The implementation plan drawn up by some truth. The fate of nations, political the Study Group to begin to tackle these causes, even religions depend in part on weaknesses will be implemented over the quality and quantity of their adherents. the next 12 months. A booklet explaining People matter. The Academy can achieve the membership process will be issued nothing without the commitment of its to all Fellows. The key features of the staff, the participation of its Fellows and implementation plan are as follows. the leadership of its Council. In particular, the Academy’s future success depends Council will assume strategic direction for on recruiting new Fellows from the entire the membership process. In particular, it spectrum of engineering and who are the will set out the standards of excellence elite of the profession. to be met by candidates and define the overall profile of the Fellowship that the Yet the most recent review of the Academy aims to achieve over the next Academy’s Fellowship makes for 10 years. The Membership Committee uncomfortable reading. Less than 2% of and Panels will remain the guardians of the Fellowship are women. Only 2% of excellence and have ultimate control over Fellows come from ethnic minorities. The which candidates are to be put forward to Lord Browne average age of the Fellowship is 69. Few the Annual General Meeting for election. Fellows come from small and medium- Additionally, the Proactive Membership sized enterprises. A dwindling proportion Committee will be re-established on of Fellows come from industry. The a firmer basis with a remit to seek out Fellowship is increasingly unrepresentative candidates in those target areas identified of the country at large and of the wider by Council. Above all, greater efforts will be engineering profession. made to encourage Fellows to take a full and active part in Academy activities. For these reasons, Council formed a Study Group of Fellows, under Sir Peter Gershon’s We must ensure that the Academy chairmanship, to conduct a detailed never becomes an organisation simply study of the Academy’s Fellowship for like-minded engineers from similar and membership processes. Council backgrounds. The Academy’s purpose approved the Study Group’s findings and is to pursue an agenda that commits recommendations in April 2007 and it it to enhancing national capabilities, approved the implementation plan at its recognising excellence, inspiring meeting in July. successive generations of people to take up an engineering career and leading Meetings and Visitors The Study Group looked at the debate. The Academy’s success in pursuing membership process and it identified these actions depends on the nomination The President has recently met: three principal weaknesses. Firstly, Council and appointment of Fellows of the highest has not been directly involved with the ability and widest background. Success HRH The Prince Philip Duke of strategic management of the process. depends on all of us playing a full part in Edinburgh KG KT Accordingly, the Academy does not ensure the Fellowship nominations process. The Senior Fellow that its Fellowship appropriately reflects future health and success of the Academy society in its composition. Secondly, with depend on it. John Baxter FREng a few important exceptions, there are President, Institution of Mechanical not enough Fellows actively identifying Engineers future candidates for the Fellowship. This matter is too important for an individual Rt. Hon. John Denham MP to shoulder in the manner of Atlas; it is Secretary of State for Innovation, too important even for a group of Fellows Universities and Skills – we all need to play our part. Thirdly, because there are no systematic proactive Professor David Eastwood identification and cultivation activities, Chief Executive, HEFCE nominations are too dependent on those candidates known to Fellows. The Mr Syamal Gupta FREng Academy almost certainly misses many Chairman, Tata International Limited good candidates.

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Also mentioned was the Academy’s drive AGM 2007 to engage more effectively with the public and the public policy process; the need News of Fellows On 4 July, The Royal Aeronautical Society to attract more people to a wider range played host to the Academy’s 2007 AGM. of engineering careers; the work the Dr Chris Elliot has been appointed as Chaired by the President Lord Browne, and Academy is making to enhance the role of non-executive member of the Board the Chief Executive Philip Greenish, the engineering in UK innovation performance; of the Office of Rail Regulation. meeting was attended by 98 Fellows. and the development, both financial, physical and human, of the Academy to Cyril Hilsum CBE has been awarded Before moving onto the general business increase its impact as an institution. the Royal Society Medal for Applied of the AGM, the President welcomed Science. the Fellows and highlighted the most Two International Fellows, 30 British important strategic developments that Fellows and one Honorary Fellow were Professor Nigel Gilbert has become had occured within the Academy over elected and the Annual Review and the Specialist Adviser to the House of the past year. These developments Financial Report and Accounts for the Commons Home Affairs Committee included the ‘Engineering for Society’ year ended 31 March 2007 were adopted. campaign which, along with other leading Changes to Council members were Dr David Grant CBE and Professor engineering institutions, the Academy announced (see Council News, page 9). Julia King CBE have been appointed has been making great efforts to move as members of the Technology forward. Contact: [email protected] Strategy Board

recognition and value of engineering by Professor Antony Jameson has been Move to 3 Carlton society as a whole. The staff look forward awarded the Elmer A Sperry Award for House Terrace - update to welcoming Fellows and other visitors the Advancement of Transportation. to the new centre of operations for the This will be the last newsletter sent from Academy at the start of this exciting time. Professor John McWhirter has 29 Great Peter Street, as The Royal Academy left QinetiQ in Malvern to take up a of Engineering will be operating from its From 8 October 2007, the full contact details position as Distinguished Research new centre at 3 Carlton House Terrace will be: Professor in Engineering at Cardiff from 8 October. Since taking possession University. of the property we have used the time to The Royal Academy of Engineering carry out some decorating, renew some 3 Carlton House Terrace Professor Tony Ridley CBE has of the floor coverings, prepare dedicated London been appointed independent non- computer server rooms and to repair some SW1Y 5DG executive Chairman of Building of the essential facilities. This will allow us Schools for the Future Investments to operate effectively from the building, Main telephone: 020 7766 0600 LLP (BSFI). and take early advantage of the substantial Main fax: 020 7930 1549 additional space it provides for meetings, Sir John Thomas has received the events and exhibitions. We will also be Direct dial numbers will keep the same Distinguished Achievement Award providing dedicated facilities for Fellows, last two digits as at 29 Great Peter Street, from the International Precious Metals and the move will bring staff together preceded by: 0207 7766 06xx Institute. onto the two open plan office floors. This will assist with integration between the Contact: [email protected] Professor John Wood has become different parts of the Academy. Meanwhile, Imperial’s new Faculty of Engineeing we will continue to develop the design of Below: The Senior Fellow and the Academy Principal. the master plan, which will enable us to President outside 3 Carlton House Terrace realise the full potential of the site.

During the refurbishment the President, Lord John Browne, took the opportunity to show the Senior Fellow, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh around the building, and to discuss the developing master plan with the architect Stefanie Fischer. During the visit HRH commented favourably on the concepts being proposed and the progress being made.

Moving to Carlton House Terrace provides the opportunity for a step change in Academy effectiveness and visibility; which in turn drives changes in the

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Research News Global Research Research Fellowships

Awards The Royal Academy of Engineering/EPSRC Emerging Research Fellowships provide funding Technologies The Global Research Award provides an for exceptional researchers who have up opportunity for UK-based engineering to three years of post-doctoral research Research Chair researchers to travel overseas on a experience. The funding is for five years research secondment for up to one year. and it is intended to free the researcher This new Research Chair is designed to pursue their own individual research to attract an outstanding researcher to Mr Hristo Kostov of the UK surveillance programme, unhindered by administrative undertake work at an ultra-precompetitive software company Rinicom plc will work and teaching responsibilities. The final level. The position would grant the at the St Petersburg Technical University of deadline for applications to this highly freedom to develop a new area of Aircraft Instrumentation, Russia, to develop prestigious scheme is 23 October 2007. technology to a stage at which industry an onboard security and surveillance This year, for the first time, all applications could take it forward. The award provides software package called ‘Horizon’. should be made on the EPSRC online J-eS funding for one professorial appointment System. for a period of up to 10 years in a “blue- Ms Catherine Manders of the University skies” research area within the engineering of Southampton was seconded to Aalborg Contact: [email protected] research domain. For full details on this University, Denmark, for three months scheme and how to apply, please refer to to work on research called ‘Combining our webpage: www.raeng.org.uk/research Musculoskeletal and Finite Element Distinguished Visiting Analysis to Assess the Effects of Total Hip Replacement on Hip Joint Biomechanics’. Fellowships Research Chairs Mr A Michael Strickland also of the This prestigious new scheme was Two new Academy Research Chairs University of Southampton is working launched in April 2007. The scheme aims have been appointed. These Chairs are on the ‘Development of the Kansas Knee to enable and strengthen international full-time professorial appointments in Simulator Computational Model’ at the relations and networking in engineering any engineering-related subject, jointly University of Kansas, USA. These computer Higher Education and provides funding sponsored between the Academy and simulations are vital to the development to enable academic engineering industry. of this key area of orthopaedics and the departments in UK universities to host next generation of knee implants. Distinguished Visiting Fellows from Professor Charles E Dickerson has overseas academic centres of excellence been appointed to the RAEng/BAE Contact: [email protected] for up to one month. Systems Chair of Systems Engineering at Loughborough University. Professor The deadline for the first round of Dickerson has broad-ranging experience applications was 30 June 2007 at which in network centric systems, having worked for nearly thirty years in the US defence Below: Southampton PhD researcher, Mike Strickland, working on the Kansas Knee Simulator. industry developing complex military systems architectures.

Professor S N Ekkanath-Madathil been appointed RAEng/Rolls-Royce Chair in Power Electronic Systems at The University of Sheffield. Professor Madathil has a long track record in power electronics, and on leaving Cambridge set up the internationally recognised Emerging Technologies Research Centre at De Montfort University in 1995. At Sheffield the emphasis of Professor Madathil’s research will be on high power density power electronic devices, particularly for use in harsh environments, such as those found in aerospace applications.

Contact: [email protected]

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point 17 awards were made. Thirty five countries of high strategic importance for percent of the Distinguished Visitors Industrial UK engineering. In recognition of the need were from the USA, 18 percent from the Secondment Scheme to engage with these leading international Republic of China, 18 percent from Canada partners, funding was awarded under the and the remainder from Spain, Japan, The Industrial Secondment Scheme 2004 Spending Review to establish a new Israel, India and New Zealand. provides funding to UK Higher Education scheme in 2007/08: Research Exchanges with China and India. The award holders and their organisations institutions to enable engineering are listed below. academics to spend three to six months in industry with a view to improving the The objectives of the scheme are to Dr Yun Bai quality and industrial relevance of the promote collaboration between high Queen’s University Belfast teaching of engineering. quality academic engineering researchers Dr Kamelia Boodhoo in the UK and China or India, and facilitate University of Newcastle Three awards were made in the last three the expansion of Networks of Excellence in Professor John Burland months. The awardees and their host engineering research. Imperial College organisations are as follows: Dr Matthew Coop The scheme will provide funding to allow academic engineering researchers at UK Imperial College • Dr Sophie Lo from Higher Education Institutions to travel to Dr Zoran Cvetkovic Metropolitan University received a Chinese or Indian academic Institution. King’s College London an award for a secondment at Garrad It will also enable academic researchers Professor Izzat Darwazeh Hassan & Partners Limited to work on based in China or India to spend time at a University College London the modeling of a wide range of wind UK institution. Dr W F Deans and Professor S R Reid turbine structural configurations; University of Aberdeen • Professor Zhibing Zhang from the There are two types of award available. Dr Albert Guillen i Fabregas University of Birmingham received Short Awards support visits lasting up to an award for a secondment at Procter & one month. These visits are primarily for Professor Simone Hochgreb Gamble Technical Services Limited to networking and exploring joint research University of Cambridge work on the formulation and production projects. Major Awards support visits of Professor Robert SH Istepanian of new detergents in solid powders; and three to twelve months and should be part Kingston University of longer-term efforts to build UK-China/ Professor Vladimir Nikora • Dr Philippe Duffour from University India partnerships. University of Aberdeen College London received an award for Dr Hassan Nouri a secondment at Ove Arup & Partners Limited to work on the assessment of Applications are welcomed from all areas University of the West of England of engineering research, especially those Dr Stuart Robson the vibration isolation performance of railway track systems. broadly related to the President’s Priorities University College London of energy and climate change, health and Professor Sarah Spurgeon wellbeing, and poverty reduction. University of Leicester There is no closing date and applications are accepted throughout the year. For Dr D Ian Wilson The deadline for applications is more information visit: www.raeng.org. University of Cambridge 3 December 2007. For more information uk/research/univ/secondment/ Dr J Yang visit: www.raeng.org.uk/international University of Birmingham Professor Wuqiang Yang Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] For more information visit: www.raeng. International News org.uk/research/researcher/dvfs/ The deadline for the second round of Research Exchanges applications is 31 October 2007. with China and India Contact: [email protected] As two of the fastest growing economies, China and India are rapidly emerging as Publications important global powers. Engineers have played a key role in contributing towards Received this economic and social development. The Mullard/Philips Research The continued sustainable growth is Laboratories, Redhill – A Short therefore dependent on harnessing the History 1946 - 2002 knowledge and skills provided by an By Dr John Walling MBE FREng and expanding engineering base. donated by Terry Doyle, Managing Director of Philips Research Laboratories. Reflecting this, the Academy’s International Strategy has identified China and India as

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Academy and ECUK revised and updated Dr Martyn Thomas FREng, a member of Policy News statement of ethical principles. Chaired the Dilemmas working group, discussed by Professor John Uff CBE QC FREng, the principles for designing large scale Statement of Ethical the keynote speakers were Sara Parkin IT systems in order to protect the data OBE, Director of Forum for the Future they process. David Birch, also from Principles and John Armitt CBE FREng. Sara Parkin the working group, gave a tour of the argued forcefully that engineers have emerging technologies that can be used Engineering is an area that, like medicine, great moral responsibility, especially to to keep electronic information secure. raises a number of difficult ethical the environment, and John Armitt talked The audience also heard from Dr Kirstie issues. Unlike medical ethics, however, about his own experience of dealing with Ball, a member of the group behind the engineering ethics are rarely a matter of thorny ethical dilemmas. Information Commissioner’s report on public debate. On 13 June the Academy The Surveillance Society, who outlined held a one-day conference on ‘Engineering The events of the conference showed why protecting personal data is crucial Ethics in Practice’ to discuss the ethical that engineers face many difficult ethical in the current climate. Tom Ilube, Chief problems encountered by an engineer, decisions in their working life and that Executive of Garlik, the online identity and to argue for greater recognition of the there is a need for guidance, for sharing experts, explained how each of us can take ethical aspects of engineering practice. good practice, and for tutoring students in control of the information about us that is the area of engineering ethics. available on the web. Under the chairmanship of Chris Earnshaw FREng, the conference began with Contact: [email protected] The briefing demonstrated that protecting engineers from a number of sectors one’s identity is possible through a mixture talking about how ethical issues arise in of technological solutions, good design and their work and how they deal with them. Security of Personal not a little awareness and caution when The discussions covered ethical issues in one is giving away valuable personal details. environmental engineering, manufacturing, Information software development and IT security. With near-constant media attention to the Contact: [email protected] Many common themes emerged, such threat of identity theft and online fraud, as the conflict between serving the client and the growth of electronic services that and the wider public, and the pressure AI and IT: Where handle personal data (online banking, to save money and time versus avoiding NHS connecting for health), the security of risks to society. The discussion proved that engineering and personal information is of great concern. engineers need to be prepared to deal with In the light of the recent Academy report, philosophy meet difficult non-technical issues. The afternoon Dilemmas of Privacy and Surveillance, a session of the conference involved a briefing meeting was held on 19 July on Whilst philosophy and engineering are workshop on teaching engineering ethics how personal data can be protected from not obvious partners, there is a clear link through the use of case studies. snooping and system failure. between the philosophical study of mind The event culminated in the launch of an and consciousness and research into artificial intelligence. This link was explored Below: John Uff, Sara Parkin and John Armitt at the ‘Engineering Ethics in Practice’ conference. at the Philosophy of Engineering seminar

Brian Doble Brian held on 11 July, organised in conjunction with the Web Science Research Initiative at Southampton, of which Academy Fellows Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Professor Wendy Hall CBE and Professor Nigel Shadbolt are Directors.

Professor Igor Aleksander FREng looked at the possibilities of constructing conscious machines, exploring the key philosophical question in such a task – what is it to be conscious? Dr Ron Chrisley, Director of the Centre for Research in Cognitive Science in Sussex, analysed how the process of engineering conscious systems – the cycle of design, construction and improvement – might itself illuminate philosophical questions about consciousness. Professor Nigel Shadbolt identified a more novel area where IT and philosophy connect – through the Web. He explained how engineering the potential successor to the

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World Wide Web – the Semantic Web – is be seen in the bioethanol market where the House of Commons Joint Committee an example of philosophical engineering. ethanol from food crops has significant on the Draft Climate Change Bill. In In the Semantic Web, data will be classified disadvantages compared with lignocellosic addition, Dr Sue Ion OBE FREng gave oral according to its content, making it easier ethanol production, but the development evidence to the Joint Committee on behalf to collate data on a specific topic from of this technology depends on there being of the Academy. diverse locations on the Web. However, a developed market. such classification requires a philosophical This important Bill will enshrine in law understanding of content, meaning and Contact: [email protected] the Government’s target of reducing classification. This, then, is a new area carbon emissions in the UK by 60% from where philosophy and engineering are 1990 levels by 2050. It will also establish a natural companions. Industry Academia new non-departmental public body, the Interactions: Northern Committee on Climate Change, to manage Contact: [email protected] the transition to a lower carbon economy. Ireland Regional In its evidence, the Academy was broadly Renewable Energy- Seminar supportive of the aims of the Draft Bill but urged the Government to ensure Generation To coincide with the Academy’s summer that adequate engineering input was Soirée in Belfast, the fifth Regional Seminar Technologies given to mapping out the trajectory of in the Industry Academia Interactions series carbon reductions up to 2050, and also was held on 27 June in collaboration with In May, the House of Commons Science that Government efforts are sufficiently Queen’s University Belfast and Invest NI. and Technology Committee announced an well co-ordinated between the relevant inquiry into Renewable Energy-Generation departments. It was noted that the targets In common with previous seminars, the Technologies. Although this is an area that are challenging and may, in light of recent programme highlighted some of the local has been covered many times before, the scientific evidence, need to be extended success stories, as well as examining some Committee wanted to examine the state further. Technology will be essential in of the hurdles and frustrations faced by of UK-based R&D in the field as well as the meeting these targets and the expertise small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Government’s role in funding it. Overall and experience of engineers is vital if academics when working with each other. funding of energy R&D has been seen to answers are to be found. decline significantly since the privatisation Northern Ireland seems to have been of the industry and the break-up of the Contact: [email protected] Central Electricity Generating Board. more successful than other regions in its use of research centres which can provide The Academy’s response took the direct consulting and testing services The Future of Biofuels opportunity to highlight the proposed to industry, as well as facilitating direct joint engineering-led study into an optimal research contact. In particular, QUESTOR, On 14 June the Academy held a briefing route to reducing emissions for energy which operates as a research cooperative, on ‘The Future of Biofuels’ which aimed to use. In addition, the response presented showed how mutual benefit can be found address a number of the complex issues the view that R&D in the renewable energy in research by large and small companies surrounding the adoption and expansion of field was fragmented with many projects working with academia. Operating in the biofuels, particularly in the transport sector. championing differing technologies environmental sector, QUESTOR found The meeting was chaired by Dr Mike Howse on relatively small scales. The scale of that many high-tech SMEs had potential OBE FREng and a number of representatives individual devices meant that the most solutions to the problems of multi-national from industry, academia and Government significant hurdles lay in the areas of companies, so a cooperative route to R&D each gave their perspective on the role development and deployment where benefited both sides without damaging biofuels will play in our future. commercial risk became an important competitiveness. consideration. Support of demonstrator Speakers included Dr Steve Koonin, programmes, such as are currently being Although not absent in other regions, the Chief Scientist of BP, Professor Roland supported in the marine field, were seen idea that universities should play a role Clift CBE FREng and Sir Howard Dalton as particularly important in reducing risk. in actively supporting the local economy FRS, Chief Scientific Advisor for Defra. through knowledge transfer was very The event proved extremely popular A holistic, roadmap-type of approach was much to the fore. with over 90 people attending. The high advocated when choosing what projects calibre of the speakers, coupled with the to fund. Some technologies need to be Contact: [email protected] increasing controversy of the subject, deployed to create markets even though helped create a stimulating meeting and they might not be the most efficient Draft Climate a lively discussion. Of particular interest methods, and it should be accepted that throughout were the issues of land use, the better technologies will develop to Change Bill Government targets, and the potential replace the first generation once strong value of biofuels in road transport. markets for the product have been The Academy submitted responses on the established. A good example of this can Draft Climate Change Bill to both Defra and Contact: [email protected]

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Education News The Panasonic Trust Summer Soirée This year, six young engineers have been Sir Angus Paton awarded Panasonic Trust Fellowships by The 2007 Annual Soirée and Exhibition bursary the Academy, enabling them to begin MSc took place in June at Queen’s courses at UK universities in Environmental University Belfast in association with Balfour Beatty have seen two of their Engineering. These students are the latest the Irish Academy of Engineering and engineering students awarded the of the many hundreds to have received sponsored by Bombardier Aeropsace. annual Sir Angus Paton bursary. The funding for part-time masters courses to Attendees included the Academy £8,000 scholarship is a prestigious prize update their skills since the grant scheme President, the President and Vice for full-time approved Masters degree was launched. Chancellor of Queen’s University students whose courses are related to the Belfast, the Duke of Abercorn KG environment. Among the talented young people to (attending on behalf of the Senior have won a £8,000 bursary this year, is Fellow) and Mr Ian Paisley Jnr MLA. Rob Youlten, 27, will use his bursary landscape designer, Fleur Timmer, who Speaking from his old university, to pay for an MSc course in Water and has begun an MA in Urban Design at the Lord Browne told the guests that Wastewater Engineering. This is a subject University of the West of England. Fleur, 27, today, “Engineering is almost unique that first came to his attention while has her own garden and design business amongst the academic disciplines and on secondment from Balfour Beatty in and last year she designed an ecological professions because it empowers you Johannesburg in 2005. During this time he village for the residents of Barrow Ashton. with potential to make a difference”. He worked for two large collieries, as well as expressed the Academy’s pleasure to evaluating the stability of a sand sea wall Another awardee, Wardere Abdule, 30, has be involved in the evening and hoped for a diamond mine in Namibia. been working with Atkins plc on drainage the guests would enjoy the exhibition. preparations at the site of the London Although Rob has worked on interesting 2012 Olympics Project. With considerable The Exhibition was entitled Wealth projects in the UK, such as at Heathrow experience in construction and water Creation through Partnerships and Terminal 5, he says that this “is a great distribution networks, Abdule is using his revealed some of the cutting edge opportunity to change direction” after Fellowship to undertake an MSc course engineering research being carried completing four years training to become in Water and Wastewater Engineering at out by the Faculty of Engineering and a Chartered Engineer. Cranfield University. Physical Sciences at Queen’s, as well as highlighting the major partnerships Rob shared an office with the other bursary The remaining Fellowship awardees are: the Faculty has with local, national awardee, Nick Warren, 22, who is using Ross Thompson who is going to study and international companies. Engineering Geology at the University of the money to go straight from his civil A particular highlight of the event were Leeds; Andrew Iheanaetu who is studying engineering course into an MSc course in the displays of Bombardier Aerospace Water and Wastewater Engineering at Water and Environmental Engineering at whose Belfast-based operation Cranfield; Ronan Bolton who is doing the University of Surrey. Nick has worked manufactures and designs large aircraft an Environmental Sustainability MSc at on the Oxfam upflow carrier over the past structures. Through the exhibition, Edinburgh; and Kirk Abbott who is going year and is interested in emergency water Bombardier was shown to be an to the University of Surrey to begin a Water supply – something into which he wants to unquestioned centre of excellence for and Environmental Engineering course. do more research during his MSc. advanced composites.

Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected]

to government), Deans of engineering With an HTML and PDF version of 300 Ingenia institutions, and past and present articles published, the website will be awardees of a variety of Academy prizes accessible to all. Articles and features have Autumn 2007 will see further advances in the (such as Research Fellowships). been cross-referenced with others and distribution and readership of the Academy’s many of the articles have links to other Ingenia magazine. The lastest issue was received by some relevant external sites. 7,000 readers. While this is impressive, it Until now, the circulation of the magazine is hoped that we will be increasing this Contact: [email protected] has remained at around 5,000 people per further over the coming months until we issue. Over the past three months, the arrive at a number nearing 10,000. publications team at the Academy have been researching possible new names Alongside this rise in printed copies is to whom Ingenia might appeal. Thus, the launch of a new Ingenia website, we have targeted young people with a www.ingenia.org.uk Launched in potential future in engineering (such as early September, this site provides a Year in Industry students), parliamentary comprehensive and dynamic reflection figures (such as technology advisors of the magazine itself.

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A number of Council members stood Council News down at the AGM, they were Professor Development News Rodney Eatock Taylor, Mr Robert Benaim, Council held its third meeting of the Progress continues to be made in Professor Ian Poll, Sir Martin Sweeting and year on 2 July. Prior to the start of the developing relationships with potential Sir John Taylor. The President thanked them Council meeting Dr Scott Steedman, trust, individual and corporate supporters. warmly for their support during their time Chair of the Communications and Public The value of connections provided by on Council. Engagement Committee, and Academy Fellows is particularly influential. staff gave a presentation on the work of Also at the AGM, the President reported the Communications Department during that new Council members elected in Funds raised to date earmarked for the the past year. the postal ballot were: Dr Peter Watson Development Appeal have been applied (Mechanical); Mr Terence Hill (Civil); Mr to the acquisition of the lease of 3 Carlton Sir Peter Gershon, Chair of the Membership Peter Warry (Electrical ); Mr Richard Dodds House Terrace – a significant £3 million Study Group, attended Council to (Process); and Professor Andrew Hopper contribution. Substantial further funds will present the plans for implementing (Infomatics). now be sought to develop the building the recommendations of the Study as the forum for engineering, with a goal Group report. For more details of this Contact: [email protected] of £15m. This total now includes provision implementation plan see the President’s for VAT, contingency and building cost Column on page two of this newsletter. inflation as the development work can APEG update only start once the funds are raised. The Philip Greenish reported on the status of capacity for greater public engagement the move to 3 Carlton House Terrace. At APEG held two important events will be particularly exciting. the time of the meeting, the minimum before Parliament went into recess amount of work was being carried out on 26 July. On 22 May, Dr David Funding for educational programmes is on the building to make it habitable for also increasing. The Academy’s reputation the Academy to occupy in October. The Clarke, Head of Technology Strategy through the Best Programme, London major work on the building needed to at Rolls-Royce, delivered a speech on Engineering Project and the forthcoming complete the architectural master plan, the theme of ‘Powering our future: Engineering Diploma is making its mark. such as creating a lecture and conference Rolls-Royce and the environment’. In a For example E.ON plc is to support the facility in the basement, will be undertaken fascinating talk about the company’s Engineering Leadership Awards event and once sufficient funds have been raised. environmental strategy, Dr Clarke the Renewable Energy Technology course The assignment of the lease on 29 Great reported that between 1998 and 2006, for undergraduates. Our goal is to continue Peter Street to a firm of solicitors has been Rolls-Royce had successfully increased seeking programme support and to secure arranged and the completion date is 15 its turnover by 59%, while managing the programmes in the long term by October 2007. to cut its energy consumption by 11% in absolute terms, and reducing building a £10m endowment as part of Mr Greenish reported that a proposal its greenhouse gas emissions by 23% the campaign. had been sent to the Government for a over the same period. study in connection with the President’s With the substantial increase in fund- initiative on Energy and Climate Change. On 19 June, APEG held its Annual raising goals, the scale of planning and There has been an encouraging response General Meeting at which elections investment has also increased. Following a which will initially be progressed through to the executive committee took research study to test our key fund-raising detailed staff discussions. In other areas place. This was followed by a speech messages, an overall approach strategy for of Government funding, the Academy’s by Malcolm Wicks MP, the then major gifts (£100,000 +) is being mapped submission for funding under the Minister of State for Science and out with Sir John Parker FREng, who has Comprehensive Spending Review CSR2007 Innovation. Mr Wicks emphasised been leading the steering group for the has been completed, however the that engineering played a key role last year. outcome is not expected before October. in the economy and that engineers would play a critical part in helping Both Sir John and Lord Browne, President Council approved the award of the 2007 to address the challenge of climate will be closely involved in establishing International Medal to Professor Xu change. With Gordon Brown’s a campaign committee: a group of Kuangdi FREng, President of the Chinese accession to the premiership in June, individual volunteers who will help Academy of Engineering. Mr Wicks was made Minister of State raise funds and champion the cause. for Energy – thus placing him in a They will be supported by the Director Council approved the expansion of the key position from which to involve of Development and an expanded Academy’s Development resources by the engineers in government policy. fundraising team to assist with developing recruitment of an additional fthree people the large number of relationships with during the next year. This is in support of APEG has a full programme of events potential funders necessary for the the aim of raising £25 million to develop lined up for the rest of the year, for campaign to succeed. the new building and expand education further details on this programme and programmes. more about APEG, please see: Contact: [email protected] www.apeg.org.uk

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Learning Centre at the University of York minute professional development session. Education Programmes and the rationale is as follows. This is kept deliberately short so that it may be incorporated as a standard session For many years, the Academy has Engineering is a good career choice in a number of Key Stage 3 teacher- promoted engineering activities in schools for young people: it is well paid, well development courses delivered by the and colleges as part of its enduring respected and secure. Engineering offers National Science Learning Centre. In this mission to inspire the next generation of opportunities for work near home or way, hundreds of teachers will receive the engineers and technicians. for worldwide travel. Young people can case-studies and the training. choose the hours they work in order to The Best Programme, with its continuum fit in other commitments like childcare The case-studies will be trialed in the Spring of activities for pupils and students from or ongoing education. With engineering term of 2008 with the goal of reaching ages seven to 35, is the backbone of skills in such demand in the UK, whether more than 500 science teachers over three provision to more than 100,000 youngsters in maintaining and managing current years. If each teacher uses the materials every year. More recently, the National business and infrastructure needs, or with eight classes of 30 students, the reach Engineering Programme (in its pilot phase addressing known challenges such as could be 120,000 students. As well as being as the London Engineering Project), the climate change, or developing new incorporated into existing CPD courses, Shape the Future campaign and work with solutions in areas such as healthcare, young this sort of module content will also the new 14-19 Engineering Diploma have people have a very wide and worthwhile transfer well to other settings, including been added in response to a clear national choice. To take a recent quote: “Engineering existing web-based resource banks. need for more engineers and technicians. empowers people to make a difference. Many people dream of changing the world. Contact: [email protected] The Academy is well known for this work, Engineers actually do so.” [email protected] being cited regularly by Government Ministers, by the press, by sister The challenge is getting this positive message engineering institutions, by industry and to many more young people and a quick and Best in show by major charitable trusts as a leader in the effective way is through science teachers. coordination of engineering activities that The BA Festival of Science once again saw enrich and extend the school curriculum. Engineering is under-pinned by school the Best Programme representing the Over 1,000 Young Engineers clubs take science. Engineers rely on a good Academy as part of the BA Engineering place during lunch and after school; whole foundation in the laws of physics coupled Section’s exhibition. school days are taken over in celebration with an understanding of chemistry and, of science, technology engineering and with increased technology in healthcare, The Festival ran from 9 to 15 September, maths; summer schools, competitions and biological studies have become important with the Engineering Section’s exhibition challenges exist for budding engineers to engineers. School science teachers taking place on Wednesday 12 September. Hundreds of school pupils visited during the and work placements are offered within deliver this fundamental engineering day, proving that the exhibition was a big hit. industry for older students. education, but frequently do so without any real knowledge of actual engineering, Other exhibitors at the Festival included This work brings the school curriculum what it entails, or where it can take their the Learning Grid; Future Flight with their alive and challenges pupils to learn more. pupils. In other words, the engineering very popular flight simulator; and a virtual It places engineers in to schools where that is already delivered by the school roller coaster experience which had ‘riders’ they can provide careers advice to pupils science curriculum needs to be uncovered. shrieking with delight. who may otherwise struggle to find sufficiently detailed engineering guidance. The funding from the Dulverton Trust will be used to develop a short Continuing Below: The completed London Eye construction. Increasingly, the Academy is gaining a Professional Development (CPD) module reputation for its work with teachers as well for teachers, providing them with ways as for its work with pupils and students. of linking the school science curriculum The Shape the Future Steps at Work to engineering. As a result, their pupils programme will offer short placements in will see examples of the relevance of industry to over a thousand teachers this school science, a real-world context coming academic year. The Academy also will be provided for science learning works on the school science, technology, and science teachers will become more engineering and maths curricula. effective advocates for engineering and engineering careers. To further this aspect of its work, the Academy has recently been awarded Along with the National Science Learning a grant through the generosity of the Centre, the Academy will draw together 10 case studies that explain different Dulverton Trust for a project entitled: components of the Key Stage 3 Science Uncovering the engineering in school science curriculum in engineering contexts. The – a course for teachers. This will be delivered 10 case studies will be introduced in a 55 in partnership with the National Science

10 RAEng News Autumn 2007

The exhibition’s centerpiece was a London “The support I am receiving from Smiths Eye construction, which was continuously will really help with my progression TriSET takes off added to by visitors as the day progressed. through university and therefore in The Engineering Development Trust’s new Constructed from paper as well as nuts developing my career. Without it, I may not scheme, TriSET, launched in August 2007. and bolts, the superbly engineered wheel have been able to go to university at all.” The scheme works in a similar way to one was an almost perfect replica of the real of the more established EDT schemes, The STEP was formally launched at Smiths thing, and it moved too! Year in Industry, but targets a younger headquarters in London in September 2007. age group and groups under-represented Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] in engineering. It offers work placements of between six and twelve months to Smiths Partnership Students get a head students aged 16 and over. STEPS UP Set up with funding from the Academy and start with the LEP the Government to organise and deliver The Academy has teamed up with Smiths a programme of industrial placements in The London Engineering Project has Group and the Engineering Development the London Region, TriSET received lots of run its first Headstart course at London Trust (EDT) in a new education initiative. interest and is now working with some 40 Southbank University. students, 20 of whom attended a one-day Smiths Group is a world leader in the seminar at the Academy. practical application of advanced The course, which was unique in that it was for girls only, ran for four days in July technologies. Its products and services One TriSET student, Linda Igboanugo, make the world safer, healthier and more and was attended by girls from the London commented, “It has always been my productive. Smiths Group has three Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham. dream since childhood to be an engineer. divisions focused on the high-growth Growing up, I never really had the support During the week, the LEP team and detection, medical devices, energy and I needed to propel myself in the right LSBU (London Southbank University) communications markets and employs direction, so coming to know TriSET has lecturers organised a series of lectures some 20,000 people in over 50 countries. given me hope for the future.” and workshops on different areas of engineering. The students visited the site The new education initiative, known as Contact: [email protected] of the new Keyworth2 building on the Smiths Technology Education Programme campus of LSBU, received guidance about (STEP), will help to provide young people, engineering careers and went to see Zaha from a wide range of backgrounds, with Hadid’s exhibition at the Design Museum. the information and support they need to They met several female engineers and explore a career in technology. role models including Susan Brumpton, Obituaries Chief Executive of Medical Engineering There are two parts to STEP, which will run Sir Robert Davidson FREng died on Research Unit (MERU), who set them a annually. The first sees 20 bright students 1 August. Before retirement he was real-life problem to design a hold-all for a who are studying maths and science at formerly Chairman, Balfour Beatty Ltd. wheelchair user. A-level being offered bursaries, provided Professor Sir Robert Honeycombe by Smiths, to put towards the cost of At the end of the week, the students FREng FRS died on 14 September. He attending an EDT Headstart course. gave a presentation and they went away was Goldsmiths’ Professor of Metallurgy knowing that engineering can be as Emeritus, University of Cambridge Headstart is an engineering education rewarding and well paid a career as a programme run by the EDT, and is part doctor or lawyer. Some may even go on to Professor Peter Ramsdale FREng of the Academy’s Best Programme. On a study engineering at university. died on 19 August. At the time of his Headstart course, first year A-Level students death he was Director, Peter Ramsdale spend up to a week at a UK university One participant said, “I have thoroughly Ltd, Spectrum Trading Associates and exploring science and engineering prior to enjoyed my time at LSBU and I believe I Safe Haven Technologies Ltd. making their UCAS applications. know much more about the university Mr Bruce Sephton FREng died on than before. I may even consider applying 1 June. Before retirement he was After the Headstart course, five of the to this university as I feel it is very welcoming. Traction Director, Brush Electrical Headstart alumni that choose to study an My views have also changed about Machines Ltd, Hawker Siddeley Group. engineering-related degree at university, engineering in a positive way and I will try will each be offered a Smiths Technology to take on board all that I have learnt.” Mr David Shore OBE FREng died Award of £1,000 per year for a minimum Another commented, “An excellent on 4 July. Prior to retirement he was of three years to help with the cost of their Headstart course. Very interesting and Technical Director, APV Holdings plc. degrees. The bursaries will be administered motivating. I would definitely look into by The Royal Academy of Engineering and a career with an aspect of engineering; Mr Geoffrey Wood CBE FREng are phase two of STEP. especially after this course.” died on the 26 August. Prior to his retirement he was a Senior Partner STEP Student, Shahina Ali, who plans to Contact: [email protected] at Arup. study mechanical engineering, said,

11 RAEng News Autumn 2007

Events Staff News Sylvia Hearn 1946 – 2007

A selection of forthcoming events. For the Kim Bond has left the Academy after Sylvia Hearn, the Academy’s longest full events programme visit www.raeng. two years as a Development Executive to serving member of staff, died org.uk/events pursue other opportunities. suddenly on 17 August. Sylvia joined the then Fellowship of Engineering in 10 October 2007, 6.00pm Dominic Bryan joined the Academy in 1982, as secretary to the Engineering Hinton Lecture August as Assistant Manager, Engineering Affairs team covering policy, research Building a world class tube Design Programmes. He graduated in 2006 and international activities. She for a world class city from Harper Adams University College absorbed all the technological Speaker: David Waboso FREng, Engineering with a BSc in Design & Development changes of the past 25 years with Director, London Underground. Engineering. aplomb and will be long remembered 7 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1 for her dedication and loyalty to the Contact: [email protected] Jacqueline Cox, Assistant Manager, Academy. As there were no next Events has left the Academy to join of kin, Sylvia’s funeral was arranged 5 November 2007, 12.00pm the events and marketing team at by the Academy and held on 11 New Fellows Briefing a specialist healthcare publisher September. A large contingent of 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Academy staff, past and present, was Contact: [email protected] Jacqueline has worked in the Academy’s there to pay their last respects. Communications department for two 5 November 2007, 7.00pm years and will be greatly missed. New Fellows Dinner Drapers’ Hall, London EC2 Brian Doble, Head of Engineering Policy, Contact: [email protected] has retired from the Academy. Brian joined the Fellowship of Engineering in 1991, 13 November 2007, 6.00pm following a career in Reactor Physics and UK Focus for Biomedical Engineering nuclear plant safety in the CEGB/Nuclear Annual Lecture Electric. Since then he has grown the Systems Biology and Medicine: From engineering policy activity and before Reactive to Predictive, Personalised, he left he headed a team of four policy Preventive and Participatory Medicine advisors. Speaker: Dr Leroy Hood, President and co-founder, Institute for Systems Biology, In addition to the numerous responses this time the schemes expanded from the Seattle. to Select Committee inquiries and original ‘Principles of Engineering Design’ The Royal Society of Medicine, London W1G consultation documents, Academy to include Sustainable Development, Contact: [email protected] reports and events, for several years Brian Integrated System Design and most managed the Academy’s MacRobert recently Building Engineering Physics. The 10 December 2007, 2.00pm Award when it was a separate charitable VP schemes have become established as Engineering and Environmental Ethics trust. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the a well respected Academy brand, with A Philosophy of Engineering Seminar Academy will, in particular, be one of the over 160 Academy Visiting Professors in 49 Speakers: Professor Roland Cliff FREng, qualities to be missed on his departure. universities, that build a bridge between Professor John O’Neil and Professor engineering practice and engineering Andy Stirling. Brian hopes to spend more time working science. 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y on his photography, from which the Contact: [email protected] Academy has benefited in the past. We Xameerah Malik has joined the Academy wish him and his wife well for their future. as Policy Advisor, Engineering Affairs. 14 January 2008, 6.00pm She has previously worked for the Royal The President’s New Year Reception David Foxley retired from the Academy Society of Chemistry and as a research 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y at the end of September after more chemist in industry. Contact: [email protected] than thirteen years as custodian of the Visiting Professor (VP) schemes. During

News Autumn 2007 – printed on Cyclus 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 Angus Dawson Registered charity number 293074

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