IStructE’s East Midlands Regional Group gathered on 24 September 2024 to celebrate the centenary of structural engineering membership across the Midlands.
The event marked the past and future of structural engineers across the region, acknowledging the expertise of past and present members.
IStructE’s President Tanya de Hoog, its CEO Yasmin Becker, Jo Renold-Smith, Chair of the East Midlands Group and Mahesh Sankaran, chair of the Midland Counties Group, joined the celebrations.
Jo Renold-Smith, said: “This event celebrated the work of the Institution of Structural Engineers and its members who work to design structures that are safe and that make efficient and effective use of materials – the aim is to provide a built environment that benefits us all.”
The Midlands Counties branch was originally established in 1924 with 83 members in 10 counties. IStructE’s then President Major James Petrie OBE hosted the inaugural meeting on 22 November 1924 when he stated that “the Midlands were a stronghold of Structural Engineering.”
With a growing membership, 1975 saw two branches created, with a new East Midlands Regional Group running alongside the original Midland Counties group.
Mahesh Sankaran added: “Major Petrie’s statement about the prominence of structural engineering excellence across these counties still holds today. The Midlands has a history as a powerhouse of engineering innovation across many disciplines, and our Regional Groups aim to ensure this continues.”
The Midlands is home to some significant structures, including The National Space Centre in Leicester, and Rolls Royce’s Testbed 80 in Derby. This is the largest indoor testbed in the world, designed specifically for testing Rolls Royce’s UltraFan engine, a project in which Jo Renold-Smith was involved as Associate Engineer at Norder, an engineering and architecture design consultancy in Derby.
The region is also home to the UK’s first carbon-neutral bus station, St Margeret’s in Leicester, with HSP appointed as Civil and Structural Engineering consultants. In 2023, the East Midlands Group awarded it the Best Project for refurbishment.
Group members are involved in renovating and repurposing older structures. James Thomson, an IStructE member since 2012 has worked with the Museum of Making in Derby to renovate the heritage building. James commented: “Renovation and reuse are important aspects of a structural engineer’s work, as this avoids the environmental impacts that come with the use of new construction materials. By creatively reimagining our existing buildings, we can create amazing new spaces for people without the associated carbon footprint.”
Jo Renold-Smith and Regional Group members look ahead to a bright future for the structural engineering profession, with a focus on supporting the talent pipeline. Barbara Sandulescu runs the region’s Young Member’s Panel, explaining: “This was established in 1933, and it’s still going strong to help those starting in the profession. Its aim is to build networks and share experiences of working as a young structural engineer.”
Jo Renold-Smith concludes: “As we look ahead, I’m keen to extend our understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the profession, from flexible working practices to how we manage neurodiversity in the workplace. Having an open mind to new ways of working will help the profession innovate for the future.”
Yasmin Becker, CEO of IStructE, concluded: “It was a pleasure to join our members for this important milestone. I congratulate our Midlands-based Regional Groups on this landmark occasion, and all at the Institution wish them well for the future. Our Regional Groups play an integral role in knowledge-sharing for the profession, offering lectures, awards, social events, and other activities all tailored to support the career, technical and professional needs of structural engineers.”
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For further information please contact:
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Newsroom on +44 (0)7930 53 45 43.
Notes to Editors
About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): https://www.istructe.org/
The Institution of Structural Engineers dates to 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.
It has over 29,000 members working in 138 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.
The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.