Posted on:
13 October 2026
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Partners United to Inspire Scotland's Future Engineers
13 October 2026
Inspiring the next generation
Pupils from Ibrox Primary School in Glasgow joined Scottish Water representatives, including Chief Executive Alex Plant, at the World Water Congress to celebrate a new partnership aimed at inspiring the engineers of the future.
A new partnership has been announced between Scottish Water, Glasgow Science Centre and two of the utility’s key engineering partners to work together on a proposed major new exhibition designed to help young people explore how engineering can respond to climate and infrastructure challenges.
Scottish Water, Glasgow Science Centre, RSE and WGM, have agreed to support the science centre’s proposed Engineering: A World of Frontiers exhibition, creating a long-term platform to engage young people with the skills, ideas and careers that will shape a changing world.
The exhibition will show how engineers are developing new approaches to challenges including climate change, resilient infrastructure and the management of water in communities.
It will show how engineering must adapt to climate change, rather than relying solely on continued construction and resource extraction, and will promote new skills and different ways of thinking across multiple industries, with a blue-green engineering focus relevant to the participating organisations.
The agreement was highlighted during the International Water Association’s World Water Congress in Glasgow last week, where pupils from Ibrox Primary School in Glasgow joined representatives from the four partner organisations at the UK Pavilion.
The partners said the exhibition would provide a positive, lasting legacy from the Congress by encouraging the next generation to think differently about engineering and the solutions society will need in the decades ahead.
Through hands-on exhibits and real-world examples, visitors will be invited to discover why future engineers will need to combine technical expertise with creativity, collaboration and nature-based thinking.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to widening awareness of engineering careers and investing in the skills needed to support Scotland’s future.
Scottish Water, Glasgow Science Centre, RSE and WGM, have agreed to support the science centre’s proposed Engineering: A World of Frontiers exhibition, creating a long-term platform to engage young people with the skills, ideas and careers that will shape a changing world.
The exhibition will show how engineers are developing new approaches to challenges including climate change, resilient infrastructure and the management of water in communities.
It will show how engineering must adapt to climate change, rather than relying solely on continued construction and resource extraction, and will promote new skills and different ways of thinking across multiple industries, with a blue-green engineering focus relevant to the participating organisations.
The agreement was highlighted during the International Water Association’s World Water Congress in Glasgow last week, where pupils from Ibrox Primary School in Glasgow joined representatives from the four partner organisations at the UK Pavilion.
The partners said the exhibition would provide a positive, lasting legacy from the Congress by encouraging the next generation to think differently about engineering and the solutions society will need in the decades ahead.
Through hands-on exhibits and real-world examples, visitors will be invited to discover why future engineers will need to combine technical expertise with creativity, collaboration and nature-based thinking.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to widening awareness of engineering careers and investing in the skills needed to support Scotland’s future.
Engineering the future
Representatives from Scottish Water, Glasgow Science Centre, RSE and WGM highlighted their partnership to support the proposed Engineering: A World of Frontiers exhibition during the World Water Congress in Glasgow.
Alex Plant, Chief Executive of Scottish Water, said: “The challenges created by a changing climate mean the engineers of the future will need to think differently. This partnership is about helping young people see the vital role they can play in developing smarter, more sustainable solutions for water, infrastructure and communities. We are proud to support an exhibition that can inspire visitors for many years and create a lasting legacy from the Congress in Glasgow.”
Dr Stephen Breslin, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Science Centre, said: “Engineering is vital to society and modern life - from the way we tackle climate change and protect our environment to how we explore space and harness emerging technologies. Our forthcoming exhibition Engineering: A World of Frontiers will seek to inspire curiosity, spark ambition and help visitors understand the key role engineering plays in creating a better future for people and planet.
“We are hugely grateful to Scottish Water, RSE and WGM Engineering Ltd for their generous support in helping us develop this ambitious project. Scotland has a proud engineering heritage, and their investment is helping us to explore new ways of engaging audiences with the engineering challenges and opportunities that will shape the future, while encouraging young people to see themselves as the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
Martin Mathers, Chief Operating Officer, RSE, said: “Water is the most important resource we have, and it sits at the heart of Scotland's future. A changing climate, ageing infrastructure and the drive to Net Zero mean our industry must keep innovating, from modular treatment solutions to smarter, data-led operation of our assets.
“Meeting these challenges will take fresh thinking and talented people. Through Engineering: A World of Frontiers, RSE is proud to help Scottish Water show young people that a career in water is a chance to solve real problems, innovate and protect Scotland's future."
Ian Mathieson, Managing Director of WGM, said: “We are delighted that WGM is supporting Glasgow Science Centre on Engineering: A World of Frontiers. Inspiring the next generation is vital for the future of our industry, and we are excited to be part of an initiative that showcases the creativity, innovation and impact of engineering while encouraging young people to consider a career in the profession.”
Further details about the exhibition’s content and launch will be announced as development progresses.
Dr Stephen Breslin, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Science Centre, said: “Engineering is vital to society and modern life - from the way we tackle climate change and protect our environment to how we explore space and harness emerging technologies. Our forthcoming exhibition Engineering: A World of Frontiers will seek to inspire curiosity, spark ambition and help visitors understand the key role engineering plays in creating a better future for people and planet.
“We are hugely grateful to Scottish Water, RSE and WGM Engineering Ltd for their generous support in helping us develop this ambitious project. Scotland has a proud engineering heritage, and their investment is helping us to explore new ways of engaging audiences with the engineering challenges and opportunities that will shape the future, while encouraging young people to see themselves as the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
Martin Mathers, Chief Operating Officer, RSE, said: “Water is the most important resource we have, and it sits at the heart of Scotland's future. A changing climate, ageing infrastructure and the drive to Net Zero mean our industry must keep innovating, from modular treatment solutions to smarter, data-led operation of our assets.
“Meeting these challenges will take fresh thinking and talented people. Through Engineering: A World of Frontiers, RSE is proud to help Scottish Water show young people that a career in water is a chance to solve real problems, innovate and protect Scotland's future."
Ian Mathieson, Managing Director of WGM, said: “We are delighted that WGM is supporting Glasgow Science Centre on Engineering: A World of Frontiers. Inspiring the next generation is vital for the future of our industry, and we are excited to be part of an initiative that showcases the creativity, innovation and impact of engineering while encouraging young people to consider a career in the profession.”
Further details about the exhibition’s content and launch will be announced as development progresses.
