Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) is launching a new Climate Challenge workshop series bringing together researchers, practitioners and stakeholders to explore how engineering solutions for climate change and biodiversity loss can be developed in ways that are socially acceptable and grounded in real-world experience.
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the FeME project focuses on engineering solutions across transport, energy and water, with a strong emphasis on empowering those most affected by climate impacts as crucial agents in shaping future engineering.
As part of this work, FeME will host two free Climate Challenge workshops on Tuesday 10th March 2026, held at IET London, each focusing on a different sector. While the sector focus and challenges differ, both sessions will follow the same interactive format.
10:00-13:00 – Energy and Urban Resilience
The morning workshop will focus on energy and urban resilience, exploring challenges around community engagement, public trust and the social acceptance of renewable energy solutions.
Participants will work through practical challenges including:
- Renewable energy development and the use of communal land
- Managing conflicting interests between stakeholders, such as local communities, fisheries and offshore renewables
- Renewable energy in urban areas, including shared and multi-tenement spaces
Eventbrite link (Energy session): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feme-climate-challenge-workshop-energy-tickets-1981354054313?aff=oddtdtcreator
14:00-17:00 – Transport and Logistics
The afternoon workshop will focus on transport and logistics, examining how socially acceptable approaches to engineered solutions for climate change can be developed and implemented.
Challenges explored will include:
- Automated vehicles and job security, including engagement with drivers, trade unions and local communities
- Inclusivity in pilot projects, particularly involving people with disabilities
- Public transport in peri-urban and rural areas, such as autonomous shuttles and demand-responsive transport
Eventbrite link (Transport session): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feme-climate-challenge-workshop-transport-tickets-1981347635113?aff=oddtdtcreator
Workshop format
Each Climate Challenge workshop will be structured in two parts. The first will explore sector-specific use cases where different approaches to engaging communities, stakeholders or end-users may be required. The second will involve a facilitated round-the-table discussion, using a structured card-based approach to refine key issues around community engagement and public trust.
Insights from both workshops will feed into future seed-funded activity and developmental workshops with world-leading experts, with the aim of developing a portfolio of practical tools and approaches for practitioners.
Who should attend
These events are designed for professionals working in the energy and transport sectors who are interested in more participatory and data-informed approaches to community engagement in the context of engineering solutions for climate change.