PRESIDENTS

248th President of the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers 2024

Founded in 1771 by John Smeaton and seven other engineers, we are the oldest engineering organisation in the World.  John Smeaton was the first engineer to call himself a “Civil Engineer” to distinguish himself from Military Engineers and after his death the name was amended to ‘The Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers’ in his memory

The term “civil engineer” in 1771 included all disciplines of engineering, rather than today’s narrower definition of a ‘Civil Engineer’. The Society continues to embrace all branches of engineering and science, representing a very broad church.

In the 250years of our existence we have seen the evolution of major engineering and technological changes. A number of First Class members played key roles in contributing to the success of these, many of which have achieved significant benefits to the wider society in the UK and around the world - long may it continue. Over the same period there have been a number of changes to the operations and membership of the Society; in recent years the introduction of Discussion Dinners, new Toasts and increased numbers of Members, all of which have given added richness to both the engineering and the social aspects of our meetings

The Society has always had a limited membership and currently has a maximum of 72 First Class Fellows plus a small number of Honorary Fellows. It is an honour and a privilege for me to be elected President of this unique organisation for 2024

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The Society normally meets seven times per year for dinner over which the professions engage and network with each other in a convivial atmosphere. Two of our meetings are more formal discussion meetings with an eminent speaker taking the lead. It is normal for Fellows to bring guests associated with the professions. The Society also supports the Institution of Civil Engineers in the annual Smeaton Lecture, which is presented by a Smeatonian and given to a to a wide audience.

2024 is the 300th Anniversary of Smeaton’s birth in Leeds and we will be holding our Annual lunch meeting at University House, Leeds University on 30th October 2024

The discussions this year focus on two major issues “Cyber Security” and “How do we encourage more young people into engineering”. Given the great importance of these topics for the next generation we are inviting the younger engineers who will be the potential Leaders of the Future to take part in the discussions.