The Engineering Professors’ Council (EPC), the representative body for engineering academics in UK universities, has announced the winner of the 2025 Hammermen David K. Harrison Student Prize.
Awarded in association with the Incorporation of the Hammermen of Glasgow, the annual award has celebrated the outstanding achievements of engineering students since its inauguration in 2014.
The winner of this year’s prize is Ya He, a final year PhD student in Engineering Education at the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield.
Ya’s winning entry poster, titled ‘Engineer 2.0: Decoding Teamwork via a Gamified Workshop to Forge Collaborative Problem-Solvers’, examined the evolving demands of engineering in the face of rapid advancements in AI, automation, digital twins, blockchain, and sustainable manufacturing. As the next industrial revolution gains momentum, it’s essential to develop talent that can adapt to constant change. Engineering education is shifting beyond traditional classrooms, placing greater emphasis on hands-on experience and industry collaboration. Future engineers must pair technical skills with interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, collaboration, and leadership to drive meaningful transformation. At the heart of all innovation lies human creativity—nurtured through education, which shapes talent and fuels progress. Investing in high-quality, forward-looking engineering education is key to advancing and shaping the future industrial landscape.
Ya He had made it through to the final shortlist of five students who each delivered a short pitch to Engineering academics attending the EPC’s Annual Congress jointly hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester, who then voted for their winner.
The shortlist also included Ammar Ahmed (BEng, MEng Chemical and Energy Engineering, University of Leeds), Mohammad Harris (Sustainable Engineering and Energy Technologies, University of Hertfordshire), Adarsha Kumar Pradhan (Phd in Chemical Engineering, University of Bath) and Samuele Martinelli (PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde).
The winner and runners up had been narrowed down from an unprecedented number of entries based on the theme “The Next Industrial Revolution.” Nine longlisted entrants were invited to submit full posters, which were displayed throughout the Congress. A panel of judges selected five finalists, who were invited to attend the 2025 EAN Congress in Manchester, with expenses covered by the EPC. They presented their posters and benefited from insights provided by a hand-picked lineup of speakers. This offered them an unparalleled opportunity to interact directly with engineering academics at all career stages, enhance their professional practice, and deepen their understanding of strategic and policy challenges. Additionally, they had access to all Congress social activities, including the annual Congress Dinner at Manchester Museum and a historical walking tour of the city.
The award and prize of £500 was presented by EPC President Prof. John Mitchell on behalf of the Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow, during the Annual EPC Congress Dinner. The Hammermen Award was renamed the Hammermen David K. Harrison Award in memory of the EPC’s Honorary Secretary, who passed away in 2023, who had also served as a former Deacon of the Hammermen and had been instrumental in establishing the prize.
Ya He spoke to the EPC about her experience of entering the student competition and attending Congress: “The conference showed me that engineering education is evolving and needs greater attention and investment. As the world rapidly changes, we can’t rely on outdated models. Inclusive education isn’t just about access—it’s about embracing diverse perspectives to meet real-world needs. Engineering isn’t only technical; it’s also social, ethical, and human, and our education systems must reflect that.”
Ya He also commented “Attending the EPC Congress allowed me to gain valuable insights into engineering education from peers, academics, and industry professionals. Winning the student competition was a complete surprise and a great recognition of my doctoral research. It highlights the growing interest in engineering education and encourages others in the field. Personally, it also helped me improve how I present and share my research with a broader audience.”
Johnny Rich, Chief Executive of the EPC, commented: “This year’s forward-looking theme prompted a record number of entries, showing ingenuity, creativity and consideration for our collective future and our five finalists were the brightest stars in a brilliant galaxy. They all deserve to be celebrated, but as there has to be a winner, I wholeheartedly congratulate Ya He for her extraordinary achievement.”
View the winning poster here
