The discussion sessions divided up conference delegates into groups to discuss the motivations in carrying out research projects in development. The barriers to doing research were also drawn out along with ways in which EWB-UK can help to address these issues and successfully link real needs to the skills a student in engineering can offer.

 

Student, professionals and NGO delegates identified the following motivations and barriers for research projects in international development:

• Research projects in development often lead to tangible outcomes, this type of project appeals to students where they can create a link between theory and application.

• Students can be inspired by other successful examples of good research projects that have resulted in real impacts and improvements for development.

• Projects in development often require work outside the laboratory. Working in the field and with partners and communities can be extremely rewarding and the student develops a large number of skills that are not so readily available from a normal engineering degree.

• Research projects give those that are interested in development the chance to do some useful work from the UK.

• They create opportunities for projects that are not normally offered at universities.

• Students want to do a real project with a real outcome.

Some barriers in engaging with research projects at university were also discussed:

• Some students felt that engineering faculties’ perspective on “engineering for development” isn’t taken seriously enough.

• There is currently no clear academic discipline for engineering in development, which can make the projects hard to define or gain support.

• Projects need to be credible and well supported with “sufficiently solid engineering content”.

• There is not enough awareness of development issues in the undergraduate curriculum.

• Obtaining and maintaining good contacts with the beneficiaries can be difficult on short term projects based in the UK.

• Difficulties in disseminating end results and knowledge transfer.

• Project structures do not always conform to general final year project formats.

• A lot of prior thinking involved can be difficult to access.

 

The academic delegates highlighted the following reasons for and against carrying out research projects in engineering for development. The positive aspects of this type of research cover items such as:

• They are good for students – not only in expanding their learning but also by creating motivation.

• Students come waiting to make a difference, and projects like these give them the opportunity to do so.

• There is less previous research in this area, therefore leaving more scope for projects.

• Potential to link up with partner organisations.

• Looks good on a students C.V. and can influence future career opportunites.

• There is a chance to work with overseas Universities (this also provides great benefits to UK academics).

• Raises awareness and helps to find more projects for poverty alleviation.

Some drawbacks or reasons why development related research projects may be difficult to implement:

• Literature reviews are less accessible in this area, and it isn’t clear where good papers could be published.

• Project themes must fit into the curriculum (i.e. overseas visits, time and organisation could be difficult).

• There is expertise in this field, but this usually comes from engineers working overseas, thus creating a lack of expertise in the UK.

• Funding projects like these is difficult if field trips are required, and supporting students overseas is difficult.

• They can create high risks – such as health and safety, and also ethical issues that may arise.

• Holding a relationship with an NGO can be difficult.

• Non-enthusiasts question weather this is a real science.

• Not a lot of benefits are gained from short term projects.

 

Overall these discussions made it clear that there are a very motivated group of people waiting to get more involved, but also that there are many ways that EWB-UK can develop in supporting student research projects around the country. The EWB-UK Research Programme will seek to:

• Provide students and academics with access to previous projects.

• Raise awareness to the projects and importance of this type of research.

• Act as a portal for projects and researchers to connect.

• Find a way to better integrate academics (funding and risk).

• Engage with academics, NGO’s and students to find the best way to implement and carryout successful research projects.

• Set up negative and positives aspects of research projects so that everyone is aware of the limitations and opportunities before undertaking them.

• Connecting needs and skills and as far as possible provide non technical support.

• Provide easy links for students to research already done (i.e. web links).