The awards recognised inspiration and support, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and outstanding contributions.
Four of Scotland’s outstanding civil engineers have been recognised for their expertise and excellence at the ICE Scotland Awards.
The awards ceremony took place as part of the ICE Scotland Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch annual dinner, which was hosted by writer and comedian Jo Caulfield.
The winners were presented with their awards by ICE President Anusha Shah and the ICE director general and secretary, Janet Young.
The winners
Inspiration and Support Award
This award celebrates someone who goes beyond their duty to support and inspire others in their network, fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation and excellence.
This year’s award winner was Dr Caroline Devaney, principal engineer at Mott MacDonald.
Dr Devaney said: “Winning this award was a lovely surprise, especially as I wasn't aware I had been nominated! Supporting our younger engineers on their journey to becoming chartered is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.”
Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award
This category honours someone who’s passionate about ensuring the profession is inclusive and representative, takes a holistic view of diversity, and challenges discrimination.
This year the award went to Dr Margi Vilnay, senior lecturer in structural engineering and director of public engagement and outreach at the University of Dundee.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award. Working on improving diversity and inclusion is always an effort of a whole community, and I have been extremely lucky in being able to partner with amazing engineers, students and charities,” Dr Vilnay said.
“The ICE -specifically, my local Tayside and Fife branch - has been instrumental in supporting many of my endeavours.
“Working with some of the younger engineers and student members, who have enthusiastically contributed to this area, I am delighted to see our profession flourish and become even more inclusive and welcoming.”
Sustainability Champion Award
This award celebrates someone who has made a transformational impact championing sustainable practices across the industry.
Eftychia Koursari, principal project manager at Amey Consulting, was this year’s winner.
Koursari said: “Engineers are at the forefront of the fight against the climate emergency. We have the opportunity, as well as the responsibility to safeguard our planet and future generations.
“It is a great honour to receive this award, recognising the importance of designing and inventing sustainable solutions to solve challenges presented by climate change.”
Outstanding Contribution Award
This category is for someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the ICE and its members in Scotland.
Donald Bell, ICE Scotland chair and principal at s82 consulting, took the award home this year.
“Civil Engineering is vital for sustaining and improving the quality of peoples’ lives in Scotland. It’s important that society understands our contribution to solving the many challenges ahead,” Bell said.
“I’m honoured to receive this award and would like to thank colleagues across ICE Scotland for the support and friendship over the years, as we have delivered for our members and the wider community,” he said.
Doing exceptional things on a daily basis
ICE Scotland director, Ben Westland, highlighted the awards’ role in celebrating the important work of civil engineers in Scotland.
Westland said: “ICE has over 8500 members in Scotland drawn from public, private and academic sectors who design, build and maintain Scotland’s vital transport, water, flooding, energy and waste infrastructure.
“All of them are doing exceptional things on a daily basis, and without whom our society would cease to function.
“These awards were designed to celebrate the achievements of just a few of these people and all the winners deserve their awards.”
Also being recognised at the event for their awards were Emerging Engineer Katie O’Neill, and Rebecca Rawlinson and Kevin Smith, winner and highly-commended, respectively, in the STEM Ambassador of the Year Award.
