Airbus and the Global Engineering Deans Council launch award to encourage more diversity in engineering programmes at universities worldwide

Ten thousand US dollar prize to reward diversity champion

Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer and GEDC (Global Engineering Deans Council), the leading organisation for engineering education, launch an award to recognize individuals who have been pro active in bringing more diversity into engineering classrooms. They intend to reward initiatives which encourage students of all profiles, gender, social and cultural backgrounds as well as disability, to study and succeed in engineering.

The long term aim of this new award is to increase diversity among the global community of engineering educators and professionals, so that the engineering industry reflects the diversity of the communities it supports. In addition it will ensure that more students have the opportunity to experience and value working in diverse teams during their studies.

“Increasing demands for engineers globally means we must broaden our reach and attract the most talented people to the industry” said Sarah Rajala, Dean of the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University and Chair of the GEDC. “With this award we want to make sure that engineering represents the population served by the industry, with opportunities for everyone. It will recognise the contribution of individuals, or of their projects, which have enhanced the diversity in engineering education globally.”

“At Airbus we have some 100 nationalities and over 20 languages are spoken among our 55,000 employees. We believe that this diversity is a huge strength, a vital part of our business success and that it helps foster innovation, performance and engagement.” said Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering.

Following the launch the GEDC and Airbus will establish an Awards Committee comprising experts in engineering education, diversity and industry, to define the application guidelines, evaluation criteria, selection process and launch the call for candidates.

Airbus is a corporate member of the GEDC (Global Engineering Deans Council), a leading global organisation whose members are individuals responsible for setting the agenda for higher education in engineering in their countries and universities.