IABSE wants to motivate and encourage promising young researchers and practioners to share their experience and to give them a chance to build up a network with more experienced engineers. For this purpose IABSE started a Young Engineers Programme (YEP) in 2002.
The Association launched its first 'Young Engineers Programme' in co-operation with the Australian Group of IABSE at the IABSE Symposium in Melbourne. As a result of its success, the Programme has since then been repeated, and facilitated the attendance and the active participation of young engineers at the IABSE Symposia.
The success of the programme is illustrated by the following figures:
| 2007: Weimar |
|
120 Young Engineers out of 580 participants, 60 presenters |
| 2006: Budapest |
|
79 Young Engineers out of 391 participants, 44 presenters |
| 2005: Lisbon |
|
72 Young Engineers out of 590 participants, 32 presenters |
| 2004: Shanghai |
|
85 Young Engineers out of 543 participants, 49 presenters |
| 2003: Antwerp |
|
76 Young Engineers out of 450 participants, 48 presenters |
| 2002: Melbourne |
|
80 Young Engineers out of 370 participants, 40 presenters |
Activities at an International Level
Based on the general objectives, the activities of the YEP at an international level may include the following aspects:
- Increase the activities for YM, particularly during the annual IABSE Symposia, through specially designated sessions and social events.
- Increase the participation of YM in the Association's technical and non-technical groups.
- Encourage the participation of young engineers at the annual IABSE Symposia through travel grants or reduced registration fees.
- Support the National Groups (NG) in their activities to promote the YEP through publicity material (flyers, posters, website).
- Encourage contributions from YM to IABSE publications (e-newsletter, website, SEI).
Outstanding Contribution Award
A Jury selects two outstanding contributions presented by Young Engineers at the annual IABSE Symposium and present them with the 'Outstanding Contribution Award, consisting of a diploma and a prize money.
The financial support to this programme is often offered by either or in combination withe the IABSE Fellows, the Organising Committee of the IABSE Conference and sponsors.
YEP for Conferences
Conditions of YEP differ from year to year. In order to encourage the active participation of young engineers at the Symposium, below is an example of what benefits are offered to participants under 35 years of age:
- A 'Young Engineer' Registration Fee
- Free IABSE membership for the year, including one year subscription to Structural Engineering International.
- A grant to the main author, personally presenting his/her own paper or poster.
- Two prizes of 2000 EUR each, are awarded to outstanding contributions (oral or poster).
- Symposium Fellows Badge - identifies IABSE Fellows to encourage contact and discussion between young engineers and the Fellows.
- YEP Meeting Point offers the chance for young engineers to make contact.
- YEP Social Event is an opportunity for young engineers to meet up in a social atmosphere.
Activities at a National Level
It is important that young engineers learn about IABSE at an early stage through activities at a national level. Such activities, organized nationally, may include:
- Raise awareness of the Association by targeting university graduate students and young engineers in practice.
- Provide local contacts for interested young engineers to get in touch with the National Group and the Association.
- Encourage young engineers to present their work at the annual meetings of the National Groups and support their participation at the annual IABSE Symposia.
Swiss Group: YES 07, Switzerland
The Young Engineers Symposium – YES07, May 31, 2007, attracted over 120 participants! The 12 lectures and 8 posters presented by Young Engineers found high praise amongst listeners. The topics ranged from general structural and bridge engineering issues to problems related to new materials, dynamics, earthquake, fire and the strengthening of structures.
The authors of the three best presentations received CHF 2’000 each for participation at an IABSE conference and free IABSE membership for the year 2008. Special guest Toni Rüttiman concluded the Symposium with a report on his work in Latin America and in Southeast Asia. The Posters can be viewed online, more information.
British Group: IABSE Young Engineers Conference 2006 'Design Values for the 21st Century'
The third IABSE Young Engineers Conference, March 31, 2006 was held over one day in London and counted 70 graduates and 50 student engineers. The cost of the conference was covered by sponsorship of the British Group of IABSE and various organisations.
Three sessions each focussed on a different topic:
1. Sports and Structure
2. Constrution technology
3. Sustainability
Each session concluded with an open floor discussion between delegates and speakers and the day was a tremenduous success with huge enthusiasm shown amongst the delegates at the possiblities and responsibilities they face in their future careers.
