The CIBSE Young Engineers Awards (YEAs) have been shining a light on emerging building services talent for 30 years. To mark the anniversary, CIBSE Global YEN is unveiling its 30 under 30 for 2025.
This showcases the best and brightest young engineers, and goes beyond the scope of the YEAs to include those beyond graduate, undergraduate and apprentice level.
30 Under 30 recognises the breadth of talent in the sector with five categories: Emerging leader; Sustainability champion; Ambassador; Innovator; and Wildcard.
Headline sponsor: Harvey Group
Innovators
From left to right. Top line: Czarina Copiaco, Buro Happold; Lewis Turner, Arup. Bottom line: Reha Hansraj, Egis; Sean Wythe, T Clarke; Simran Chaggar, FairHeat.
This category highlights the sectors’ true innovators. Our chosen five demonstrated creative use of new technologies and digital tools, development of bespoke digital solutions, innovation in construction processes, breakthroughs in product design, and fresh approaches to the design process.
Sponsored by Grundfos
Presidential theme: Ambassadors
From left to right. Top line: Bushra Oosman, RED Engineering Design; Sundara Gurushev, Madaster; Elle Thomas, Max Fordham. Middle line: Rida Wynne, Mott MacDonald; Yusra Oosman, Manipal University Dubai; Adrienne Gorman. Bottom line: Tetra Tech; Panumart Booncharoensombut, XCO2; Conor McLean, Aecom; Priyankadevi Murugappan; WSP.
‘Paying it forward’ is the key theme championed by CIBSE’s President, Vince Arnold, and the nine young engineers selected in the Ambassadors category have already answered his call for engineers to ‘inspire, mentor and lead’ the next generation. Their submissions showcased a commitment to Stem engagement, support for educational programmes, community contributions, active involvement in industry groups, and more.
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Emerging leaders
From left to right. Top line: Alexandro Justin Waterman, Building Services; Sehrish Wakil, Historic England. Bottom line: Jennifer Cox, Cundall; Samuel Walker, OBS Lighting Consultants
Leadership can take many forms, from projects, to people, to mentorship and much more. In this category, we recognise the future leaders of building services and those already leading at an early stage of their career.
Sponsored by Harvey Group
Sustainability champions
From left to right. Top line: Jill Leung, Arup; Tsz Kai Lam, Swire Properties; Sam Miselbach, Atelier Ten. Bottom line: Zhengguang Liu, University of Manchester; Shweta Salvankar, Harley Haddow; Zhichu Wang University of Hull.
This category celebrates individuals and organisations driving the sustainability agenda in building services — whether by delivering meaningful change on projects or in organisations, shaping technical guidance, or championing the principles of sustainable design.
Sponsored by Albion Valves
Wildcards
From left to right. Top line: Aashika Shibu, Etude; Henry Htun, Uptown International School; Athiya Junaid, WSP. Bottom line: Sophie Sibley, Synergie Environ; Tom Bull, Aecom; Patrycja Sędor, Bring Energy.
This category honours those making a standout contribution to engineering in ways not covered by our other awards. Open to industry professionals and those outside the sector, it recognises impact in its broadest sense.
Sponsored by CIBSE Patrons
Celebrating the future
By Max McCone, global chair, CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN)
New initiatives such as this don’t happen without an incredible amount of hard work and support. CIBSE Global YEN would like to thank head judges Vince Arnold, Clare Wildfire, Ewen Rose, Jonnie Clarke and Simon Carpenter, as well as guest judges, including IT & Controls group chair Jon Belfield and WiBSE chair Jessica Glynn. Thanks also to the 20 incredible category judges from across our 17 YEN regions, and to Josh Emerson, chair of CIBSE Patrons, for his support and for coming up with the idea of the 30 under 30 initiative.
The application process was designed to showcase the diverse talents and aspirations within building services engineering. Applicants responded to a series of written questions, allowing them to showcase their achievements and contributions, and then submitted a video on the role they would play in shaping the future of building services.
This outstanding, diverse talent was on full display throughout this process, and I can confidently say that those chosen are ones to watch. Congratulations to all our winners!
For details of all the 30 under 30, visit bit.ly/CIBSE30under30