IStructE 2017 President

Ian Firth FREng FIStructE FICE has been announced as the Institution of Structural Engineers 2017 President. Ian, currently COO of engineering consultancy, Flint & Neill, is a world leading expert in bridge design and construction.

During his career Ian has been involved with world famous bridge projects like the strengthening of the Severn Bridge, Erskine Bridge and West Gate Bridge, and the concept design of Stonecutters’ Bridge in Hong Kong, as well as many smaller pedestrian bridges such as the new Inner Harbour Bridge in Copenhagen. He is also a leading advocate of bridge-building charity Bridges to Prosperity.

Ian said:

“It is a huge honour to be appointed President of The Institution of Structural Engineers, an organisation whose membership boasts some of the most brilliant engineering minds on the planet.

“During my Presidency I look forward to meeting many more of our worldwide membership, learning more about their work, and hopefully helping to inspire and encourage them all to go further and do better in all that they do.

“2017 holds huge promise for our profession, but presents challenges too; perhaps the greatest of which is how to make sense of the very rapid changes in digital design technology, which presents both enormous opportunities and risks for structural engineers, as the guardians of public safety.”

Ian will give his inaugural address on 12 January 2017 at The Institution of Structural Engineers’ International Headquarters in Bastwick Street, London.