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Type
Networking

Great Debate 2025: rethinking engineering and technology skills for both people and planet to survive

Event organised by ICE

Date
12 March 2025
Time
18:15 - 21:00 GMT
Location
The Henley Business School
University of Reading
Whiteknights Campus
Reading, RG6 6UR
United Kingdom
Add to Calendar 12-03-2025 18:15 12-03-2025 21:00 false Europe/London Great Debate 2025: rethinking engineering and technology skills for both people and planet to survive https://ice.org.uk/events/upcoming-events/great-debate-2025-rethinking-engineering-technology/ The Henley Business School, Reading

Free

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Overview

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, technological advancements, and shifting societal needs, the traditional view of engineering and technology must be revisited. Engineers and technologists have long been the driving forces behind innovation, economic growth, and the development of solutions to global problems.

However, as the climate crisis intensifies, resource depletion accelerates, and social inequalities persist, there is an urgent need for a shift in the skills that engineers and technologists possess. To ensure a future in which both people and the planet can thrive, a new and radical approach to engineering and technology education and practice is crucial.

At the heart of this transformation lies a broader perspective on sustainability. Engineering and technology professionals must embrace environmental, social, and economic sustainability as core principles. This requires the integration of sustainable design practices into every phase of product development, from conception to end-of-life disposal.

Today’s engineers need to be equipped with the skills to design solutions that minimize environmental impact, such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and using renewable resources. The focus must extend beyond efficiency and cost-effectiveness to consider the long-term health of ecosystems, the equitable distribution of resources, and the resilience of communities.

At this year’s Great Debate event, four speakers will address different aspects of key skills needed and global challenges which lie ahead, while safeguarding the future of both people and the planet.

Discussion topics:

  1. Shift in mindset is needed
  2. Modern challenges need engineers to be more versatile
  3. How to innovate within the constraints of a sustainable future
  4. Education of engineers to reflect 21st Century challenges

Organised by

Institution of Engineering and Technology

Institution of Engineering and Technology

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary professional engineering institution.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Improving the world through engineering

University of Reading

University of Reading

The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK higher education for nearly a century. Over the decades we have become innovators and pioneers, pushing academic boundaries and leading social change.

Institution of Chemical Engineering

Institution of Chemical Engineering

We are the leading professional qualifying body for chemical, biochemical and process engineers.

BCS

BCS

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is committed to making IT good for society. We use the power of our network to bring about positive, tangible change.

Venue

The Henley Business School,
University of Reading,
Whiteknights Campus,
Reading
RG6 6UR

For more information please contact:

Kirsty Joyce