Professor Michael Heimlich from the Faculty of Science and Engineering has been shortlisted for the Global Engineering Dreams Council (GEDC) Airbus Diversity Award.

The GEDC Airbus Diversity Award recognises people and projects worldwide that have encouraged students of all profiles and backgrounds to study and succeed in engineering.

Professor Heimlich was shortlisted for his work in leading the FIRST program, which brings robotics to women, rural/regional schools, and underrepresented groups.

The FIRST robotics program reaches nearly 5000 students in all states and territories and hosts international competitions to introduce international engineering leaders to underrepresented groups.

“It is quite humbling to be representing all the volunteers and students, professional staff and academics, who have made this possible. This is one of those times when I am the visible face of nearly 100 people traveling all over Australia and the world on behalf of Macquarie’s efforts through FIRST Robotics Competition Team 3132 ‘Thunder Down Under’ and FIRST Australia.”

“To be included with this global group of academics says a lot about the impact that Macquarie and the team has had on our students, Australia, and the world. The students and mentors on the team are just thrilled to see us cap off the year this way, coming on the back of winning the highest award – and the robot game – in our division at the World Championships,” says Michael.

The long-term aim of the GEDC Airbus Diversity Award is to increase diversity among the global community of engineers so that the engineering industry reflects the diversity of the communities it supports, and the wide-ranging work that engineers do.

Three finalists from the shortlisted candidates will now be invited to the GEDC Annual Conference in Adelaide on 30 November to present their project to a distinguished jury.