Who is the greatest engineer
In November 2015, to coincide with its 60th anniversary, BSRIA launched INSPIRE, a commemorative publication listing 120 inspirational engineers past and present, their achievements and the impact they have had on the world. It is intended to highlight why Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects are important and to inspire the next generation by showing them what they are capable of. It is free to download until 31 December 2015.
BSRIA then narrowed down the list to just 15 great engineers for the industry to vote on. The question they are asking is:
[edit] Who has been – and continues to be the most influential engineer?
The choices are:
- Alan Turing.
- Bill Gates.
- Frank Whittle.
- George Stephenson.
- Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
- James Watt.
- Katherine Blodgett.
- Leonardo Da Vinci.
- Marie Curie.
- Michael Faraday.
- Nikola Tesla.
- Rosalind Franklin.
- Steve Wozniak.
- Tim Berners-Lee.
- Willis Carter.
The survey will be open until 31st December 2015 and results will be published in early 2016.
Julia Evans, Chief Executive at BSRIA, said: “We now have wearable technology, video calls and tablets are a normal part of our personal and work lives, no one bats an eyelid at flat screen televisions. Yet these ideas were once viewed as technologically impossible, a dream… The nature of STEM is about pushing boundaries and making the impossible possible. STEM has changed the way we work, travel, heal and enjoy life. The advancing of the human race has always depended on the bright minds willing to focus their energy on engineering ideas.”
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
Comments
Ove Arup?
Peter Rice?