The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) welcomed the recent announcement of a major parliamentary inquiry into engineering to be launched this spring. The Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee will examine some of the wide-ranging issues affecting engineering in the UK.

The inquiry's terms of reference will include the role of engineering and engineers in society, the current state of the engineering skills base, the importance of Research and Development (R&D) and the roles of industry, universities, professional bodies, Government, unions and others in promoting skills and careers in engineering.

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Sarah Buck, President of IStructE, the world's leading professional body for structural engineering with over 14,000 members in the UK, endorsed the inquiry’s announcement.

She said: "I believe that this will be a vital opportunity to address some of the key issues facing engineering today such as skills and diversity, and look forward to the outcomes of the inquiry."

Sarah added: "While this will be a valuable exercise, let us not forget that the real responsibility rests with those engineers currently at work today to ensure that they attract, support and enthuse the future generations of engineers. We need to continue to alter the perception of the profession for the better to attract more engineers, and particularly more women engineers, and give them the right support. IStructE, as a leading engineering institution, is committed to addressing these issues and supporting the industry."

(GK/JM)