The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has appointed University of Warwick Professor Ian Guymer as its first ever academic in residence.

Working alongside ICE members and industry leaders, Professor Guymer will help identify new areas where civil engineers can offer contributions to major global challenges.

He will engage with other disciplines such as social sciences, economics, planning and computer sciences as part of ICE's 'Shaping the World' initiative.

The scheme aims to 'bring together the greatest civil engineering minds to address key challenges in our time'.

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Both the Ove Arup Foundation and David Sainsbury's Gatsby Foundation have helped to fund the post.

As an expert on water pollution, Professor Guymer's work at Warwick University addresses urban issues of overcrowding, transport, housing, public health and infrastructure.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Guymer said: "It is an honour to be working with ICE to help enhance the impact of our essential global infrastructure. Civil engineering is the vehicle of civilisations, but is stalling at a critical time in history.

"To catalyse changes and advancements in the sector, the Shaping the World programme identifies and supports great ideas, nursing them to fruition."

ICE Director General, Nick Baveystock, added: "As industry thought leaders, ICE's members and partners can help turn knowledge into action by developing solutions to the complex problems we face.

"Professor Guymer will advise the Appeal's Programme Development Group on what projects to take forward for the campaign."

(LM)