Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering launched today 04 March 2014

The £1m Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering was launched today (4 March 2014), with chairman Lord Browne of Madingley calling on parents to consider engineering, and to encourage their sons and daughters to view it as an exciting and rewarding profession.

Also unveiled today is an international network of young engineers – QEPrize Ambassadors – who will evangelise about engineering and inspire the next generation to create the future.

"From large-scale infrastructure to medical technology, engineers' achievements transform every aspect of our daily lives," states Lord Browne.

"[But] our research shows that parents are reluctant for their daughters to enter the field of engineering, believing that other subjects offer them better opportunities," he continues.

"The QE Prize aims to make heroes and heroines out of the engineers who are behind the world's greatest innovations, demonstrating that engineering can offer a rich and rewarding career to both men and women"

This year's QE Prize for Engineering judging panel comprises some of the biggest names in engineering and science from around the world – including Professor Brian Cox in the UK, Professor Calestous Juma in the USA and Narayana Murthy in India.

Last year, only 4,228 girls applied to read engineering at university, compared to 28,020 boys, which the QE Prize survey indicates could be related to parents' attitudes towards the discipline.

Parents continue to assume that their daughters are better off with humanities, with 70% claiming that their daughters are interested in art and nearly 60% saying they are more interested in literature. Only 18% said their daughters are interested in engineering.

"We need talented, skilled and enthusiastic people to continue our proud tradition as an engineering nation, whatever their background or gender," insists Lord Browne.

"I want to see today's men and women become the world-class engineers of tomorrow," he adds.

Professor Brian Cox says: "From the earliest times, people have worked to shape the world around them and improve their lives through engineering. We need more engineers now, to carry on this legacy, and it is imperative that parents encourage their children, especially their daughters, to study STEM subjects.

"It is obvious to me that the symbiotic relationship between science and engineering will define the future of the global economy, and on a wider scale, the future of our civilisation, just as it defined our past."

And deputy prime minister Nick Clegg comments: "To maintain and advance our economic recovery, we need to open everyone's eyes to the opportunity of working in the innovative and inventive world of engineering.

"The female engineers I've met have been second to none for their passion and skill and, unless more is done to boost their numbers, industry will miss out.

"This award will hopefully encourage more parents to back their daughters' aspirations to follow a career in engineering."

Author
Brian Tinham

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.