To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Royal Academy of Engineering has commissioned a special series of photographs featuring a selection of its Fellows – some of the UK’s leading engineers – by photojournalist Jude Vidal. An exhibition of the work is touring the UK, with its next stop at Coventry’s West Orchards shopping centre until 6 October 2026.
The unique 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 – the modern world.
Jude’s new photos feature Fellows elected in every decade of the Academy’s history, from across the UK and beyond. 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 of the Academy a unique achievement. Jude has captured images of the people behind major engineering achievements over the last five decades, from the Channel Tunnel and the London 2012 Olympic Stadium to pioneering medical advances and the Raspberry Pi. She photographed Fellows including Google DeepMind founder Sir Demis Hassabis FREng FRS, Brompton Bicycle CEO Will Butler-Adams and top nuclear engineer Dame Sue Ion GBE FREng FRS.