Harnessing the power of diverse thought

The annual diversity and inclusion (D&I) conference is the Royal Academy of Engineering’s flagship D&I event. The conference is an opportunity for the Academy to provide curated content which will actively lead conversations across the profession, accelerating the understanding and adoption of D&I good practice. 

Event recording list

Part one

Welcome speech: Harnessing the Power of Diverse of Thought

Keynote: Diversity of thought

Panel discussion 1: Exploring cognitive diversity

Part two

Panel discussion 2:  Breaking bias and building understanding

Part three

Table talks: Practical applications from attendees

Part four

Micro talks: Innovation and positive outcomes

Closing remarks and reflection

Background

Diversity of thought is the cornerstone of innovation and progress. In engineering, it recognises that every individual's unique experiences, perspectives, and creative processes contribute to a richer and more dynamic problem-solving environment.  

Our thoughts and actions are influenced by the context of wider society. While the term 'diversity of thought' originally aimed to recognise and safeguard the viewpoints and life experiences of those most at risk of discrimination, some now misuse it to claim these protected characteristics are unimportant. At times, this has led to a misunderstanding of the need for diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our daily practice. 

If engineering is to succeed in tackling the challenges of our age, it is crucial to understand that recognising and valuing diversity of thought should complement, not replace, our collective effort to create a sustainable society and inclusive economy that works for everyone.  

With featured topics including neurodiversity in the workplace, reducing bias and building thought diversity into innovation, attendees can expect to gain actionable insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to foster inclusivity and innovation within their organisations. By recognising the multitude of ways thoughts can be generated and the richness of diverse perspectives, this conference aims to accelerate progress in the engineering field while celebrating the uniqueness of each individual's contribution to it.