What connects educators, researchers and policymakers from across the globe? At the World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) and Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) Conference 2024, held Dec. 2–5 in Sydney, the answer was clear: the shared mission to advance engineering education and prepare future innovators for an interconnected world.
With the theme “Engineering for Life,” the conference explored how lifelong learning and global partnerships drive progress. ABET’s leadership team—including CEO Michael K.J. Milligan, Ph.D., Director of International Engagement and Governance Daniela Iacona, CFO/COO Jessica A. Silwick, and 2024-25 ABET President Sarah Rajala, Ph.D.—joined many ABET volunteers and others in attending the event. At ABET’s booth, attendees explored Academic Leadership in Engineering Education, a collaborative book featuring a foreword by Milligan and a chapter co-written by Iacona and Rajala with additional co-authors.
Milligan also participated in a panel discussion titled “Insights into Accreditation and Alignment with International Requirements: What is the Future of Accreditation?” Facilitated by Engineers Australia and introduced by Anne Gardner, the session explored how accreditation evolves to support global mobility and foster innovation.
During the conference, IFEES honored Daniel B. Oerther, Ph.D. with the Duncan Fraser Global Award for Excellence in Engineering Education, which ABET cosponsored with MathWorks. Oerther was recognized for redefining environmental engineering to address planetary health and creating “V-shaped professionals”—leaders who bridge disciplines to tackle global challenges.
“When the opportunity arose to step in as sponsors, we felt it was important to continue supporting the recognition of those who, like Duncan [Fraser], have made meaningful contributions to improving education on a global scale,” Milligan remarked during the event. “ABET’s mission centers on empowering innovation and driving quality in STEM education worldwide, and sponsoring this award allows us to further that cause.”
Through participation in WEEF 2024, ABET advanced its mission to improve STEM education by collaborating with international partners, sharing ideas and supporting transformative initiatives. These efforts help create unified educational standards that address diverse regional needs and empower engineers to solve today’s most pressing challenges.
For more information about WEEF 2024, visit weef2024.org.