Institution news
The afternoon was dedicated to celebrating emerging engineering talent and reaffirming the Institution’s commitment to the future of the profession.
Hosted by Interim Chief Executive Jo Passingham, the ceremony brought together Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholars, Apprentices, EngTech professionals, Whitworth Award Holders and newly elected Whitworth Scholars.
Deputy President Professor David Nowell opened proceedings with a powerful reflection on the responsibility and opportunity facing today’s engineers. He emphasised that the profession’s future depends on those who can combine intellectual rigour with practical capability - engineers who understand not only how things work, but why they matter.
Undergraduate winners
This year’s Undergraduate Scholarships recognised exceptional promise at the very start of academic journeys. Torr Ramsden (University of Edinburgh), Reuben Das (Imperial College London) and Elisabeth von Halasz (Durham University) were each awarded scholarships after a highly competitive process.
Aya Stitou Ouriaghli Hintif (UCL) received the First Year Undergraduate Scholarship, while Safaa Qazi (Imperial College London) received the Clive Hickman First Year Undergraduate Scholarship.
Postgraduate winners
At postgraduate level, James Bowie (Cranfield University) and Zhe Wei Kho (Imperial College London) were awarded Masters Scholarships, supporting their progression towards Chartered Engineer status.
The Astridge Postgraduate Research Scholarship was presented to Zygimantas Vainauskas (University of Leicester) for doctoral research advancing aviation safety.
Apprentice and technician winners
The ceremony also celebrated the vital contribution of apprentices and technicians - Ben Shackson of Great Western Railway was named Railway Apprentice of the Year, while William MacLeod of AtkinsRéalis received the Apprentice of the Year Award. Shyam Lal of WSP was recognised as EngTech of the Year for his technical leadership and innovation.
Whitworth Scholarship awards
The event culminated in the 41st Whitworth Scholarship Awards, introduced by Karl Dearn, Chair of the Whitworth Awards Panel. Twenty-eight new Whitworth Award Holders were recognised alongside two Senior Scholars, including
Mark Bromley (University of Oxford) and
Emily Moodley-Elderfield (University of Warwick).
11 members were elevated to the full rank of Whitworth Scholar, reflecting sustained excellence across industry and academia.
Across every category, one message resonated clearly: the future of engineering is in capable hands. These award winners represent not only academic distinction, but resilience, leadership and a commitment to shaping a more innovative, sustainable and responsible profession.