Keith Howells

Presidential visits: listening as much as speaking

During his inaugural address, Keith said he intended his presidential visits to be as much about listening as speaking to members.

Northern Ireland

During his visit to Northern Ireland, Keith explored how the country is investing in future infrastructure through projects such as Belfast Grand Central Station and discussions with Translink on rail modernisation and transport decarbonisation.

A particular focus was the strong connection between industry and academia, including how Ulster University is adapting its engineering curriculum to address climate change and support the UN SDGs.

Australia and New Zealand

Across Australia and New Zealand, Keith discussed two defining challenges: adapting infrastructure to climate impacts and managing the transition to low-carbon energy systems.

The visit stood out for its focus on water security, climate resilience and the integration of Māori values and community engagement into infrastructure planning and delivery.

Republic of Ireland

A visit to Cork gave Keith Howells a unique perspective on the evolution of water infrastructure, from an 18th-century pumping station to a modern treatment facility using advanced digital monitoring.

He also explored cutting-edge research into offshore floating wind and biomethane production, highlighting Ireland's growing role in the renewable energy transition.

East of England

The East of England visit focused on how digital technology could transform infrastructure design and asset management, with research at the University of Cambridge demonstrating opportunities to reduce carbon through smarter use of materials and data.

Emerging technologies, including AI-driven structural optimisation and road monitoring through vehicle sensors, showcased the potential of digital innovation to improve infrastructure performance.

London

During his London visit, Keith examined the long-term future of flood protection for the Thames Estuary, including the challenge of replacing or upgrading the ageing Thames Barrier.

Discussions focused on how to deliver one of the UK's largest future climate adaptation programmes, involving thousands of flood defence assets and complex ownership arrangements.

North and south-west England

In the South West, Keith explored the region's potential to become a hub for floating offshore wind, with ports, universities and industry working together to prepare for large-scale development in the Celtic Sea.

Meanwhile, in the North West, visits to landmark projects such as Everton Stadium sparked discussions about social value, transport policy and engineering innovation.

Wales and West Midlands

In the West Midlands, Keith visited the new University Station project in Birmingham, where innovative construction techniques overcame severe site constraints, archaeological challenges and multiple funding partners.

In Wales, he saw how infrastructure projects are increasingly using nature-based solutions to tackle flooding and coastal erosion, providing a showcase for environmentally led engineering.

Yorkshire and Humber

The Yorkshire and Humber visit centred on the frustrations local authorities face when accessing infrastructure funding. Stakeholders argued that fragmented government funding models can hold back effective long-term planning. 

The region's ambitions around transport decarbonisation, renewable energy and the long-term resilience of the Humber Estuary also featured prominently.

East Midlands and south-east England

The East Midlands and South East visits highlighted practical approaches to decarbonisation, from repurposing former power-generation sites for future energy projects to reducing the carbon footprint of major transport schemes such as the Lower Thames Crossing.

The trip also showcased how contractors, colleges and local authorities are combining sustainability, skills development and circular economy principles to support regional growth.

Hong Kong and China

During a visit to Hong Kong and China, Keith explored major infrastructure projects, decarbonisation initiatives and digital innovation while promoting engineering professionalism.

The visit also strengthened relationships with government bodies, engineering institutions and major construction firms, with a focus on international knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Qatar and UAE

On his final international presidential visit, Keith examined how the Middle East is shifting from rapid infrastructure expansion to long-term asset management, while promoting professional qualifications as a means of strengthening engineering capability.

Discussions ranged from Qatar's post-World Cup infrastructure strategy to regional ambitions around sustainable development, water security and preparing the workforce for future infrastructure challenges.