Dave Cooper Appointed CIBSE President for 2026–2027 with Focus on Resilience

Dace Cooper delivering his address

The CIBSE has appointed Dave Cooper as President for 2026–2027. His theme, "Future-proofing through resilience", highlights the need for adaptable and sustainable buildings.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has appointed Dave Cooper as its President for 2026–2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on resilience, adaptability and long-term thinking within the built environment sector.

Dave officially succeeded outgoing President Vince Arnold following his inauguration at the CIBSE Annual General Meeting 2026, held at the organisation's London headquarters.

Bringing more than 40 years of experience in the lift and escalator industry, Dave Cooper is widely recognised as one of the sector's most respected figures. His career has combined technical expertise with a passion for education, professional development and safety, helping to shape standards and best practices across the industry.

A longstanding member of CIBSE, Dave has played a key role in the development of several editions of CIBSE Guide D: Transportation Systems in Buildings, one of the industry's most influential technical publications. His contributions to engineering have earned him both a CIBSE Silver Medal and an MBE, reflecting his impact on the profession over many years.

Alongside his new presidential duties, Dave continues to hold a number of influential positions across academia, industry and charitable organisations. He is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of East London and has previously been involved with the MSc in Lift Engineering programme at the University of Northampton. His extensive portfolio of roles also includes leadership positions within professional engineering bodies, educational trusts and industry charities.

In his Presidential Address, Dave introduced his theme for the year: "Future-proofing through resilience." The theme focuses on the need for engineers to design buildings, systems and infrastructure capable of adapting to changing demands, emerging technologies and future challenges.

Speaking at the AGM, Dave stressed that engineering professionals must think beyond immediate problems and consider the long-term needs of society. His message was straightforward but powerful: "Future-proofing isn't optional, it's essential."

The theme comes at a time when businesses and organisations across the construction and property sectors are facing increasing pressure to deliver sustainable, efficient and adaptable buildings. From climate resilience and energy efficiency to digital transformation and evolving workplace requirements, the challenges facing today's engineers are more complex than ever.

Commenting to That's Business on his appointment, Dave said he was honoured to serve as President and looked forward to working with CIBSE members around the world to promote engineering excellence and support the next generation of professionals.

His presidency promises to place resilience at the heart of engineering conversations, helping ensure that the buildings and infrastructure created today remain fit for purpose for decades to come.

You can read Dave's full address here:- https://www.cibse.org/about-cibse/governance/our-people/cibse-president/presidential-addresses/

https://www.cibse.org/

22 Hot Career Choices or How to be Successful in your chosen career path Chapter 7: Navigating the Path to Success in Petroleum Engineering

Becoming a successful petroleum engineer requires a combination of education, technical skills, industry knowledge, and personal attributes. In this chapter, we'll explore the essential steps and strategies to carve out a rewarding career in this dynamic field.

Education and Qualifications:

Pursue a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Geology. Many universities offer specialized programs in petroleum engineering.

Consider obtaining a Master's degree or higher education for advanced roles or specialised areas within petroleum engineering.

Seek out internships or co-op programmes during your academic years to gain hands-on experience and build industry connections.

Technical Skills Development:

Develop proficiency in reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, production engineering, and petrophysics, which are the core areas of petroleum engineering.

Familiarise yourself with industry-specific software and tools such as reservoir simulation software (e.g., Eclipse, CMG), well logging tools, and drilling optimization software.

Stay updated with the latest advancements in technology and techniques in the oil and gas industry, including advancements in drilling techniques, hydraulic fracturing, and enhanced oil recovery methods.

Industry Knowledge and Networking:

Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to expand your knowledge and network with professionals in the field.

Join professional organizations such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to access resources, publications, and networking opportunities.

Build relationships with mentors and experienced professionals who can provide guidance and advice throughout your career journey.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills:

Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges encountered in petroleum engineering projects.

Cultivate adaptability to work in diverse environments and adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements.

Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement to stay relevant and competitive in the industry.

Effective Communication and Teamwork:

Enhance your communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey technical information and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Learn to work collaboratively with geologists, geophysicists, drilling engineers, and other professionals involved in petroleum exploration and production projects.

Cultivate leadership skills to lead teams and projects effectively, inspire others, and drive successful outcomes.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations:

Understand and adhere to ethical standards and regulations governing the petroleum industry, including safety protocols and environmental regulations.

Stay informed about sustainable practices and technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible resource extraction.

Advocate for responsible and ethical practices within the industry and contribute to initiatives aimed at sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Career Planning and Development:

Set clear career goals and develop a strategic plan to achieve them, including acquiring relevant certifications, pursuing advanced education, and gaining experience in different roles and areas of specialisation.

Seek out opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, training programmes, and online courses, to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Stay proactive in seeking out new opportunities for advancement, whether within your current organisation or by exploring opportunities with other companies or sectors within the energy industry.

In conclusion, becoming a successful petroleum engineer requires a combination of technical expertise, industry knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. By following the steps outlined in this chapter and remaining adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges, you can build a fulfilling and rewarding career in petroleum engineering.