Launch of EPSRC awards recognising inspirational scientists and engineers

2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

To celebrate the incredible innovation that has taken place over recent decades and, in particular, the researchers who have led that innovation, EPSRC, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering are launching the RISE awards - Recognising Inspirational Scientists and Engineers.

An independent judging panel will select their top 10 inspirational scientists and engineers from nominees put forward by universities, industry, professional bodies and learned institutes. Each of these ten will then nominate someone they see as a future world-class talent.

EPSRC is at the heart of UK innovation, generating the fundamental knowledge that fuels economic and social prosperity and investing in the skilled people who drive research forward. Together with the Royal Academy of Engineering, we support the very best researchers throughout their careers by fostering their ambition, innovation and adventure.

Now is the time for some of the inspirational people behind this work to shine.

The launch of these awards coincides with ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers Week’; a week-long series of events supported by Engineering UK, the Royal Academy of Engineering, BIS and other partners, which aims to challenge outdated perceptions of engineering careers, especially among young people, and demonstrate the relevance of engineering to our everyday lives.

Science and engineering are key to creating a more prosperous society for us all, fuelling growth and innovation, and providing solutions to some of the biggest problems we face.

In the UK, our scientists and engineers are carrying out world-leading research every single day. The RISE awards will honour some of the best, both as established leaders in their field and as emerging leaders of the future.

RISE is part of the Engineering for Growth campaign, which is a partner campaign led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, that brings together prominent organisations to demonstrate the contribution of engineering to economic growth and the quality of life.

To keep up to date, join the discussion and tell us what you think makes an inspirational leader or use the Twitter hashtag: #inspirescieng


Notes to Editors

• The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK’s main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. EPSRC invests around £800 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK.

• Royal Academy of Engineering - As the UK’s national academy for engineering, we bring together the most successful and talented engineers for a shared purpose: to advance and promote excellence in engineering.

• We provide analysis and policy support to promote the UK’s role as a great place to do business. We take a lead on engineering education and we invest in the UK’s world-class research base to underpin innovation. We work to improve public awareness and understanding of engineering. We are a national academy with a global outlook.

• We have four strategic challenges: Drive faster and more balanced economic growth; foster better education and skills; lead the profession; promote engineering at the heart of society.

• Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (#TEWeek13) takes place from 4-8th November 2013 and aims to change perceptions of engineering among young people, their parents and teachers. Find out more about the week and about engineering careers.

• Funding Partners for Tomorrow’s Engineers Week are: EngineeringUK, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Institution of Civil Engineers.

• Wider partners include: All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships, Aircelle, AMS Neve, Arup, Atkins, BAE Systems, British Science Association, Career Academies UK, DCE Motor Sport, The Edge Foundation, EEF the Manufacturers Organisation, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Engineers without Borders, Facebook, Food and Drink Federation, GE Aviation, GirlsGetSet, Girl Guiding, GlaxoSmithKline, J8 Precision, Jaguar Land Rover, Little Miss Geek, Motorsports Industry Association, National Apprenticeship Service, National Careers Service, Next Generation Skills, Siemens, Sciencegrrl, Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd, Skills Funding Agency, the Skills Show, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, The Science Museum STEMNET, Talent 2030, Tata Steel, Teach First, Tees Valley Skills Show, UK Association for Interactive Entertainment, UKCES, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Women’s Engineering Society, Women in Science and Engineering, World Skills UK.

• Engineering for Growth (EfG) is a partner campaign, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, that brings together prominent organisations and individuals in order to demonstrate the contribution of engineering to economic growth and the quality of life.