Kenneth Severn Award

In order to reduce the carbon footprint of construction we need to take immediate action which includes learning and education at all levels. What does history teach us and what systems might be introduced from a structural engineering design perspective?

We're looking for young engineers who can tackle the above question set by current Institution President Jane Entwistle. The winner will receive a prize of £500, the prestigious Kenneth Severn Diploma, and see their entry considered for publication in The Structural Engineer.

The Award is named in honour of Kenneth Severn (President of the Institution from 1972-73) and is supported by the late Mr Severn's family.

Entries

Your written submission should be a maximum of 1,500 words and may include relevant imagery that supplements the text. Please note: all submissions must be made in English.

Judges will consider:

  • Originality

  • Value to the structural engineering profession

  • Clarity of presentation

Previous winners

The Structural Engineer
<h4>The climate change crisis demands radical change by all. How must structural engineers respond</h4>

The climate change crisis demands radical change by all. How must structural engineers respond

In his winning entry to the Institution’s Kenneth Severn Award 2020 – an annual essay competition for young engineers – Will Rogers-Tizard argues that structural engineers can help tackle the climate emergency by making better use of materials, understanding carbon values and questioning industry norms.

Date ‐ 2 September 2020
Author ‐ Will Rogers-Tizard
Price ‐ £9
The Structural Engineer
<h4>Kenneth Severn Award 2018: What will structural engineering practice look like in 10–15 years' time </h4>

Kenneth Severn Award 2018: What will structural engineering practice look like in 10–15 years' time

The Kenneth Severn Award is an annual essay competition for young engineers, with the question set by the President. Here, winner Radu Trancau looks forward to a bright future and considers what steps structural engineers must take to get there.

Date ‐ 3 September 2018
Author ‐ R.-V. Trancau (CCL (GB) Ltd)
Price ‐ £9
The Structural Engineer
<h4>Kenneth Severn Award 2017: How should structural engineers balance safety and serviceability require</h4>

Kenneth Severn Award 2017: How should structural engineers balance safety and serviceability require

The Institution of Structural Engineers’ Kenneth Severn Award is an annual essay competition for young engineers in which the question is set by the President. In this essay, 2017 winner Amy Cleaves considers how engineers can be educated to achieve elegance in their designs.

Date ‐ 3 July 2017
Author ‐ A. Cleaves
Price ‐ Free

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