The Renée Redfern Hunt Memorial Prize

Rachel Attwood

Rachell Atwood from Graham Construction won the Spring 2024 Rennie Redfern Hunt Memorial Prize. In her communication task, Racheal addressed the provision of infrastructure to combat the impact of climate change on disadvantaged communities.

On winning the medal she said:

Eric Ho

Eric Ho from AtkinsRéalis won the Autumn 2023 Rennie Redfern Hunt Memorial Prize. In his communication task, Eric explored stigmas in the industry and how we must overcome them to meet Net Zero.

On winning the medal he said:

Judges' view

"Eric was asked to write a piece by a journalist for inclusion in an industry supplement about how the civil engineering profession can overcome stigmas and start a conversation to make all roles, trades or skills fully open and inclusive.

His structure and organisation of the response was outstanding, limiting the piece to one side of A4 and writing in a three vertical column format. He tackled subjects ranging from the perceived ‘traditional’ image of the civil engineer, neurodiversity, alternative routes into the industry, equity not equality and ended with ‘Next Steps’. His response included key facts and referenced sources, yet was very readable from beginning to end with a clear demonstration of personal argument and critical thinking.

Eric produced an informative and enjoyable communication task response and is a worthy winner of the Rennie Redford Hunt Memorial prize.” Mike Brookes, vice chair

Josef Ashton

Chartered engineer Josef Ashton from Richter Associates Ltd won the Spring 2023 Rennie Redfern Hunt Memorial Prize for the best written communication exercise. His submission was a blog post on whether we can replace engineers with technology, was aimed at an audience with technical knowledge but, without specialist civil engineering knowledge.

On being selected by the judges as the winner, he said:

Judges' view

"In his communication task, Josef was asked to write a blog on BIM as a key tool in civil engineering for a technical readership, but to those without specialist civil engineering knowledge. In an outstanding report, Josef set out to capture his audience with an ‘eye catching’ approach to entice them to read further.

His explanations on what BIM was and how it could be used as a key tool in civil engineering were very informative. He provided examples of case studies, published reports and many very relevant references. He went on to mention the use of digital twin in 3D modelling and also how the use of BIM helps civil engineers across all of their work including H&S.

Josef’s communication task was very impressive, and he is a worthy winner of the Rennie Redford Hunt Memorial prize.” Bill Gowdy

Jeremy Littlejohn

Chartered engineer Jeremy Littlejohn from Boskalis Westminster Ltd won the Autumn 2022 Rennie Redfern Hunt Memorial Prize for the best written communication exercise.

Jeremy’s communication task was to write to secondary school students to explain the challenge of decarbonisation and net zero in the wider world and particularly in the construction industry, taking into account the tendency to prioritize price, programme and delivery above all else.

On being selected by the judges as the winner, he said:

Christopher Short

The 2020 Renee Redfern Hunt Memorial Prize was won by Christopher Short, for his written exercise of "Drawing on your experience in the delivery of the "Global Clinic", discuss how civil engineers, through their application of leadership, judgement and technical skills, could promote design and construction of affordable healthcare facilities in developing countries.”