A world without engineers is unthinkable. Ever since ancient times, it has been engineers who lay the foundations for progress with their inventions and innovations. After all, engineers combine scientific knowledge with practical solutions to our society's challenges. In an increasingly fast-changing world, engineers continue to play a key role in a variety of fields.

In healthcare, for example, engineers play a crucial role. Think of scanners, radiation equipment, prosthetics and even medical applications from modern 3D printers. In space, too, engineers make pioneering contributions, whose influence extends to aeronautics, climate research, natural disaster prediction, irrigation of dry areas and monitoring our water safety. Our borderless communication is simply unimaginable without satellite technology.

Another area where engineers are having an increasing impact is AI (artificial intelligence) technology. AI plays a key role in countless innovations, such as autonomous vehicles, advanced diagnostic systems in healthcare and optimisations in energy management. Engineers design and develop AI systems that not only increase efficiency but also contribute to solving complex societal problems.

Despite these essential contributions, the engineering profession is not always valued in the Netherlands, especially when compared to countries such as Germany, Belgium and France. KIVI is therefore committed to retaining the title of Engineer alongside the international titles of Master of Science/Bachelor of Science.

Every year, KIVI searches for 'Engineers of the Year': professionals who apply their knowledge to social issues. The winners from previous years form an impressive gallery of inspiring examples.

In 2022, partly on the initiative of Princess Mabel, the KIVI Engineering Student Team Award was launched and added to the programme. This incentive award for student teams encourages future engineers to showcase their innovative projects and demonstrates the power of collaboration.

From 2024, the KIVI annual congress has been added to the Day of the Engineer. Each year, the congress will focus on a topical theme in line with the main developments and challenges of our time, such as energy transition, digitalisation, sustainability, etc.

The Day of the Engineer consists of three parts:

1. The KIVI Annual Conference, which takes place in the morning and afternoon and highlights topical issues.
2. The presentation of the Prins Friso Ingenieur Prize, a tribute to the engineer who makes an exceptional contribution to society.
3. The KIVI Engineering Student Team Award, which highlights young engineers in training.

Although these components are separate, together they form a day full of inspiration and appreciation for the engineering profession. A day in which innovation, collaboration and social impact take centre stage - a true celebration of the power of engineers.