Living with Floods is a UK-wide engineering engagement programme funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The project is recruiting 30 engineers to support young people’s understanding of flooding, climate resilience and the role of engineering in creating safer, more resilient communities.
Flooding is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing communities across the UK. Many young people already hear about flooding through the news, family conversations or local disruption, but may not always have the opportunity to understand how flood risk is managed, how engineering solutions work, or how communities can prepare and adapt.
Living with Floods aims to address this through Flood Labs: half-day, school-based workshops for students aged 11–16 in communities affected by coastal, river and surface-water flooding. The programme will be delivered across London, Leicestershire and Lancashire, bringing together engineers, educators and project partners to help students connect classroom learning with real-world environmental challenges.
We are now inviting practising and early-career engineers to register their interest in taking part. Engineers from civil, environmental, water, drainage, flood-risk, infrastructure, coastal engineering, sustainable drainage and climate resilience backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. No previous school outreach experience is required, as training will be provided.
Engineers who join the programme will receive public engagement training before delivering at least one Flood Lab. The training will support participants to communicate technical ideas clearly, work with young people, and build confidence in discussing flood risk and resilience with non-specialist audiences.
The opportunity is designed to be practical and manageable. The engineer training will take place on 3 November 2026 in London. Flood Lab delivery is expected to take place between January and May 2027, depending on school arrangements, regional fit and engineer availability.
Taking part will also support engineers’ own professional development. Participants will develop skills in public engagement, communication, storytelling, inclusive facilitation and community-facing practice. The programme can also support CPD and chartership evidence by giving engineers structured experience in explaining technical knowledge, engaging diverse audiences and contributing to community resilience education.
Living with Floods is particularly keen to involve both practising and early-career engineers from a wide range of backgrounds and career pathways. The programme aims to give students the chance to meet relatable engineering role models and see how different professional experiences can contribute to flood resilience, climate adaptation and community safety.
By taking part, engineers will help students understand how flooding affects communities, how flood risk can be managed, and how engineering contributes to practical, creative and socially important solutions.
Training: Monday 25th January 2027, London
Flood Lab delivery: January–May 2027, based on location and availability
Expenses: Travel and reasonable expenses covered
Places: 30 engineers
Engineers interested in taking part can register here:
LIVING WITH FLOODS (Expression of Interest) – Fill out form
For further information, please contact:
Dr Mohammad Sakikhales
Project Lead, Living with Floods
University of West London
Mohammad.Saki@uwl.ac.uk
Marziyeh Bahmani
Project Coordinator, Living with Floods
University of West London
Marziyeh.bahmani@uwl.ac.uk
