Australia is in the global engineering spotlight, with four leading Australians now holding senior international roles helping to shape the future of the profession.
Backed by Engineers Australia, ATSE and Consult Australia, these leaders are advancing a shared vision: harnessing Australian engineering expertise to tackle global challenges including decarbonisation, digital transformation and workforce mobility.
- Em Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO HonIEAust FTSE, chair of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA)
- Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE, president of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS)
- Mr Bill Cox Mr William (Bill) Cox FIEAust FTSE, chair of the Global Leadership Forum Advisory Board, International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC)
Joining a number of other Australian engineers shaping best practice in their respective disciplines, Professor Saeid Nahavandi FIET FIEEE FTSE FIEAust is incoming president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – SMC Society, the world’s largest technical professional organisation which sets global standards in electrical engineering, computing and technology.
Engineers Australia CEO, Romilly Madew, said this is a unique moment of Australian influence in global engineering.
“We’re seeing Australian talent leading not just in ideas, but in shaping how the profession responds to critical issues like sustainability, technology, and global collaboration,” she said.
The three peak bodies are working together to ensure this international leadership translates into national benefit, strengthening innovation, commercialisation, and skills development at home.
ATSE CEO, Kylie Walker, said this global leadership is no accident, it’s the result of decades of investment in Australian engineering and a culture of collaboration and innovation.
“It gives us the chance to influence international standards, foster knowledge exchange, and accelerate the deployment of technologies that solve global problems,” Walker said.
Consult Australia CEO, Jonathan Cartledge, said its important to create the right enabling environment at home, one that nurtures entrepreneurship, supports skills and capability development, and ensures that Australia continues to lead globally.
Together, Engineers Australia, ATSE and Consult Australia are calling for a national conversation on skills, innovation and productivity ensuring Australia’s global leadership strengthens our capacity to respond to climate change, digital disruption and regional uncertainty.