Monday, 27 March 2023
The University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering has continued its commitment to inspiring future engineers and architects across the globe by collaborating with students in Ghana for the first time.
The International Engineering Competition for Schools in Ghana, which was hosted by the Ghana International School, brought together eight schools for a practical bridge-building challenge. Ahead of the event, the competing schools attended two webinars on structures and bridges that were delivered by Dr Luis Neves, Associate Professor and International Civil Engineering expert at the university.
Using the theory they learned – and limited materials including plywood, wood strips, glue and thread – the participants had to design a model bridge that would cross a 50cm gap before they were put to the test. Each bridge was also weighed to see how much material had been used to add a sustainability angle – something that’s at the heart of courses at the university.
The aim of the competition was to broaden young people’s understanding of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and engage the next generation of industry leaders.
Our commitment towards engineering and architecture education goes beyond the physical boundaries of the University of Nottingham, and beyond the age group that people might associate with a university student.
Dr Elmaghrbi continued: “The Ghana Engineering competition was our first of its kind, and is a step forward in building international collaborations with partners to help deliver exciting architectural and engineering outreach programs to help educate the students of the future.”
The entries were judged on a range of criteria, including the ratio of the weight the bridge could carry, to the weight of the bridge itself, with the winners being named as Dayspring International Academy, and Aburi Girls and Association International School coming in second and third respectively. They were commended for their design that enabled the bridge to withstand the greatest weight as well as boasting the highest weight to material ratio.
We have come back from Ghana with more energy and ideas than what we had when we set off, which in itself tells us that, for us to be able to face the global engineering, environmental and scientific challenges, we need minds and brains from all over the world, to work together collaboratively.
Story credits
More information is available from Danielle Hall, Media Relations Manager at the University of Nottingham, at danielle.hall@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 846 7156.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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