Engineering Matters
Technology
About
Five times winner of the Publisher Podcast Awards, including Best Technology Podcast, Engineering Matters celebrates the work of engineers who use ingenuity, practicality, science, theory and determination to build a better world. In the UK alone 5.7million people work in engineering related enterprises from manufacturing and agriculture to construction and transportation. Their work ensures that the country has sustainable power supplies, better connectivity between cities, increasing efficiency in production processes; advanced manufacturing methods; and is embracing the digital transformations that include virtual modelling of our environment, and development of intelligent machines. Our episodes will examine the vital work of engineers...
Episodes
- #366 Diversity & Inclusion Champion – Engineering Matters Awards
This Engineering Matters episode celebrates diversity and inclusion in the engineering industry, highlighting award winners. It features Gold winner Stuart Naismith, creator of STEM with Mr N, a platform focused on accessible science for y…
- #365 Making a Success in British Construction
Greg Wilkes shares his experiences in the UK construction industry, covering his career journey and the development of his training program for tradespeople. He discusses strategies for scaling businesses and navigating industry challenges.
- #364b Environment Champion – Engineering Matters Awards gold winner
This episode profiles the Wildlife Conservation Society’s MERMAID platform, a winner at the Engineering Matters Awards, which helps scientists record and analyze coral reef data. Experts from WCS, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Blue Alliance discuss h…
- #364a Environment Champion – Engineering Matters Awards shortlist
This episode introduces eight companies shortlisted for the Engineering Matters Awards in the Environment Champion category. Experts discuss various projects, ranging from biodiversity monitoring and coral reef research to sustainable infr…
- #363 Uncrewed Vessels and Unprecedented Data
This episode explores how uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and remotely operated vehicles are being used to meet the growing data requirements for offshore wind projects. It features insights from industry experts on the technological evolu…
- #362 Revisited: Skyscrapers, Predicting The Future
This episode explores the transformation of the London skyline, focusing on the new generation of skyscrapers being developed in the City of London. It discusses architectural trends, sustainability, and the shift towards more open, pedest…
- #361 Revisited: Space – The Robotic Age
This episode explores the growth of space-based manufacturing and robotics, focusing on how these technologies enable safer operations and new industrial opportunities. Experts from the Satellite Applications Catapult discuss the challenge…
- #360 Systems Change: Thinking in Patterns
This episode examines how systems thinking helps engineers understand complex infrastructure challenges and identify leverage points for sustainable change. Guests discuss the implementation of systems change, focusing on efforts led by En…
- #359k Transit-Oriented Communities in Toronto
Michael Matthys, Planning Lead at SvN Architects + Planners, discusses the challenges of developing transit-oriented communities in Toronto, including engineering constraints and meeting community needs. The episode explores strategies for…
- #359j – Modern Vernacular in Saudi Arabia
This episode explores the evolution of architecture in Saudi Arabia, from the rapid development of the 1970s to the contemporary Salmani style and Vision 2030 initiatives. Architect Lana Al-Dwehji discusses integrating vernacular design wi…
- #359i Stone as Structure
In this episode, experts discuss the potential return of stone as a structural material in modern construction. The discussion covers the need for standardized building practices and how stone can be utilized alongside materials like steel…
- #359h Sustainability in Paris
Lucas Grisoni discusses sustainable construction in Paris through three case studies: the University of Chicago's campus, the WoodUp timber structure, and the preservation of the Eiffel Tower. The episode explores strategies for reducing c…
- #359g An Intergenerational Approach to Sustainability
This episode of Engineering Matters explores lifecycle carbon assessment (LCA) in the built environment. Guest Ali Amiri discusses how LCA measures the total carbon footprint of projects and looks at how data science skills contribute to t…
- #359f Sustainability and Adaptation in East London
This episode explores the importance of retrofitting buildings to reduce carbon footprints and extend their lifespans. Guest Marion Baeli discusses sustainable architecture and practical energy improvements for existing structures in East…
- #359e A Better View of Stadium Design
Mark Fenwick of Fenwick Iribarren Architects discusses the development of the FI-Factor, a new system for mapping spectator sightlines in stadium design that improves upon traditional C-values. Examples of its application in Qatar and Spai…
- #359d A Digital Path to Nuclear’s New Generation
Anthony Burch of Egis discusses the use of BIM and digital tools to address construction challenges and improve efficiency on the Hinkley Point C nuclear project. He explains how these methods aim to support future nuclear power plant deve…
- #359c A Fusion of Minds at ITER
In this episode of Engineering Matters, Caroline Dixon discusses the logistical and engineering challenges of the ITER nuclear fusion project in France. She explains how collaborative teams were formed to manage design changes during the r…
- #359b Water, Energy and the Environment in the Middle East
This episode of Engineering Matters explores the shift toward prioritizing environmental sustainability in Middle Eastern infrastructure projects. Yassman AlKhatib from Egis discusses how countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are…
- #359a Australia’s Most Flooded Town
This episode explores the impact of the 2022 floods in Lismore, Australia, and the subsequent engineering efforts to improve flood resilience and town planning. Guest Mark Page of Engeny discusses how the disasters changed approaches to fl…
- #359 Intro – A Sustainable and Resilient World
This episode introduces a series on building a sustainable and resilient global built environment. It features Thomas Salvant from Egis to discuss how engineers and decision-makers are addressing the impact of climate change on cities and…
- #358 Experts in Risk
This episode examines the challenges of managing safety in high-rise buildings following the Grenfell Tower fire. Chris O'Regan discusses the UK's Higher Risk Buildings Register and the professional competencies required for engineers work…
- #357c Well-Grounded Decisions: Construction and Operations
This episode examines the importance of identifying ground risks throughout the asset life cycle to avoid project delays and cost overruns. Experts discuss utilizing geophysical screening and geotechnical investigations to create 3D subsur…
- #357b Well-Grounded Decisions: Design Development
In this episode of Engineering Matters, experts from Fugro discuss the application of the Geo-Risk Management Framework during project design development. The discussion covers how geophysical screening, including ambient noise tomography,…
- #357a Well-Grounded Decisions: Site Selection
In this episode of Engineering Matters, experts discuss the Geo-Risk Management Framework and the GroundIQ® approach to managing subsurface risks in engineering projects. The discussion includes perspectives from Fugro and Fermi Developmen…
- #356 Making Space for Wastewater Treatment
This episode explores the challenges of upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure, specifically focusing on the Ringsend facility in Dublin. It details how Egis and Haskoning implemented a novel biological treatment solution to improve…
- #355 The Real Value of Nature
This episode explores green-grey engineering and the use of nature-based solutions alongside traditional infrastructure. Guests Alpa Bhattacharjee and Rod Braun discuss the Net Ecosystem Value framework for assessing the economic and envir…
- #354 AI in Infrastructure: Adoption and Guardrails
Mark Coates joins the show to discuss AI adoption in infrastructure based on a new industry whitepaper. The episode features a panel of experts exploring strategies for safe, ethical, and efficient AI implementation alongside necessary org…
- #353 Carbon Assessment in a Time of Housebuilding
This episode discusses the UK government's housebuilding targets and the Environmental Audit Committee's recommendation to use RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment guidelines to measure construction impact. Guests Simon Sturgis and Matthew Co…
- #352 Health Monitoring for Offshore Wind
This episode discusses how health monitoring techniques can be applied to offshore wind energy infrastructure. Guests from Fugro explain how data-driven proactive maintenance using uncrewed vessels can extend the life of wind farms and imp…
- #351 Rough Seas and Reliable Defence Partnerships
This episode examines the engineering challenges associated with naval defence partnerships, focusing on infrastructure development and supply chain requirements in Australia, Britain, and Canada. Guests discuss the technical complexities…
- #350 Living in Space: The Next Generation of Astronauts
Dr. Meganne Christian discusses her path from Antarctic research to becoming a reserve astronaut for the European Space Agency. She explores the future of human presence in space and the variety of roles required for space exploration, whi…
- #349 Never Again: Embedding Safety in Engineering
This episode of Engineering Matters explores the Institution of Civil Engineers' report, Building Safeguards, which outlines necessary changes in engineering culture to improve safety. Guests Paul Sheffield and Ohis Ilalokhoin discuss reco…
- #348 Modelling Distributed Energy Storage
Mattia Secchi from the Technical University of Denmark discusses the potential of using distributed energy storage, specifically vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, to balance intermittent renewable energy supply and demand. The episode expl…
- #347 Revisited: The Pipeline to Net Zero
This episode explores the development of hydrogen and carbon capture infrastructure in Teesside, UK, as a strategy for net zero. Experts discuss repurposing legacy pipeline infrastructure for gas transport, carbon capture, and fuel-intensi…
- #346 Scaling Carbon-Free Cement
This episode examines the challenges and solutions for decarbonizing the cement industry through carbon capture and storage technologies. It highlights projects in Norway and the UK, as well as the implementation of the evoZero product to…
- #345 Pinpoint Precision in Space Positioning
This episode explores Fugro’s SpaceStar technology, which enhances satellite positioning accuracy from metres to centimetres using GNSS. Guests discuss how this precision improves collision avoidance, earth observation, GPS spoofing detect…
- #344 Networks Under Water: Transport, Flooding and Resilience
This episode discusses the impact of flooding on transport infrastructure and the local economy. Guests explore how parametric insurance and catastrophe modelling, such as tools used by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, help loc…
- #343 Weaving Software into Automation
This episode explores the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) in industrial automation. Guests discuss software-defined automation, the impact of new professional organizations like SASE, and the pote…
- #342 Real Solutions and the Industrial Metaverse
This episode explores the industrial metaverse, focusing on how connecting virtual and physical data helps solve real-world problems. Experts from Siemens and ABI Research discuss applications in factory automation, supply chains, and sust…
- #341 Opening the Door to Engineering – Engineering Matters Awards winners
This episode of Engineering Matters highlights initiatives to promote engineering careers through apprenticeships and school programs. Featuring guests Alan Lusty from the adi Group and Jonathan Butcher from King’s Norton School for Boys,…
- #340 Diving Deep into Electric Machinery
This episode explores the electrification of cone penetration testing (CPT) equipment used in construction. Guests from Fugro and Mammoet discuss the development of battery-powered machinery to reduce carbon emissions and future possibilit…
- #339 Integrated Contracts and Innovative Delivery
This episode explores how integrated contracts can improve project delivery in the construction industry. Guests discuss why traditional payment models often cause project delays and how aligning incentives through collaborative contractin…
- #338 Bio-Inspired Innovation & Systemic Sustainability
This episode explores how combining biomimicry with digital technology can drive systemic sustainability in manufacturing. Guests from Siemens, Ekonoke, and Spinnova discuss using digital tools and circular design to optimize processes and…
- #337 Breaking Barriers to STEM with Lightyear Foundation – Engineering Matters Awards winners
In this episode, representatives from the Lightyear Foundation discuss their efforts to increase access to STEM education for disabled and neurodivergent young people. The foundation, a winner at the Engineering Matters Awards 2025, highli…
- #336 Gravity-Powered Heavy Haul – Engineering Matters Awards winners
This episode explores how ABB repowered a heavy haul truck at a Turkish quarry to harness gravity for energy. By capturing kinetic energy during downhill descents to power the vehicle uphill, the project demonstrates a potential method for…
- #335 Monitoring Methane: The Tech Behind the Tech – Engineering Matters Awards winners
This episode explores the collaboration between LongPath Technologies and Red Pitaya in developing laser-based methane monitoring for the energy sector. It also highlights Red Pitaya's recognition as a Gold Champion at the Engineering Matt…
- #334 Digital Construction’s Past, Present and Future
This episode explores the evolution of digital construction following a 2016 McKinsey report on industry inefficiencies. AtkinsRéalis experts discuss the origins of BIM, current challenges in digital adoption, and the future role of AI in…
- #333 Agents of Change – AI in Industry
This episode explores the integration of generative AI into industrial engineering and manufacturing. It examines how specialist AI agents and orchestrators can assist with design, production, and maintenance tasks.
- #332 The Future of Airports Around the World
This episode examines the global transformation of airports as they adapt to environmental pressures, technological advancements, and rising passenger demand. Experts from AtkinsRéalis discuss infrastructure innovations, sustainable operat…
- #331 Life Extension for Infrastructure
This episode explores how aging infrastructure can be maintained beyond its original design life through data-driven monitoring. It examines initiatives by Rijkwaterstaat and Fugro to identify cost-effective and sustainable solutions for e…