“The MacRobert Trust is proud to support the Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal, which exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration in engineering. Inspiring young people to engage with real-world engineering challenges is essential to nurture the next generation of creative and skilled innovators. Through our partnership with Primary Engineer, we are honoured to encourage curiosity, critical thinking and ambition amongst young people. Engineering is at the heart of the future and addressing opportunities at an early age is so important.”

Gillian Currie, Chief Executive Officer at The MacRobert Trust

“Innovation is essential for solving today’s complex challenges — from climate change to digital transformation — and Primary Engineer is uniquely positioned to inspire the next generation of problem solvers. By engaging young people in real-world engineering projects, we unlock their creativity, build confidence, and connect classroom learning to industry and beyond. Their fresh thinking and unconstrained problem-solving bring energy and passion to innovation and creativity, helping shape inclusive, future-ready solutions. Involving children in co-creation and design not only develops critical STEM skills but also ensures that tomorrow’s engineers reflect the diversity and ambition of the world they’ll help build.”

 Jon Stanton, Chief Executive Officer at WEIR

“Engineering and innovation drive progress – and sit at the heart of Christopher Ward’s DNA. That’s why we’re so proud to support Primary Engineer’s MacRobert Medal, which celebrates the creativity and productivity of young people across the UK. The prototypes are a powerful reminder of what happens when imagination meets engineering – a spirit that has long defined the UK’s inventive tradition. By helping to bring some of these ideas to life, Primary Engineer is doing a fantastic job to inspire the next generation to stay curious, think differently, and use their talents to make the world a better place.”

Mike France, CEO and Co-Founder, at Christopher Ward

The Primary Engineer® MacRobert Medal celebrated it’s fourth year in November 2025, with the support of The MacRobert Trust, WEIR and Christopher Ward, at the prestigious Drapers’ Hall in London. In the 2024/25 academic year, there were 18 ProtoTeams and 9 were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals at the award ceremony to recognise and celebrate their achievements. The judging panel consisted of some of the most senior figures from industry, education and government, who deliberated over every applicant.

Silver Medal and Commendation Award Winner, 2024

Since receiving a Silver Medal and the inaugural Commendation Award, the ProtoTeam from Thales and pupil Rebecca Young have gone on to make a remarkable impact with their Solar Powered Heated Blanket.

Following their Commendation Award in November 2024, the Thales team set out to bring their idea to life, aiming to support vulnerable rough sleepers in Scotland. 35 blankets have been built and donated to Homeless Project Scotland, where they are being used to support 31 temporary accommodation beds in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Young – who first designed the concept at just 12 years old – was named TIME Magazine’s Girl of the Year. She featured in a global Lego campaign alongside other inspiring women and received international recognition from the press for her innovation. To crown these achievements, Rebecca was also awarded the British Citizen Youth Award in October 2025 for her outstanding contribution to the community.

Gold Medal, 2022

The SMA Jacket received a gold medal at the inaugural Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony in 2022 for its life-changing design: an exoskeleton jacket that supports the back and spine, giving children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy greater strength and the chance to live more conventional lives. The idea was created by Krystyna, a 15-year-old from Burnley, who was inspired by her cousin who lives with the condition.

Dr Matthew Dickinson of the University of Lancashire, lead engineer on the ProtoTeam, continued developing the SMA Jacket and produced several new iterations exploring the wider applications of exoskeletons. His work led to collaboration with ASTM International’s Exo Technology Center of Excellence, bringing together industry, healthcare, academia and government to accelerate safety and reliability standards for exoskeleton systems.

Dr Dickinson went on to found Viking Exos, a company developing state-of-the-art exoskeletons designed to enhance human performance, reduce injury risk, and transform the future of work and mobility. It all began with the SMA Jacket – and that innovation is now helping to change the world.