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Heriot-Watt Principal Professor Richard Williams is leading the UK team addressing key challenges facing the world and society, heading the UK delegation to a major summit on Global Grand Challenges in Engineering hosted by the Chinese Academy of Engineering in Beijing.
This is one of a series of key events inspired by the Grand Challenges, a series of ambitious goals identified by some of the generation’s leading technological thinkers and which are believed to be both achievable and necessary to help people and the planet survive.
We will be looking at how best to implement the collaborations, networks and tools which are necessary to solve complex global challenges and to engage young people worldwide to become the next generation of engineering leaders
The initiative, which will focus on key themes, Sustainability, Infrastructure, Energy, Health, and Joy of Living, along with Education and Security/Resilience as well as options for collaboration with China on issues of climate change, air quality management and clean energy technology, is a joint effort between the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the US National Academy of Engineering.
Professor Williams is heading up the UK delegation in his position as Vice President, Fellowship Engagement, at the Royal Academy of Engineering.
He said, “We will be looking at how best to implement the collaborations, networks and tools which are necessary to solve complex global challenges and to engage young people worldwide to become the next generation of engineering leaders. This is an approach which ties in closely with Heriot-Watt’s own strategic vision, research themes and international research collaborations.
“This summit is attracting key thought-leaders, academics and students from around the world, all keen to bring their expert focus to solving some of the key challenges identified as facing our world and our society.
“We hope the outcomes will not only prove of practical benefit, but inspire young people to become involved in practical ways to help the planet and its people to survive.”