PUBLIC EVENT
To celebrate Black History Month 2026, the Academy will host an intimate in-person lunch to celebrate and learn from the contributions of Black engineers and the organisations and communities that support them to thrive.
This year's theme, Honouring Our Communities, will acknowledge the contributions of Black engineers whose work strengthens engineering institutions, supports engineering communities and advances engineering’s contribution to British society.
The theme recognises that Black history is not solely defined by landmark moments or prominent national figures; it is sustained daily through civic leadership, professional excellence, cultural contribution and community commitment. As such, we will seek to honour the contributions by and in support of Black engineers, delivered through volunteering, public service, grassroots community leadership, mentors, campaigns, and community organisers.
The theme will be explored through three pillars:
- Community, belonging and experience - Honouring the organisations that are working to create community, connection and belonging for Black engineers
- Visibility and recognition - Honouring contributions of individual Black engineers by showcasing and celebrating their contributions, achievements and impact within the engineering community and for wider society
- Progression and action - Honouring organisations delivering impactful inclusive practice to support Black engineers to thrive in the industry and delivering engineering work to create equity for Black communities in society
The event will bring together established Black engineers and emerging talent with influential leaders and allies in the industry. Join us for the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn from those delivering inclusive practice to support Black engineers and communities.
Through micro presentations, a panel discussion, facilitated table discussions and networking, you will leave with new connections, fresh perspectives and practical ideas to help create workplaces where Black engineers can flourish and contribute their full potential.
Programme*
| Time | Session |
| 11.30am | Reception and refreshments |
| 12.00pm | Opening remarks |
| 12.15pm | Micro presentations |
| 12.45pm | Panel discussion and Q&A |
| 1.30pm | Working lunch and facilitated table discussions |
| 2.30pm | Closing remarks |
| 2.45pm | Refreshments and networking |
| 3.30pm | Event end |
*Programme subject to change
Photography/filming notice
Please note that photography/filming may take place during this event. All photographs and videos will be securely stored on the Academy’s servers and used for editorial, marketing and media use by the Academy and selected press or industry media. Please let us know if you do not agree to this processing. Please refer to our General Privacy Policy for more details.
Venue and accessibility
It is very important to the Royal Academy of Engineering that our events are accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact the Events team more than one week in advance of this event so that necessary arrangements can be made. Contact details: [email protected].
Further information about accessibility at Prince Philip House can be found at: https://raeng.org.uk/about-us/accessibility.
Diversity monitoring form
The Academy is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and one of our goals is to develop an engineering community fit for the future. To help us achieve this, we would like to collect some basic anonymous data about the event attendees. If you would like to help, please complete the diversity monitoring form by logging into your user account on our website and completing ‘Update my D&I data’.
