Dr Jeanette Mireille Mu帽oz Abela, an architect, civil engineer, co-founder of Bureau 105, and senior lecturer in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Malta, has been appointed Vice-President of the European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE).
Currently serving as chair of the 鈥檚 (KTP) Permanent Committee on Engineering, and having previously held the role of vice-president, this new position marks an important chapter in her career. It also emphasises the growing influence of Malta's engineering community on the European stage.
ECCE, established in 1985, has been a critical platform for advocating and advancing the civil engineering profession across Europe. Dr Munoz Abela鈥檚 election comes at a crucial time as the organisation faces significant challenges, particularly related to climate change and the rise of digital tools like artificial intelligence and BIM (Building 福利在线免费 Modelling). She notes, "As civil engineers, we are at a pivotal moment where our expertise in sustainable solutions and innovation is crucial in addressing challenges like the climate crisis and advancements in artificial intelligence."
Working closely with ECCE President Platonas Stylianou and the executive board, Dr Munoz Abela is eager to help guide the profession through these transitions. Together, they aim to bolster the role of civil engineers in driving sustainable solutions, particularly those that align with the EU鈥檚 broader goals of carbon reduction and energy efficiency. They also plan to introduce a common training framework to promote easier mobility for engineers across Europe, which will enhance collaboration between countries and raise professional standards. This framework will be key in fostering cross-border work opportunities and enabling engineers to share best practices, thereby enriching the quality of engineering expertise throughout Europe.
One of ECCE鈥檚 cornerstone projects is the upcoming publication of the Civil Engineering Profession Book, set for release in 2025. This publication is expected to encapsulate the extensive work carried out by civil engineers in Europe, how professional practice varies, and showcase the profession鈥檚 pivotal role in shaping infrastructure and urban spaces. The book will represent three years of collaborative efforts, documenting how civil engineers contribute to societal well-being and mobility efforts across the continent.
In addition, ECCE is preparing a position paper on digitisation within the construction industry, with a particular focus on the integration of AI and BIM technologies. These advancements have the potential to revolutionise the way civil engineers design and manage projects, offering new efficiencies and capabilities. Dr Munoz Abela鈥檚 leadership will play a significant role in ensuring these technologies are harnessed in a way that benefits both the profession and the communities it serves.
The Kamra tal-Periti has highlighted the significance of Dr Munoz Abela's appointment as a step forward for Malta's civil engineering community. Her role in ECCE is expected to bring valuable insights and foster stronger ties between Malta鈥檚 national engineering body and its European counterparts. This connection is seen as a way to ensure that local engineers remain aligned with European developments and contribute actively to the evolution of the profession on a larger scale.
As ECCE approaches its 40th anniversary, the organisation is set to revisit its by-laws and articles of association to better align with contemporary challenges and opportunities. This process aims to ensure that ECCE remains adaptable and forward-looking, guiding civil engineers through a rapidly changing landscape. By leading this effort, Dr Munoz Abela and her colleagues on the executive board are positioning ECCE to continue being a driving force in shaping the future of civil engineering in Europe.
Her new role represents both a personal milestone and a testament to the broader achievements of the Kamra tal-Periti. It also reflects the importance of fostering dialogue between national and international bodies to address global challenges. As Dr Munoz Abela begins this new chapter, her focus remains on advancing civil engineering through bold leadership, education, and the strategic adoption of technology, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of the profession鈥檚 evolution.
