The award is named after past President and Academy Fellow Sir Denis Rooke and is normally awarded to an individual or small team (of no more than five) based in the UK that has supported the Academy's aims and work through their initiative in promoting engineering to the public.
Who is eligible to be nominated?
The Rooke Award is awarded to an individual or small team (of no more than five) based in the UK that has supported the Academy's aims and work through their initiative in promoting engineering to the public.
Meet our 2026 Winners
Helen Cuthill, Lisa Foster and Georgina Hare - Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Team at the Smallpeice Trust
The Smallpeice Trust has delivered inspiring engineering experiences that ignite curiosity, confidence and ambition in young people across the UK. At the centre of this is the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship programme, which identifies talented students aged between 16 and 18 and provides immersive learning, expert mentorship and meaningful exposure to real engineering pathways. Since 1991, it has supported over 8,000 young people, with many progressing into engineering degrees and careers, across industry and academia, with many later achieving national recognition for leadership and professional impact.
The team – Helen Cuthill, Lisa Foster and Georgina Hare – have been pivotal in modernising and scaling the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, engaging with more than 1,300 schools nationwide. By embracing digital innovation and inclusive delivery models, they have ensured the programme remains rigorous, relevant and accessible, while preserving the prestige and quality that define the award.
Left to right: Helen Cuthill, Lisa Foster, Georgina Hare
News about the Rooke Award
Champion of inclusive engineering Alex Knight wins Royal Academy of Engineering Rooke Award
Engineer, social entrepreneur and diversity advocate Alex Knight has been named the recipient of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s prestigious Rooke Award for 2025, in recognition of her outstanding…
Academy Award for engineering presenter and diversity campaigner Shini Somara
Engineer, author and TV presenter Dr Shini Somara is to receive one of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s top awards next month for her exceptional efforts in promoting engineering to the public.
