ICE Yorkshire and Humber awards shortlist shows nature-based solutions are here to stay

Nature-based solutions featured strongly in this year's ICE Yorkshire and Humber Awards shortlist, with a number of wetland projects among the selected entrants.

Judges were tasked with choosing 13 projects and four individuals from a competitive pool of entries.

The projects shortlisted are varied, from storm spill reduction to active travel schemes, showcasing the range of engineering work going on across the region.

The engineers shortlisted for the individual awards have demonstrated remarkable commitment to improving the industry through STEM outreach and commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect.

The ICE will announce the winners on the evening of 19 March at the annual gala dinner and awards ceremony, taking place for the first time in Sheffield, at the Mercure.

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The 2026 shortlist

Project awards

Projects stand to win one of three categories:

• Smeaton Award: for projects valued £5m and under, sponsored by Waterman Aspen
• Centenary Award: for projects valued £5m and over
• Net Zero Award: for projects, studies, and research, sponsored by Mason Clark Associates 

The shortlisted projects are:

• Armley Gyratory
• Blackburn Meadows TSR
• Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvement Scheme
• Brawby Storm Spill Reduction
• Clayton West Integrated Constructed Wetland
• Copley Flood Alleviation Scheme
• Dearne Reach Integrated Wetland
• Filey Station Refurbishment
• Fore Gill Bridge Rebuild Scheme
• Gargrave Sewage Treatment Works
• Otley Bridge
• Thornton-le-Beans Phosphorus Removal
• Transpennine Route Upgrade – Rose Lane Overbridge

Individual awards

Individual entrants could win one of two categories:

• STEM Ambassador of the Year Award
• Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Impact Award 

The shortlisted individuals are:

• Aida Yousefabadi
• Amy Stevenson
• Holliness Nyika
• Martyn Priestley

The ICE Yorkshire and Humber Gala and Awards Ceremony 2026 is sponsored by SCP/RSK.