Autumn 2002 PW 5 - Cranfield University

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y Jenni Searing 10 CRANFIELD PEOPLE “ Engineering is the art of turning science into technology... ” Dr Robert Hawley, Chairman of Taylor Woodrow and former Chairman of the Engineering Council Consider for a moment, a world without engineering. No transport, clothing, domestic appliances, medical equipment... Because almost everything we use, every day, involves engineering at some point in its life cycle. Dr Robert Hawley, energy industry supremo and Cranfield honorary graduate, describes engineering as “the art of turning science into technology.” It is also, as he points out, largely ignored by the public, leaving engineers as the unsung heroes; getting little or no recognition, yet patiently shouldering the blame when things go wrong. In the public’s mind, too, engineering still involves dirty workshops – not the case for a generation. As past president of the Engineering Council, Dr Hawley recognises this ‘…hundred year old problem’ well. He is also confident that change may soon come through the Engineering and Technology Board, a body he founded to promote the use of engineering and technology to enhance the UK’s competitiveness. And, with a change in perception, should come increased numbers of students enrolling in engineering and technology subjects. Dr Hawley firmly believes that, essential though technology is in engineering, there is more to it than pushing buttons. “It takes a certain gut instinct, an understanding of physical science and lots of practical experience,” he said. “After all, we all start life as engineers – from building with blocks to fixing our bikes. And one way or another, subconsciously or consciously, we all continue to engineer as we grow.” Under Professor Joachim Milberg, 2001 was the most successful year to date for BMW – success which he believes could only be achieved by cooperation. The Cranfield honorary graduate said: “I discovered that if you work alone you are adding, whereas if you cooperate with others you are multiplying. We all stand on one another’s shoulders. Success can only be achieved together.” Professor Milberg sees the modern engineer as an increasingly important mediator between science, technology and society. He went on: “Today, engineers are expected, not only to understand their own specialist area, but also the overall picture. With ever-increasing complexity, it is becoming more and more important to consider topics and approaches from different ‘nonspecialist’ areas, often those involving the state, society and business as a whole.” “This means we need to make our work increasingly transparent in order to constantly win the trust of society. “Technical progress can only be achieved with a broad social consensus, something we can only gain through communication. To communicate the new technologies will, therefore, become a major task of the engineer.” This, he believes, demands a focus on www. cranfield.ac.uk/alumni AMBASSADORS Some of the honorary graduates awarded the “ The future of our economies will not be decided mainly in the factories but in the lecture theatres and laboratories of ” our universities. Professor Dr-Ing Joachim Milberg, Member of the Supervisory Board, and former Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG the dedicated and creative new generation of engineers. “The future of our economies will not be decided mainly in the factories but in the lecture theatres and laboratories of our universities,” he said. “It is here, above all, that engineers’ communication skills are of special importance. Where a positive perception of technology must be instilled; where an enthusiasm for technology as a cultural asset is aroused; where basic research and development skills are acquired, and where the skills for knowledge transfer are developed.” After just three years at the helm of BMW, Professor Milberg took early retirement in May. He looks forward to playing an influential, but discreet role on the company’s supervisory board. And, as he said: “The honour Cranfield University has bestowed on me will be an incentive for me to make my own personal contribution to the future of engineering.” by Jenni Jackson
www. cranfield.ac.uk/alumni for CRANFIELD degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa Are you a parent? More specifically, are you a dad? If so, you’ve an important duty as role model that could make a major contribution to the future of the planet. Trouble is, you may not have recognised it yet. These days, most business concerns ensure they have an environmental policy – at worst it merely sits alongside the mission statement as a laudable aim, at best it has its own ‘SMART’ objectives and makes a difference. Take BP for example. Lord Browne – awarded a Cranfield honorary doctorate in June – is at the helm there and mindful of the implications of his global concern as a polluter. Amazingly, BP’s targets to reduce emissions were reached years ahead of time and now the company is at the forefront of looking for other ways to ameliorate the impact it has on the natural world, while still addressing the needs of its customers. “We will still be using oil and gas in very significant measure for well into the future, and it will be a long time before they are substituted. So new technologies enabling the reduction of “ Any business, even individuals, can consider the implications of poor insulation, leaving doors open, badly maintained stock. ” Lord Browne of Madingley, Group Chief Executive, BP plc hydro-carbons and CO2 are very important,” said Lord Browne, who in the spring announced a reduction in BP’s greenhouse emissions by more than nine million tonnes, eight years ahead of its target and at no net cost to the company. BP was voted one of the world’s most admired companies (FORTUNE March 2002) and is the biggest supplier of oil and gas to the US. “We operate to make a profit that we can re-invest back into the country of source,” said Lord Browne, who has ideas on how everyone can help with energy conservation and the global concern about a sustainable environment. “Any business, even individuals, can consider the implications of poor insulation, leaving doors open, badly maintained stock. And today’s engines, with the right fuel and lubricants, could reduce CO2 by 400 mega-tonnes a year and now we can simulate without the need for flow models to assess the impacts of new design,” he added. But back to your family – research shows that boys have less respect for their immediate environment than girls. They are more likely to throw litter on the streets, forget to switch off lights, overlook recycling etc. It appears thoughtfulness isn’t sufficiently macho. Dads, it seems, need to show leadership both at home and at work. Having said that, perhaps your children have taught you a thing or two about caring for the environment… If that’s the case, share it with us: alumni@cranfield.ac.uk by Shirley Jones 11 CRANFIELD PEOPLE “ While pure research is necessary, the results must translate into useful products for mankind. Cranfield recognises putting scientific progress to work... ” Professor Dr Ing Klaus Riedle President, Gas Turbines Division Siemens Power Generation G “ as turbines are at the frontier of today’s technology – on the ground for power generation and in the air for jet engines. The challenge lies in pushing for fast, economical and ecological progress while maintaining high reliability of this equipment.” So says Cranfield honorary graduate Professor Dr Klaus Riedle, President of the Gas Turbines Division at Siemens Power Generation, where the development of an industrial gas turbine started in 1948. Professor Riedle’s concern, however, is for solutions which also satisfy the power demands of developing countries, balancing overall wealth between industrialised and developing nations. This philosophy, which he has incorporated into his significant contribution to the industry, is the one which Cranfield has recognised. “We need to bridge the gap, develop and deliver products to satisfy growing power demand while, at the same time, being mindful of maintaining a profitable business for the company,” said Professor Reidle. “While pure research is necessary, the results must translate into useful products for mankind. Cranfield is a university which recognises putting scientific progress to work...” by Dot Hill
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Autumn 2002 PW 5 - Cranfield University

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