Institution news
This compelling parliamentary engagement event takes place on 24 October 2014, hosted by the Portsmouth and Isle of Wight Area at the University of Portsmouth. Organiser Jason Crouch (pictured above), area publicity officer, contacted his local parliamentary representative, the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, and was delighted that his invitation to speak on behalf of the government – and join the debate – was accepted.
Presenting the arguments from the engineering side will be Dr Rhys Morgan, Director Engineering Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering. The evening’s discussion and questions will be chaired by Colin Brown, Director of Engineering at the Institution.
The event features a two-pronged debate: ‘Future Engineers’ concerns the importance of the formation of engineers and the impact of engineering in society as a whole. Inextricably linked is the issue of ‘Engineering the Future’: the industry’s essential contribution to the challenges facing society now and in the future.
After the speakers’ presentations, there will be opportunities to challenge the contributors, both by submission of questions in advance, and also through questions from the audience, co-ordinated by the chairman. The event is free to attend but, as it is likely to be popular, booking is essential. The event will also be streamed live.
It is anticipated that questions will be wide ranging, reflecting the concerns of the audience and their broad-based backgrounds, covering the state of the engineering industry, the challenges it faces, and the proposals that should be adopted to ensure the positive development of the profession.
Jason explains that Future Engineers – Engineering the Future reflects the strategic objectives of the Institution, and similar engineering bodies.
“These include ensuring that the thought leadership and benefits that the engineering profession as a whole – and our Institution in particular – provides to society, is clearly communicated through our ‘themes’ to those in government. In addition, we aim to increase membership engagement and the attendance of both members and non-members at events. It’s also a major objective that we inspire young people about engineering and involve the under-18s,” Jason said.
Speakers
The Right Hon David Willetts MP (pictured below, left) has represented the constituency of Havant since 1992 and until this summer was the Minister for Universities and Science (2010-14).
Dr Rhys Morgan is Director Engineering Education, Royal Academy of Engineering, with responsibility for the Academy’s education policy and programmes; research activity; teacher CPD and curriculum resource materials. Rhys also oversees the Academy’s collaborative education alliances.
Chairman
Dr Colin Brown, Engineering Director, Institution of Mechanical Engineers has responsibility for engineering policy at the Institution, as well as for industries and technologies, manufacturing excellence, and for UK regions and young members.
Following registration and refreshments, delegates will network and visit engineering institution stands, and gather information about the university’s Faculty of Mechanical and Design Engineering.
There will also be displays of the Institution’s flagship engineering event, Formula Student. Jason and his committee members have encouraged local school students and STEM leaders, as well as university students and academics in STEM subjects and members of a range of engineering institutions, to join the audience.
Jason explains that the event has many further objectives:
- to help attendees understand and provide a forum for them to discuss government policy in STEM disciplines
- to enable STEM students to see the benefits of membership of professional engineering institutions – and ideally to encourage them to join
- to provide an opportunity for attendees to network between institutions and the university
- to encourage students to engage with STEM outreach and their local Young Members panel
- to provide attendees with an opportunity to find out about and book onto regional events
More details
What: Future Engineers: Engineering the Future Debate and MP Engagement Event
When: 24 October 2014, 5.30pm and 8pm
Where: Portland Lecture Theatre, Portland Building, Department of Mechanical & Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portland Building, PO1 3AH
Submit a question: Find out how to submit a question
Booking (essential): Book your place
Follow the live debate: http://nearyou.imeche.org/MP-debate