What were the major achievements and failures of engineering in the twentieth century? What are the major challenges of engineering in the twenty-first century? Why is it necessary to address these challenges? What are the major engineering challenges of our country?
In the twentieth century, engineering transformed human life with major achievements such as electrification, automobiles, airplanes, the internet, medical imaging, electronics, and computers. At the same time, it also faced failures such as the collapse of the Quebec Bridge, the Bhopal industrial disaster, and environmental problems caused by the Lake Urmia highway. These cases demonstrated that miscalculations, disregard for the environment, and weaknesses in design can lead to severe human and economic losses.
In the twenty-first century, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) identified 14 Grand Challenges, including making solar energy affordable, nuclear fusion, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, providing clean water, improving urban infrastructure, cybersecurity, better medicines, and reverse-engineering the brain. Addressing these challenges is essential for sustaining civilization, improving human health, reducing vulnerabilities, and enhancing quality of life. However, economic and political barriers, as well as global inequalities in the distribution of engineering benefits, remain significant obstacles. In Iran, more immediate priorities include securing water resources, tackling natural disasters, and improving healthcare. Therefore, engineering education should be aligned with global trends while also being adapted to national needs.
