History demonstrates how humanity relies on engineers to come up with innovative solutions to the world’s problems time and time again. From mankind’s at first powered aircraft 120 years ago to harnessing of energy from renewable sources through solar panels and advancements in controlled drug administration which promise significant improvements in medical care.
The application of important scientific discoveries to the real world through engineering results in useful solutions to real-world issues, the emergence of new industries, and economic growth.
And yet the strength of engineering is much too frequently disregarded in the UK. forgetting the scope and significance of the profession as society becomes more and more preoccupied with remarkable technology advancements like A.I. However, engineering is the key to civilization—not because it replaces human reasoning, but rather because it uses people to carry out tasks. It is how daily existence is expressed in practice. I therefore always question, “What about engineering?” when people talk to me about the significant role that science and technology play. They then say, “Oh, yes, that too.” Engineering has essentially become a silent noun, and we must stop this.
Politicians believe that regulations, which is necessary for the development of incentives, laws, and other factors, is sufficient to resolve the issue. But in reality, this is just the start. What makes a meaningful difference is a knowledge of the engineering method, which blends science, policy, business, and humanity.
To underline this point as forcefully as possible, the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering and Technology, which I serve as chairman, exists. We accomplish this in four different ways: by acknowledging our shared accomplishments, displaying technical talent from around the world, motivating the coming generations of engineers who are going to face future problems, and cementing the message. Please allow me to elaborate on each.
A cross-party coalition established the Queen Elizabeth Prize in 2012, and this year marks its tenth anniversary. This distinguished award has gained international recognition and draws laureates from all around the world. It is sometimes referred to as “the Nobel Prize for Engineering,” and in actuality, that is what it is now.
Everywhere we can, we demonstrate engineering excellence. The internet and world wide web, tightly controlled large molecule medication delivery, digital image detectors, the Global Positioning System, LED lighting, the strongest known permanent magnet in the world, and PERC solar photovoltaic technology were all developed by past prize winners. These inventions have changed our way of life and continue to have a long-term impact on how we live.
To avoid biases that introduce or exacerbate inequities into the design process, we must aim toward a diverse engineering community that develops products, services, and systems that reflect the diversity of the societies they serve. Only 16.5% of U.K. engineer professionals are women, according to statistics from 2022, and we won’t reach gender parity among applicants until 2085 if women continue to submit accepted engineering degree applications at the present rate (now only 18%). In addition, there are still very few LGBT+ individuals and members of ethnic minorities pursuing engineering degrees or working in the field. A profession will be weaker and ultimately impede advancement if the pool is less diversified.
The Science Museum has unveiled Engineers in London, the very first permanent gallery of its type to highlight how engineers affect the world and bring ideas to life, in an effort to increase the impact of our message. This exhibition was created in collaboration with the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize. The exhibition is a celebration of scientific accomplishment affecting every aspect of mankind with the help of profiles and displays from more than 60 engineers, including Queen Elizabeth Prize laureates. It’s a celebration, a display, and a source of inspiration and we urge you to go see it to see for yourself how engineering can change the world.
We must respect and recognize the crucial role that the profession of engineering plays in translating scientific and technical concepts into reality if the U.K. is to continue leading global progress.