Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) Network Plus
The Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) Network Plus is keen to join the DiveIn CDT community because of a strong shared commitment to reimagining engineering through diversity, interdisciplinarity, and real-world impact. FeME is built on the belief that engineering must better represent and respond to the needs of society—particularly those most affected by climate change and inequality—and that this requires bringing together diverse voices, perspectives, and forms of knowledge.
The Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) Network Plus is a UKRI-funded interdisciplinary research network led by the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Heriot-Watt. It brings together academic, industry, and policy partners to rethink how engineering can better serve people and the planet, particularly in the context of climate change and global inequality.
FeME develops innovative approaches to understanding and addressing “failure” in engineering systems—not only technical failure, but where systems fail society or the environment. Its work spans research coordination, seed funding, community-building, and co-creation activities across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and water.
FeME is part of the DiveIn CDT community because of a strong alignment in values and ambition. Both initiatives prioritise interdisciplinary collaboration, co-creation with stakeholders, and the integration of engineering, digital, and societal perspectives. DiveIn provides a valuable platform to connect FeME’s work on failure, inclusion, and resilience with emerging research in digital twins, AI, and smart infrastructure systems.
The network has a growing track record in advancing EDI through its inclusive programmes, global partnerships, and commitment to empowering underrepresented voices within engineering. Its work spans sectors such as energy, water, and transport, and engages stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy to drive systemic change
FeME is particularly interested in working with Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) as they provide a unique environment to develop researchers capable of addressing complex, interdisciplinary challenges. CDTs align closely with FeME’s mission to foster collaborative, transdisciplinary thinking and to embed inclusive and responsible innovation into the next generation of engineering research.
Key challenges that FeME seeks to address include understanding and preventing systemic failures in engineering systems; ensuring engineering solutions are equitable and socially acceptable; improving access to data and digital tools globally; and developing adaptive, resilient responses to climate-related risks.
Through DiveIn, FeME is keen to build collaborations with academic researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and communities working across engineering, data science, and the social sciences. There is a particular interest in co-created, transdisciplinary research that bridges technical innovation with social impact.
For postgraduate researchers, FeME provides opportunities for research collaboration, mentorship, and participation in workshops, conferences, and training programmes. Researchers benefit from engagement with a diverse, global community and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time. You can stay updated with FeME’s opportunity by signing up to our newsletter.