To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Royal Academy of Engineering has commissioned a special series of photographs featuring a selection of their Fellows – some of the UK’s leading engineers – by photojournalist Jude Vidal.

The images showcase 50 engineers whose innovation has helped to tackle some of humanity’s greatest challenges. From radar and telecommunications breakthroughs to cutting-edge AI, wind turbines, and satellites, these engineers have shaped – and continue to shape – our modern world.

Jude’s new photos feature Fellows elected in every decade of the Academy’s history, from all across the UK. The intimate portraits capture the people behind the breakthroughs – in their homes, labs, offices, workshops, and out in nature. From senior figures in industry and academia, to a new generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers, the photos offer a glimpse of what makes Fellowship so special.

Explore the photos, and the stories of the people behind them, in an outdoor photo exhibition at the St Andrew Square gardens this summer.

Images: Jude Vidal, 2026

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