Engineering for people

Engineers Without Borders UK has launched its 2020/21 Engineering for People Design Challenge in partnership with Engineers Without Borders South Africa and Engineers Without Borders USA.

The competition engages first- and second-year university students by inviting them to propose a solution to a real-life problem. Now in its tenth year, the Challenge has reached more than 41,500 students and is embedded in the curriculum at dozens of UK universities. 

The 2020/21 Design Challenge focuses on Lobitos and Piedritas in Peru. The two towns still experience significant challenges in sustainable waste management, energy, food and water supply, digital communications and transport infrastructure as well as the added pressure of Covid-19. The 2020/21 competition will encourage students to consider the sustainability challenges and opportunities of ecotourism to the settlements that support it.

Academics from each institution will review their students’ submissions, with the top five from each university going forward to be judged by industry volunteers. 

Emma Crichton, Head of Engineering at Engineers Without Borders UK, said: “Our project provides a platform for students to develop engineering skills with a globally responsible mindset. The 2020/21 challenge is unique due to Covid-19, and the teams will be working in step with the wider engineering community to deliver sustainable solutions to ongoing issues during a pandemic.”
 
Read more at ewb-uk.org  

Image Credit | Shutterstock