Brighton students welcome President of Institute of Civil Engineers

The visit from Anusha Shah, President of the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), is part of an ongoing series by industry figures aimed at students studying civil engineering. In a talk titled “Building Connections for a Nature- and People-Positive World” to students, Anusha Shah addressed the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, emphasising the importance of collaboration across sectors and disciplines to find sustainable solutions.

During the visit the President toured facilities in the university’s Civil Engineering Laboratory and Advanced Engineering Building including its robotics suite and virtual reality labs with Dr Imran Rafiq, Dean of the university’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering and also met with Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris CBE.

Dr Imran Rafiq, Dean of the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, said: “Core values of the University of Brighton are inclusivity, sustainability, creativity and partnership, which perfectly align with the priorities set by the ICE particularly with the emphasis on climate emergency, positively influence of the civil infrastructure projects on the environment, and inclusivity within the profession. This visit strengthens the collaboration between academia and industry in addressing the pertinent global challenges and supports the development of skills in our graduates to address these challenges.”

Left to right: Anusha Shah, President of the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Dr Imran Rafiq, Dean of the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering

Anusha Shah said that visits from industry professionals can help students and staff bring to life their academic work and link to real world projects: “Equally the industry can bring to universities the complex problems and blockers that need more research and development. It’s a win-win partnership, particularly as we are running out of time to drive solutions to challenges, such as the climate and nature crisis.”

Dr. Shah’s visit was organised by the Civil Engineering Team in response to an initiative by the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) who advise the university on curriculum development to ensure it meets industry needs. The IAB also offers students opportunities for mentorship, such as mock interviews and CV review sessions. The President ended her visit with a meeting with members of the IAB including Chair Nigel Clifford who advises the university on curriculum development to ensure it meets industry needs. The IAB also offers students opportunities for mentorship, such as mock interviews and CV review sessions.

He said: “At Brighton we believe we are particularly active in providing direct interaction with the students, for instance by offering surgery sessions, mock interviews and reviewing CVs.”

This is the second time an ICE President has visited the university in recent years, with President Ed McCann visiting in 2022.

Civil engineering in Brighton is currently at 12th in the Guardian University League 2024 and is currently being led by Dr Saniul Alam.