The engineering industry and public engagement

If you're an engineer, odds are something very similar has happened to you. Engineering has an image problem – 59% of people questioned in the Royal Academy of Engineering's Public Attitudes to and Perceptions of Engineering and Engineers agreed that "hardly anyone knows what engineers do". Another part of the problem is that engineering is so diverse – from chemical engineering to civil engineering, aerospace to medical – that it is difficult to define what engineering actually is... But don't feel disheartened! A huge 94% of respondents to the survey above agreed that engineering makes a good contribution to society and 71% agreed that engineers should get themselves in the public eye more – engineering is respected and the public is hungry to find out more! Here at the British Science Association, we're running a new project to help fight against misconceptions about the engineering industry and to celebrate the contribution made by engineers in the UK. Engineers: Engage! Is challenging engineers of all kinds to join up with the general public and discuss why engineering is not just vital to society but also creative and exciting. We'll train and mentor engineers in your company to talk about their work in an engaging way and come up with an idea for an event for the audience of your choice – it could be for a local community group or a science festival. If this sounds like something that you and your organisation would like to get involved in, have a look at the British Science Association website for more information.