The decision in 1747 to create the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris to educate engineers has had a significant effect on higher education. The programme, emulated across continental Europe in the Napoleonic period, was founded on underlying mathematical principles of calculus, geometry and algebra which, through practice, led to creative solutions. Through innovation driven by scientific discoveries and societal demands the programmes have evolved into research led, industry informed learning experiences. It is this practice of creating a corpus of knowledge and then going on to challenge that knowledge that leads to the contribution that engineers make to society.
Recognising and understanding the balance between tradition and innovation is a key feature of engineering degree programmes that equip graduates with a habit of mind that enables them to deal with future challenges. This strengthens the need for research led teaching that is industry informed.
Speaker: Barry Clarke, Vice President, Institution of Civil Engineers
Chair: Chris Roger, Chair, Institution of Civil Engineers Innovation Panel
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