The art of persuasion and collaboration

About the speakers

Will Arnold
Will is a Senior Structural Engineer in Arup’s Building Engineering Team, and Senior Engineer and climate change specialist at the IStructE. During his time with Arup, he has been responsible for key aspects of ambitious architectural projects across the world. He has pursued structural solutions that marry engineering excellence with social value and sustainable development. In his role at the IStructE, he is involved with bringing climate emergency response into all aspects of the Institution’s work, as well as leading the publication of best-practice climate emergency guidance to help members meet the needs of our world.

Roma Agrawal
Roma is a structural engineer and author, who is currently working on her third book. From footbridges and sculptures, to train stations and skyscrapers, including The Shard, she has left an indelible mark on London’s landscape. She is a tireless promoter of engineering and technical careers to young people, particularly under-represented groups such as women. She has advised policymakers and governments on science education and has given talks to thousands around the world at universities, schools and organisations, including two for TEDx. Roma's first book, award-winning BUILT was published to rave reviews in 2018, and recently she produced a podcast called Building Stories.

Martin Knight
Martin is one of the leading UK architects specialising in the design of bridges and transport infrastructure and is a Fellow of RIBA and the Institution of Civil Engineers. He founded international bridge designers Knight Architects in 2006 and his practice has completed more than thirty bridges in the UK and internationally, including the award-winning Merchant Square Bridge in London, the iconic Lower Hatea River Crossing in New Zealand, and the 270m-long Ulm Kienlesbergbrücke in Germany.

Elena Rodriguez-Falcon
In 2018 Elena became President & CEO of NMITE. She leads the creation of the most ambitious and radical disruptor in engineering higher education in the UK. Prior to this she was Director of Communications and External Relations of Engineering at the University of Sheffield. Elena has received numerous awards throughout her career. In 2020, she was named Executive Leader of the Year by Equal Engineers, Distinguished Mexican in the UK by the Mexican government and Woman of the Year by FDM everywoman in Technology Awards.