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SEFI is delighted to announce that Professor John Mitchell has been honored with the Leonardo da Vinci Medal, the highest distinction awarded by the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI). This prestigious accolade recognizes Professor Mitchell’s exceptional contributions to engineering education, which have had a profound and far-reaching impact on the global academic landscape.
The Leonardo da Vinci Medal is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering education with significant international influence. Professor Mitchell’s career exemplifies dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence that has transformed engineering education worldwide.
A Leader in Engineering Education
Professor Mitchell is a distinguished academic and leader in communications systems engineering. His impressive credentials include being a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His leadership roles have included serving as President of the Engineering Professors’ Council in the UK and Vice-President of Publications for the IEEE Education Society.
His most impactful work has been at University College London (UCL), where he founded the Integrated Engineering Programme. This pioneering initiative has reshaped how engineering is taught by integrating interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving. As Vice Dean of Education for UCL’s Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Professor Mitchell further championed innovative educational practices and played a key role in establishing the Centre for Engineering Education. This center continues to drive forward new approaches to engineering education and research, benefiting institutions globally.
Global Impact and Collaborative Vision
Professor Mitchell’s influence extends beyond UCL, highlighted by his work on the “Transforming Systems through Partnership” (TSP) grant awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. This initiative, which involved South African universities, industry partners, and UK institutions, has significantly impacted engineering education in South Africa by supporting the development of innovative experiential learning curricula.
Additionally, his roles on the Board of Directors of the European Society for Engineering Education and as Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Education underscore his dedication to advancing engineering education on a global scale. His contributions have shaped scholarly discourse and research in the field.
Building Community in Challenging Times
One of the most notable aspects of Professor Mitchell’s career is his ability to build community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized the Big Engineering Education Research Meet-up (B-EER) in just two weeks. This virtual event, which brought together 550 participants from around the world, demonstrated his vision of creating a global community dedicated to engineering education. The event fostered a sense of community and provided a platform for critical discussions, with its positive impact continuing to resonate within the Engineering Education Research (EER) community.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Leonardo da Vinci Medal is a fitting tribute to Professor John Mitchell’s remarkable career and contributions to engineering education. His work has enriched the academic community and inspired educators and students worldwide. Professor Mitchell’s legacy of innovation, collaboration, and community will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of engineers and educators.
SEFI extends its congratulations to Professor Mitchell on this well-deserved recognition and expresses gratitude for his tireless dedication to advancing engineering education. His career serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, vision, and commitment to excellence.