Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) is delighted to announce the launch of FeME STEPS, a new programme that embodies the network’s mission to create more inclusive, resilient, and adaptable engineering practices.
This innovative programme brings together teams of students from the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and Heriot Watt University to tackle real-world challenges related to climate change, resilience, and social impact, with a focus on creating a space for students to explore and experiment with tangible solutions.
Taking place in June over 5 weeks, interdisciplinary groups of undergraduate students will work with external partners across Edinburgh and Glasgow to help them find solutions related to climate change, resilience, mitigation, or justice with communities at the heart.
FeME STEPS will benefit both students and partners. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines while working with industry, public sector, and community organisations on issues they care about. Projects will be co-created with external partners, ensuring that the challenges are grounded in the real needs and experiences of diverse stakeholders.
Partners will benefit from fresh perspectives, creative thinking, and new ideas about how their challenges might be approached or implemented. Throughout the programme, students will receive mentoring and guidance from members of the FeME network to support their work.
FeME STEPS is part of the wider Failure Modes of Engineering network, which aims to re-engineer engineering with and for women and underrepresented groups, recognising that these communities are often disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. We encourage partners and student members of these groups and those who have an interest in working in this environment to apply. FeME STEPS aims to create more equitable engineering practice where traditionally underrepresented voices in engineering can be heard.
We invite industry and community organisations to partner up with us in this initiative. Partners may include:
Industry and private sector organisations
Public sector bodies and government agencies
Charities and non-profit organisations
Social enterprises and community organisations
NGOs and international organisations
Innovation hubs, research institutes, or start-ups
Deadline for applying is 30 March, 2026 at 5pm GMT.
Student recruitment will open shortly.
Further information about FeME STEPS and how to be a partner can be found here.