Spotlight on Our Ambassadors: Discover the QEPrize Ambassador Network

The QEPrize Ambassador Network brings together early‑career engineers from across the world who are committed to encouraging the next generation into engineering. Spanning 15 countries and more than 60 companies, our ambassadors reflect the full breadth of the engineering profession and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

In this blog, three QEPrize Ambassadors share what the Network means to them and how it supports their mission to inspire young people. Carmen has been involved since the Network launched, Patrick joined in September 2025, and Indira became a member earlier this year. Together, their perspectives highlight the impact of this global community.

Challenging Misconceptions About Engineering

For Carmen, one of the Network’s longest‑serving QEPrize Ambassadors, the mission to reshape public perceptions has been central from the very beginning. “I remember the first QEPrize Ambassador workshop we held in London many years ago. It was on the perception of engineering,” she recalls. “Since then, the Network has done an excellent job in challenging misconceptions and outdated perceptions of engineering and highlighting the role of engineering in society.”

A moment that stayed with her came during a speed‑mentoring event with young girls in London. “One of the students commented that she did not know that engineering was also ‘for girls’,” she says. “She seemed excited, like a new door opened that she did not know was available. It made me think: in this day and age, if a young girl in the centre of one of the more advanced cities in the world has this perception, what would young people in more disadvantaged settings think?”

Experiences like this reinforce for Carmen just how important relatability is. “With dedication and hard work, they can become what they aspire to be,” she says. “Ambassadors can help young people develop an understanding of engineering, so that they can see if it is something that appeals to them.”

Representation and Visibility

Patrick joined the QEPrize Ambassador Network in 2025, initially drawn by the chance to connect with engineers who wanted to make a difference beyond their day‑to‑day roles. 

“What had initially sparked my interest to join the QEPrize Ambassador Network was the opportunity to connect with a wider community of engineers who are passionate about making a difference,” he explains. “I’ve always believed that engineering can solve issues in the real world and make people’s lives better.”
Over time, his motivation has deepened. “Seeing the impact that conversations, mentoring and visibility can have on young people has further reinforced in me how important representation and encouragement are in engineering.” 

During the Exploring Routes into Engineering panel earlier this year, one moment stood out for him: “Hearing directly from students who were still unsure about their future but became genuinely curious once they realised there isn’t just one right route into engineering.” Sharing his own challenges and journey helped make engineering feel more accessible. “They don’t need people pretending to have had a perfect career path,” he says. “They need to hear realistic experiences, including challenges, setbacks, and lessons learned.”

Inspiring Future Engineers 

Indira, one of the newest QEPrize Ambassadors, sees engineering as a field defined by curiosity and creativity. Her advice to young people is simple but powerful: “Stay curious and open‑minded - engineering is not a single path but a wide spectrum of opportunities to design, build, and improve the world around us.”

Indira was drawn to the QEPrize because of its global recognition of engineering’s impact. “The QEPrize represents the highest recognition of engineering’s ability to transform society for the better,” she says. “I want to help amplify the message that engineering is not just about equations and machines, but about people and impact.” She is especially passionate about reaching young women and underrepresented groups. “I see the QEPrize as a powerful platform to share stories of innovation and make engineering more accessible and aspirational.”

Why Inspiring the Next Generation Matters

All three QEPrize Ambassadors share a belief that the world urgently needs more engineers, and more diverse voices within the profession.

Carmen points to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Engineering 2030 report: 
“There is a growing and chronic shortage of engineering skills in the UK. We need to inspire the next generation of engineers that will contribute to tackle society’s most pressing challenges.”

Patrick echoes this sentiment:
“Engineering and STEM are central to solving many of the biggest challenges we face globally from sustainability and clean energy to healthcare, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Inspiring the next generation is essential because future progress depends on diverse, creative, and motivated people entering these fields."

Indira adds that every young person brings something unique:
“Your unique perspective is valuable… engineering is as much about creativity and problem‑solving as it is about technical skill.”

Read more blogs from our QEPrize Ambassadors here.