IET announces its Honorary Fellows line-up for 2025

Three exceptional individuals have been named Honorary Fellows of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The three IET Honorary Fellows for 2025 are:

• Sustainability engineer and leading EDI advocate Dawn Bonfield MBE FREng in recognition of her outstanding service to the engineering profession.
• British racing driver and EDI champion Nicolas Hamilton in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the public understanding of STEM and championing EDI in the motor racing sector and beyond.
• Chartered Engineer and Fellow David Parr in recognition of his extraordinary service to the IET.

Dawn Bonfield MBE is a distinguished sustainability engineer and a leading voice for diversity and inclusion in engineering. She is the Founder of Towards Vision and the Magnificent Women social enterprise and has held influential roles including President of the Women’s Engineering Society and creator of the annual International Women in Engineering Day. Her academic appointments span King’s College London, Aston University, and the University of Bath. Recognised with an MBE in 2016, she also serves as President of the Commonwealth Engineers’ Council and represents the UK on the board of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations.

On receiving this accolade, Dawn said: “Receiving this Honorary Fellowship is a real honour and joy. I’ve worked with the Institution for many years and was even based there during my time with the Women’s Engineering Society, so it genuinely feels like home. I’ve always admired and shared the IET’s commitment to engineering with purpose, and its clear values and leadership on equity, diversity and inclusion. To be recognised by an organisation to which I feel so aligned is very special, and I’m excited to continue supporting its mission in new ways.”

Nicolas Hamilton is a trailblazer in motorsport, defying the odds from a young age. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia and once told he would never walk, Nicolas has overcome immense physical challenges to pursue his dream of becoming a professional racing driver. From learning to walk unaided by 17 to competing in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the ‘pinnacle’ of British motorsport, he has made history as the first disabled athlete in the series.

Since his debut in 2015, Nicolas has continued create history for disabled individuals in the sport, achieving personal bests and scoring BTCC points, including a career-high P6 finish at Donington Park in 2023, proving that disabled individuals can thrive in one of the most physical and high-pressured sporting environments. Outside of his motorsport, Nicolas, is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, working with charities like Scope, CP Sport and WeAreBeams, and partnering with brands to promote better representation for disabled people. 

Nicolas said: "To receive this Honorary Fellowship is absolutely incredible. From a boy in a wheelchair who felt like his voice never, or would ever matter, to overcoming my disability to build a motorsport career and now to be recognised by the IET for my work in diversity, equity and inclusion is something I could only have dreamed of. So many great people have received this Honorary Fellowship before me, and to be recognised alongside those incredible names, is truly unbelievable. I believe I am here today to live with my disability with a purpose of serving others and to inspire the next generation to strive for what's possible. Disability is always at the forefront of my mind, finding ways to create more positivity and show that disabled individuals are valued, and I hope that this Fellowship stands as further proof of that. I’m so grateful and proud.”

IET Fellow David Parr has over four decades of distinguished experience in engineering leadership, known for driving transformational change through structured, full-lifecycle management. Now retired, he remains an active IET volunteer, having played key roles as a Professional Registration Advisor, CPD Advisor, and committee member. As Chair of the Professional Development Advisory Committee, he led the introduction of mandatory CPD in 2017 – one of the most significant changes to IET membership in recent years. His continued advocacy for professional development has made a lasting impact on the engineering community.

David said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to receive this Honorary Fellowship. As someone naturally quite reserved, I believe this recognition reflects my long-standing and passionate work as a Professional Registration Advisor, Fellowship Advisor, and CPD Assessor. I’ve always preferred one-to-one support, tailoring guidance to each individual’s needs to help them achieve their personal best – and that, to me, is what truly matters."

On awarding the Honorary Fellowships, IET President Dawn Ohlson, added: "On behalf of the IET, I’m honoured to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of these exceptional individuals by awarding them one of our highest distinctions – Honorary Fellowship. Each has demonstrated excellence in their field, made significant contributions to our profession, and inspired others through their expertise, insight, and dedication.”

All three new Honorary Fellows joined the IET on Friday 14 November at its iconic London venue, Savoy Place, for a celebration event and to sign the Roll of Honours. Dawn, Nicolas and David join an esteemed list of Honorary Fellows at the IET including Major Tim Peake, Carol Vorderman, Maggie Aderin-Pocock and will.i.am.  

 
ENDS

Notes to Editor

About the IET

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Media enquiries to:

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications & PR Lead
E: rgillick@theiet.org