IMechE Fellow awarded an OBE in Queen’s birthday honours list

Institution of Mechanical Engineers Fellow Graham Wren, Special Advisor to the Principal of Strathclyde University, was recently appointed an OBE for services to higher education, science and engineering. He talks to us about the award and more.

Q: Congratulations on the OBE. What does it mean to be recognised?

Graham Wren (GW): I’ve been working with the team at Strathclyde University for the last ten years, delivering projects that help industry, the environment and our economy. It’s a great personal honour, received  on behalf of the team for what we have all achieved. 

Q: Can you give us an example of a project you’ve been involved in?

GW: I was the original project director for the Advanced Forming Research Centre. It has been wonderful to see this grow to become part of the UK Catapult network and an international centre of excellence, raising more than £300M so far to support industry and serving over 600 customers.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of engineering in Scotland?

GW: That Scotland and the UK will become a powerhouse for economic growth and attract inward investment that allows us to be world leaders in key engineering sectors.

Q: How did you get into engineering?

GW: My father was an engineer and was always encouraging me to learn about how things work – didn’t take much encouragement! Over the years, I’ve been able to support early-career engineering students and encourage school and college leavers to enter the profession. 

Q: What are three things young people considering a career in the sector should know about?

GW: First of all, professional engineers are in demand; they’re well paid and have enjoy great working conditions. Second, it’s fun, never a dull moment, and you’re always being presented with new interesting challenges. Third, you get to play a major role in creating and developing technologies that impact everyone’s lives for the better, from combatting climate change to advanced medical devices. 

Q: is there anything you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning of your own career?

GW: I’d have been quicker to appreciate the value of having a diverse team around you and the positive impact a diversity of backgrounds can have on solving engineering problems.

Q: And is there a final message you’d like to give to engineers just starting out?

GW: Be bold, enjoy your career, and make the most of any opportunity that comes along!