Aiming to inspire the next generation of engineers, The Royal Academy of Engineering has unveiled a new statue in honour of inspirational Macclesfield-based discipline innovator, Alice Kan. It’s a first modern statue of a living engineer—and especially significant in the push for a more equal gender split in the industry.

The initiative is a significant moment for the engineering world, with women still making up only 15.7% of the UK engineering workforce. The lack of visible role models is seen as a key factor in why fewer women are pursuing engineering as a profession, with this memorable statue, conceptualised and created in collaboration with revered visual artist Kelly Anna to mark National Engineering Day 2024, set to be a launchpad landmark for the next budding women engineers. 

On the work, Kelly Anna shares: “I’m thrilled to work with the Royal Academy of Engineering on this initiative. These engineers are making a tangible impact on the world, and it’s exciting to translate their achievements into art that can inspire others. I hope that through these pieces, people will see how creative and fulfilling engineering can be.”
 
Alice Kan offers: “Being honoured in statue form is a very unique experience and not something many people can say. I really hope my statue encourages people to understand more about engineering, what engineers do and why it is a great career for anyone who’s got a curiosity for wanting to make things work better.”