The next generation of engineers and scientists are set to tackle the world’s biggest problems.
But what skills will they need to succeed?
Three members of EIBF’s academic community share their views on the years ahead and how engineers and scientists can shape their thinking.
Dawn Bonfield MBE is Professor of Practice in Engineering for Sustainable Development at King's College London and founder of International Women in Engineering Day.
She said: “In my opinion, our values, our principles and our passion for creating a better world for all are the most important qualities of future engineers, because once you have values that are aligned in the right direction – around sustainability, ethics, inclusion, nature positive solutions – then the solutions and the technical competences will all fit in behind these value driven priorities.
“We live in such a complex and unstable world at the moment, with many challenging things competing for our attention, and many problems to overcome. Often this can be daunting for young (and old) people, and it can be hard to know where to start to make positive change. Once we realise that we all have the power and potential to make change, even as individuals, and that it starts with the first step, then we can all be part of the journey to change.
“The future needs engineers with solutions which align with the values that we know will move us, as people and planet, in the right direction towards a better, healthier world, where we live in harmony with each other and with our planet.”
Mahroo Eftekhari is Professor of Building Services Engineering at Loughborough University.
She said: “Future engineers need to master systems thinking, embrace digital tools, and collaborate across multiple disciplines. Creativity, adaptability, and innovation are essential for staying at the forefront of emerging technologies. Crucially, being able to communicate complex ideas simply and persuasively helps build consensus and drive change in the built environment.
“Young engineers can be constrained by educational silos, limited professional networks, and a culture of excessive risk aversion. They need mentorship, industry exposure, and the space to explore bold ideas safely - engagement with international societies, like ASHRAE, that are at the forefront of driving sustainable change in the sector, provides that. Building confidence in their problem-solving abilities and connecting with peers can propel them to make significant contributions early on.
“We need innovative strategies to decarbonise the built environment, prioritise circular economy approaches, and focus on holistic wellbeing. By integrating communities, policy, and cutting-edge technology, we can create resilient systems that also uplift people’s quality of life. If young engineers take ownership of these ideas and keep them at the forefront, they can drive lasting and positive transformations for our future.”
Dr Mohammed Meah is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Physiology at University of East London.
He said: “The skills needed by the next generation of scientists is not markedly different from previous generations. The fundamental principles still apply, the courage to start, take the plunge, have a vision and persevere and not be afraid of failure - hence promote taking risks, work as part of a collective group, be able to promote and sell your idea, Learn from the past, embrace change, create a future vision and create the story.
“We need to encourage and offer support to the next generation of scientists. We still have a long way to go to overcome the ‘risk averse’ culture and encourage the American model. Within universities, we need to encourage students to come out with ideas to address real problems. Not just in sectors such as engineering or business but in all sectors. We also need more collaboration between sectors, not only internally, but externally with industry.
“Our young scientists have amazing ideas, but the support (monetary as well as business skills) to develop these ideas further is lacking. Universities should be actively encouraging business / entrepreneurship and employability skills, in addition to research. By actively, I mean embedding these skills in modules at all levels. They should offer incentives / prizes/ internships to take ideas further. It’s great to see the support and prizes offered by the EIBF to encourage entrepreneurship in UK universities.
“We need to encourage and inspire young scientists to think they can make a difference to real world problems. If they can make a tiny dent in providing solutions, this may make a huge difference to someone’s quality of life.
“Whether its access to food and water, or tackling pollution, increasing sustainability or improving health, or diagnosing or treating disease. In the bioscience sector, there are some areas with huge potential for the future including, new vaccines against viruses or new antibiotics, development of stem cells for repair of tissues and growing new organs, genetic diagnosis and therapy and digital analysis of cellular pathology for diagnosis.”
Ready to take your skills to the next level? Find out more about the Sainsbury Management Fellows scholarship.