Engineering Education Review

Education for ethical STEM: Scientific social responsibility and public policy

Sheying Chen — 2025-03-05

This article reviews and reflects on the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by highlighting the

importance of scientific social responsibility (SSR) and its implications to ethical education and public policy making. With

special reference to artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical technology, it argues that the development of a keen awareness

and ethical standards has become a pressing need for research and educational institutions. Selected country cases are

reviewed as examples to show the "state of the art" and indicate the complexity of major issues involved. The role of United

Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in promoting AI ethics is illuminated. Education for

ethical STEM as well as public policy guidance are emphasized to foster SSR as a golden rule for any basic research and

applied undertaking.

Innovative interdisciplinary models in engineering education: Transforming practices across global universities

Lihui Xu — 2025-03-05

The growing complexities of global challenges necessitate a transformative shift in engineering education, prioritizing

interdisciplinary collaboration. This study explores innovative interdisciplinary models implemented by leading universities

worldwide, including three European universities (University College London [UCL], Delft University of Technology, Aalborg

University), three American universities (Stanford University, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

[MIT]), and three Canadian universities (University of Toronto, McMaster University, and University of Waterloo). It examines

and synthesizes talent cultivation frameworks in interdisciplinary engineering education, highlighting key challenges and

providing actionable insights. The study also investigates the structural and cultural changes required for effective

implementation, focusing on the delicate balance between preserving disciplinary depth and promoting cross-disciplinary

integration. Finally, it offers practical strategies centered on leadership, institutional culture, and project-based learning to

enable universities to build interdisciplinary competencies and sustain global competitiveness.

What core competencies should a great engineer possess? A comparative study from the perspective of engineering undergraduates in China and the United States

Yi Liu — 2025-03-05

Excellent engineers are an important strategic talent force of the country. studying its core competencies and development status serves as the critical foundation for the cultivation of these talents in the new era. One questionnaire for 2460 engineering undergraduates from a first-class university suggests that the core competence is comprised of knowledge, skills, and competence/ability/capacity. Students value basic knowledge including mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering science, while also attach great important to the skills to apply scientific engineering knowledge in practice, and the ability to self-motivate and inspire. Economic and business knowledge, leadership, curiosity and the desire to keep learning were the most lacking among students. By further comparing the core competencies of excellent engineers from the perspective of students from China and the United States. it is found that Chinese students highlight the mastery and application of basic knowledge, while American students value effective communication and leadership more. Chinese students value the ability to self-drive and motivation, whereas American students give priority to teamwork and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. To cultivate excellent engineers in the new era, we should strengthen the integration of curriculum in engineering education, emphasize the learning of basic knowledge, expand students potential, forster students' active learning motive, and Create engineering practice scenarios, cultivate the core competencies of future engineers.