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Civil Engineering student Eric Grandinger, recently coordinated a key industry Panel event, Maximising Infrastructure through Digital Engineering , on 2 November. Eric is Events Coordinator for the Institution of Civil Engineers - WA Local Association (ICE WALA) and in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building - WA Chapter (CIOB WA), opened the Industry Panel Discussion at Ernst & Young’s Perth office.

The panel comprised of industry experts and executives from the Department of Treasury, Laing O'Rourke, GHD and the Public Transport Authority with the aim of discussing infrastructure progression and digitisation.

Eric said, "A key takeaway from the panel discussion was, that while technology is seen as a backbone of innovation, being overly prescriptive can constrain project-specific, fit-for-purpose solutions for the end-user and stifle natural progress.”

“There was consensus on the need to have policy guidelines and frameworks in the context of digital engineering, to define first principles, common parameters and data deliverables. The market can then regulate itself."

Of the approximately 100 attendees, Barry Lehane, Head of School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering said, "This was a very engaging panel discussion on a topic that is rapidly becoming an essential component of all aspects of civil engineering. It is very pleasing to see a UWA engineering student already so actively engaged with accomplished practitioners and with the well renowned UK Institution of Civil Engineers."

The ICE WALA holds monthly technical meetings and engineering students from all universities in WA are welcome to attend. Students can join the ICE as a student member to help build their future in civil engineering.

Student membership is free and includes great benefits such as career advice, resources to help you learn about the industry, and the chance to meet practising civil engineers.

Media references

Eric Grandinger (Student Representative and Events Coordinator on the ICE WALA committee) [email protected]

Lauren Humfrey (UWA Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics) (+61 8) 6488 2260