Previous winners

2014 -2020 winners

2020: Dr Susan Scurlock MBE

Dr Susan Scurlock MBE is recognised for her inspirational promotion of engineering through her not-for-profit organisation, Primary Engineer.

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European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Tim Peake is recognised for his inspirational promotion of engineering and space through the Principia mission’s education programme, the largest and most successful educational campaign supporting a European astronaut mission.

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2017: Roma Agrawal

Structural engineer Roma Agrawal is recognised for her contributions to promoting engineering, particularly to under-represented groups, and helping to change the public perception of the profession. As a broadcaster, speaker, and published author, she reaches audiences ranging from five-year-olds to retired engineers and many more in-between.

2016: Professor Danielle George MBE

Professor Danielle George has won the Rooke Award for her public promotion of engineering, including via a citizens’ engineering project encouraging school groups and individuals to build a robot to play as part of a touring orchestra.

2015: Hugh Hunt - Cambridge University Reader in Mechanical Engineering

Awarded for his outstanding contribution to the public promotion of engineering, through a wide and varied range of activities through direct education, television and radio. Dr Hunt has long been a stalwart of the Cambridge undergraduate engineering teaching programme, as well as a regular contributor to the university's popular science lectures.

2014: Dr Diane Crann - Clothworkers' Fellow in Mathematics and Mathematics Fellow, Royal Institution

Awarded for her pivotal role in setting up a programme of Engineering Masterclasses at the Royal Institution. The aim of these hands-on sessions is to open the eyes of young people tot he excitement and value of engineering, and the diverse range of careers it can offer, by encouraging them to think creatively about solving real-life problems.

Previous winners 2002 - 2013

2013: Mark Miodownik

Professor of Materials and Society, University College London

Awarded for his dedication to raising the profile of engineering. Over the past 12 years Mark has become a public champion of engineering: working with the Tate Modern to explore the engineering behind their collection, contributing to BBC Radio 4 programmes such as Material World and Start the Week and writing and presenting the 2010 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.

2012: The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair

In recognition of its success in communicating the excitement of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to young people and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

2011: Professor Christopher Bishop FREng FRSE

Recognising him for his "persistent drive" in engaging members of the public in the vital work of engineers and their contribution to society. He is a regular speaker at the major UK science festivals. He continually pursues and tests new ways to promote computer science engineering, through novel demonstrations, interactive web sites and video. He has also presented the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, broadcast to a prime-time national television audience of five million people.

2010: Walking with Robots

Recognising the project network for engaging and exciting public audiences with engineering challenges and societal and ethical implications of robotics research by bringing together leading researchers in intelligent robotics with experts in the field of public engagement.

2009: Science Made Simple

Recognising them for their Engineering Explained initiative by having a real impact helping inform a broad audience about the potential that engineering offers, both as a solution to global problems and as an exciting career choice for the next generation of engineers.

2007: Dr Johnny Ball

In recognition of the astonishing impact of his long history of involvement with the promotion of science, technology and engineering to young people, teachers and the general public.

2006: Professor John Burland CBE FREng FRS

Awarded to the man who helped stop the famous leaning Tower of Pisa crashing to the ground.

2005: Dr Lindsay Sharp

Director of the National Museum of Science and Industry.

2004: Kate Bellingham

TV and radio presenter.

2003: Ed Bazalgette and Simon Winchcombe

BBC Producer/Director; Assistant Producer

For their work on the Brunel film for the Great Britons series and their general involvement with TV programmes covering engineering.

2002: Dr Adam Hart-Davis

Author and TV presenter.