Engineers Ireland has announced the programme of speakers for its national conference, 'Time for Inspiration, Engineering Innovation and Leadership in 2023'.
The conference, which will be held at the O’Reilly Hall at University College Dublin on Wednesday, October 25, will hear from a range of influential thought leaders on the role engineering is playing, and can play, in key areas of our society.
In addition to the event featuring an exciting line-up of speakers, it will also provide an important opportunity for members to network and engage with fellow peers and stakeholders, so register today to reserve your place.
Central economic challenges and opportunities
Dr Ronan Lyons, associate professor of economics at Trinity College Dublin, and member of the Housing Commission will speak on the central economic challenges and opportunities facing Ireland over the coming years and how the country should address its capacity issues in housing.
Decarbonising Ireland’s energy infrastructure will be the focus of contributions from Dr Tanya Harrington, chair of Renewable Energy Ireland, who will provide an up-to-date picture of how renewable energy is developing in Ireland and what changes are required over the coming years to achieve an effective transition to a net zero future.
Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at UCD, will discuss research she is undertaking on mathematics education and the accessibility in STEM, while also outlining her work as chair of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.
The national conference will also hear from Niall Gleeson, CEO of Uisce Éireann, who will address the engineering challenges the company encounters while protecting Ireland’s water supply and providing a safe, secure, and sustainable water system to a rapidly growing population.
Seán Atkinson, managing director of ESB International, a leading global engineering consultancy with experience across 120 countries, will speak about the provision of services in transmission and distribution, thermal and renewable power generation, utility management, and strategic advisory while placing focus on transition to low-carbon solutions.
The conference will take a look towards the skies as inventor and founder of Hill Helicopters, Dr Jason Hill, will describe his reimagined approach to delivering and supporting safe, private aircraft, and the innovative skillset of the engineering team at his company.
Decarbonisation and environmental issues
Decarbonisation and environmental issues will also feature prominently through a panel discussion on the role engineering can play in building a sustainable future, chaired by the director general of Engineers Ireland, Damien Owens, which will comprise of Dr Elena Tsalaporta, lecturer in process and chemical engineering at University College Cork; Dr Matthew Kennedy, sustainable development leader for Europe and global leader for climate strategy at Arup; and Dr Richard Manton, registrar and chief risk officer at Engineers Ireland.
Concluding proceedings for the day, Engineers Ireland president, Dr Edmond Harty, will present awards for Presentation of the Year, CPD Accredited Employer of the Year, and Chartered Engineer of the Year, honouring outstanding achievement in the engineering profession in Ireland.
Tickets for members to attend this premier learning and networking event are priced at a mere €30 and can be purchased at the following link: https://www.engineersireland.ie/EventBooking/9110. A hybrid event, it will also be streamed live.