Pro-Chancellor, engineering is people-led and involves the integration of scientific principles, mathematics, creative design and business to produce systems that enable a multitude of advances for our general wellbeing. These cover transportation, manufacturing, and medical devices, together with the essential development of Net Zero economies. Hence, it is vital to educate a new generation of engineers to have the skills that are fit for purpose in the modern world. It is my pleasure to provide this oration for Rob Bell, who is a true champion for the engineering field and a great communicator for its benefits.
Rob graduated from the University of Bath in 2002 with an MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering with French. He then worked for the Energy Saving Trust for eight years developing government-backed energy efficiency programmes before taking a leap of faith to start out as a TV presenter in 2012. The Olympic moto of ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ is a great description of Rob’s work in TV. Over the last decade Rob has presented over 150 hours of TV programmes for the likes of the BBC, Discovery and Channel 5, including Engineering Giants, Abandoned Engineering, The World’s Greatest Bridges, Walking Britain’s Lost Railways, and Trident - On board Britain’s Nuclear Submarine. He provides a unique view of engineering to a non-expert audience, combining historical references with science to illuminate and communicate the wonders of engineering. An exemplar is his exploration into the historical, political and social development of London as a city through its bridges. His prolific output and great ability to communicate make him a national expert in engineering and its history.
His personal tutor during his undergraduate degree noted that ‘Rob had a busy time while at University, combining a tough engineering degree with lots of sports related activities, which were often a distraction.’ As a thrill seeker Rob has managed to combine his love of engineering with a host of physical pursuits from canoeing in the Yukon, to rallying in the Sahara or trekking in the Arctic; often finding a way to bring the likes of surfing, rock climbing, skiing or abseiling into his various engineering programmes. Indeed, he is one of the few UK athletes who can claim to have completed seven marathons in seven continents in seven days - an endeavour later televised on the Travel Channel in 2015. I am not sure he would wish to repeat this, but it made a big tick on his bucket list!
Rob is enthusiastic about encouraging a young audience to consider engineering as a career and does a great deal of outreach work with schools, science festivals and engineering organisations. Indeed, he has helped the Department of Mechanical Engineering on many occasions, including delivering the Joseph Black Keynote address at the annual Engineering Design and Project Exhibition in 2019. He now supports the Department of Mechanical Engineering as a member of our External Advisory Board and brings a wealth of experience and insight to enhance our delivery of engineering education.
Graduates from the University of Bath contribute to the health, prosperity and wellbeing of the nation. Rob has made a great contribution to the profession of engineering, bringing the wonders of the world into the living room and revealing the secrets and science behind our greatest achievements.
Pro-Chancellor, I present to you Robert Bell, who is eminently worthy to receive the degree of Doctor of Engineering, honoris causa.