Hi, my name is Ross Dunn. I'm the CTO of GKN Aerospace, and for the last 30 years I've proudly written the word engineer on any form asking for my profession.

I graduated from Bath University back in 1996 with a degree in aeronautical engineering and German. I joined Airbus straight from uni, where I spent 17 years developing some amazing products like the A380 and, probably the area I'm most proud of, the A350, where I led the development of the wings all the way from early concept through to certification.

I joined GKN Aerospace about 13 years ago, during which time I've done a number of different roles, but always representing the technical community at the highest level on the executive committee.

I love aerospace. I love the complexity of the different solutions. I love the need to bring so many disciplines together to create the very best products in the world, to solve problems together, and to drive innovation.

Most recently, I've been heavily involved in our hydrogen propulsion work, which is a great example of why I love engineering — such complexity and such opportunity to make a big difference for aerospace overall.

For any graduates who are thinking about a career in engineering, I definitely support it. The opportunity for you to have a career that is truly fulfilling, and to be able at the end of it to look back on significant milestones — things you've achieved, places where you've made a big difference — there is no other career like it.

I feel very honored to have been nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and I really look forward to having the opportunity to play my part.

Thank you.