Failure Modes of Engineering: a network for future inclusivity, sustainability and global impact
24 January 2025
EPCC is part of a new engineering network that will create more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful solutions to the challenges facing our planet.
Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) is one of six transdisciplinary research projects based at UK institutions that will help ensure the UK can face future challenges and contribute to economic growth, social wellbeing and the transition to net zero.
The project draws on the concept of "failure modes" - a technique traditionally used in systems engineering - to understand where current systems may be failing. The project will unite researchers, industry leaders, and communities to explore and address the complex interplay between engineering, society, and the natural world.
Connected Engineering – Data for Global Solutions
EPCC will contribute to the work package "Connected Engineering – Data for Global Solutions", which will use globally-accessible data, algorithms, and skills to address climate challenges while bridging disparities between the Global North and South.
The initiative includes training workshops to build data and software skills, an award programme to recognise best practices in open data and software, an international hackathon fostering collaboration on sustainability challenges, and a peer-mentoring programme to connect experts across regions.
Dr Kirsty Pringle Software Sustainability Institute, EPCC, and FeME Specialist"We want to create an inclusive data landscape that supports equitable and effective global solutions to the climate crisis by addressing existing barriers such as access to data, technology and education."
Further information
Article by Dr Encarni Medina-Lopez (School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, and Lead of the FeME project) and Dr Kirsty Pringle: Climate change and re-engineering the future: the Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) approach
UK Research and Innovation announcement: Tackling tomorrow’s engineering research challenges
The FeME project is funded by EPSRC through its Network Plus: Tomorrow’s Engineering Research Challenges initiative with £2.2 million over 3 years (2025 – 2028). It is led and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is intended to help them address the challenges identified in the 2022 Tomorrow’s Engineering Research Challenges (TERC) report.