World-renowned safety expert Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng is to receive one of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s most prestigious awards in recognition of her enormous contribution to the Academy’s work, from ethical practice and safety culture to the promotion of engineering careers. Dame Judith will receive the President’s Medal at the Academy Awards Dinner in London on Tuesday 9 July.
Dame Judith Hackitt is a British engineer and public servant who is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leader in chemical and systems engineering and engineering safety. Following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster, she led an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety making a series of radical and demanding recommendations which have been implemented to address serious issues across the construction industry, clients, investors and government.
A chemical engineer by profession and a past President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Dame Judith was formerly Chair of the Health and Safety Executive and of Make (UK). She is currently Interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, Chair of the engineering and manufacturing skills body Enginuity and an independent advisor on Building Safety matters for the UK and Australian (Victoria) Governments.
Dame Judith was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2010 and has made a deep and sustained contribution to its work. As a Trustee and Chair of the External Affairs Committee she has helped to shape the organisation’s long-term strategy and fostered the launch of a major perception change campaign, This is Engineering, to encourage young people to consider engineering as a career.
For the last five years, she has brought her unique experience to bear as Chair of the Steering Group for the Safer Complex Systems mission that forms part of the Engineering X programme established by the Academy in partnership with Lloyd's Register Foundation. The international programme has developed a unique educational portfolio to support researchers and practicing engineers to identify and mitigate risks in complex engineering systems.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE FREng FRSE, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, says:
“Dame Judith has made enormous contributions to chemical and systems engineering and to engineering safety over many years. She has served the country as Chair of the UK’s Health and Safety Executive and has an unrivalled record of service to society through her advocacy for the process and manufacturing industries, her holistic approach to culture change and to the promotion of the engineering profession.”
Notes for editors
- The President’s Medal is awarded to an Academy Fellow who has contributed significantly to the organisation’s aims and work through their initiative in promoting excellence in engineering.
- Annual Awards Dinner 2024. This year’s Royal Academy of Engineering Awards Dinner takes place in London on Tuesday 9 July. Along with the announcement of the winner of the President’s Medal, the event will also celebrate the winners of other awards and prizes including the Major Project Award, The Princess Royal Silver Medals and the RAEng Engineers Trust Young Engineer of the Year. https://raeng.org.uk/events/2024/july/awards-dinner-2024
- The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.
For more information please contact: Jane Sutton at the Royal Academy of Engineering; Tel. 020 7766 0636; email: jane.sutton@raeng.org.uk.