Talk Overview

Engineering has always been about solving problems and adding value to society. However, the problems we are now facing are becoming more complex meaning that engineering needs to evolve. Global challenges such as climate change need a new generation of engineers who can learn to balance the competing needs of society and nature. These engineers will blend creativity, systems thinking and behavioural science to develop solutions which can be accepted by communities around the world, adding value not only to society but also our natural world. We call these people Zero Carbon Engineers and this talk will discuss why we need them and the some of the skills they will need. 

About the Speaker

David Rooney is a Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast. His research focuses on energy generation and materials and he is the Director of the Sustainable Energy Research Group at Queen’s and Director of the Bryden Centre, a cross-border renewable research centre. At present he works with oil and gas companies, regional industry and government to advise on Zero Carbon technologies. He is the Dean of Internationalisation and Reputation for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and has a long history of working with international partners including time in China developing the Queen’s College at the China Medical University in Shenyang.