Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A new £1 million prize will stimulate a "new generation of engineering genius", David Cameron said.
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering will be awarded every two years for a "groundbreaking advance in engineering which has led to significant international public benefit".
Speaking at its launch, the Prime Minister said the UK did not do enough to recognise engineering.
"In so many ways that is absurd because this is the country that gave birth to the industrial revolution," he said.
In a rare show of cross-party unity, Mr Cameron was joined by Labour leader Ed Miliband and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the Science Museum event.
Mr Cameron said the prize, which will first be awarded in December 2013 and is open to all nationalities, would raise the status of engineering in the UK.
"We are here because we believe in the inventiveness and the genius of the British people.
"We want young people leaving school today to see engineering as the exciting, dynamic profession that it is.
"In many ways engineers are the real revolutionaries, the ones who take society forward."
The Royal Academy of Engineering will deliver the accolade, which will be overseen by a charitable trust headed by former BP chief executive Lord Browne.
It is hoped the £1 million award, the world's richest for engineering, will rival the status of the Nobel prizes.
Lord Browne said: "I believe this prize can get engineering back in to the heart of society."
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments