Dyson deadline

A mixed bag of events this week starts at the Institution of Civil Engineers, whose Innovate to Survive: Engineers for a One Planet Future conference will aim to highlight how innovation in civil engineering design and construction can underpin the challenges of a low carbon future.

The broad range of topics to be discussed include transport infrastructure, urban development, the implications of reduced natural resources and efforts that can be made by engineers to encourage behavioural and cultural shifts to achieve a sustainable future.

In Manchester, the Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management conference will address strategies for overcoming legal, regulatory and planning challenges associated with the decommissioning and clean-up of the UK civil nuclear legacy.

The opportunity to discuss strategic issues through the analysis of joint ventures, specific project experience and future supply-chain opportunity is said by the organizers to be key in ensuring the future success and profitability of the industry in 2010 and beyond. The conference kicks off on June 30 and ends on July 1.

North west England also plays host to Offshore Wind 2010 for two days from tomorrow. Taking place in Liverpool, the conference sessions will examine how the UK maintains its position as the world leading offshore wind market.

July 2 sees the publication of the Rail Safety & Standards Board’s Performance Report.

Covering 1 Apr 2009 to 31 Mar 2010, the report examines risk to passengers, railway workforce and members of the public and considers train accidents, personal security, level crossings and stations.

Anyone thinking of entering the James Dyson Award has until July 1 to get their entry submitted.

Organised by the James Dyson Foundation, the international design award has been established to celebrate, encourage and inspire the next generation of design engineers.

The brief is very simple: design something that solves a problem. The winner will be announced later this year on October 5.

Click here to read about 2008’s winner, Michael Chen, whose ’Reactiv’ cycling jacket could help save cyclists’ lives by communicating cyclist’s intentions to other road users.

Finally, and on a similar tack, July 2 marks the deadline for entries to the Science, Engineering and Technology Student of the Year Awards.

Award categories include best: aeronautical engineering student, chemical engineering student, and mechanical engineering student. Awards sponsors include Airbus, BP, Microsoft Research and National Physical Laboratory.