Open Debate About Engineers Future
Abstract: The panel discusses a project focused on the future of the engineering profession and the emerging requirements for developing appropriate professional competencies. The aim of the project E4E is to bridge the gap between society's needs for engineering performance and the provision of suitable education and training. It is structured into four chapters. The first chapter outlines the inception of the initiative, the formation of the consortium, and the operational methods during the funding period. The second chapter addresses the assessment phase, evaluating both current and future training needs for graduating and practicing engineers by offering relevant online courses. The third chapter details the design and preparation of the training courses for testing and validation. Finally, the fourth chapter explores potential scenarios and advancements for the engineering profession, considering adaptations to evolving societal needs for development and progress. Conclusions to define the strategy for the future of engineers and diagnostics of engineering training needed will be presented and discussed in an open debate.
Alfredo Soeiro
Bio: Academic director in Civil Engineering of University of Porto and vice president of the department (2003/7); Pro-Rector of the University of Porto for Continuing Education (1998/3); vice president of EUCEN (1992/8) and SEFI (2002/3); president of IACEE (2001/4); president of AUPEC (2001/5); president of SEFI (2003/5); member of the editorial board of the journal European Journal of Engineering Education (1998-...); ambassador of ENETOSH in Portugal (2012-…); medal of 800th Anniversary of U. Sorbonne (1998); International Hall of Fame of Adult and Continuing Education title (2006); EDEN Fellow award (2008) and Senior Fellow (2016); IEOM Global Engineering Education Award (2016); IACEE Fellow (2014); vice-president of EMC of FEANI (2014-18); member of the Steering Committee of EUCEN (2012-16); member of EDEN DLE Board (2020-…); member of IACEE Council (1995-18); Secretary General of AECEF (2017-…); Vice-President of ISHCCO (2019-…).
Nicolaos Theodossiou
Bio: Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Management Lab of the Department of Civil Engineering; President of the committee of European, International Relations and Cooperations of the Department of Civil Engineering; Director of the Postgraduate program “Protection of the Environment and Sustainable Development”; Coordinator of the Environmental Council of A.U.Th.; President of the Board of the Hellenic Hydrotechnical Association; Member of the Board of the Association of European Civil Engineering Faculties; Member of the Board of the Integrated Water Resources Management Center of A.U.Th.; Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network Black Sea; Coordinator of the research team “Sisyphus-optimization”