Critical Issues Facing Research Education in Engineering
The talk presents a view of the changing needs for universities to adapt to external requirements for training of engineers. Drawing on current experience in the UK where admissions to higher education have been challenged by changes in 14-18 school curriculum, perceptions of engineering and employer-driven requirements. Key areas identified for forward development include: training of global engineering leaders; international experience within undergraduate courses; work-based experiences; entrepreneurship and innovation; focus of courses on sustainability, energy and other societal drivers; collaborative and blended learning; delivering multidisciplinary research teams. The role of the engineering profession to move awareness and perception to the centre of attention of society in a key public agenda issue. Possible routes to addressing some of these issues are described.