ARU & IMechE Engineering Debate Competition

Public speaking and communication are skills vital for an engineer; being adept at enunciating complex information coherently and comprehensibly for audiences of all categories and varying level of technical aptitude, whilst preserving accuracy and integrity.

ARU STEM Society, in partnership with IMechE Eastern Region understanding this developmental need, particularly among budding engineers, has put together this debate competition to challenge future engineering professionals in sharpening their presentation prowess, persuasiveness, and ability to defend ideas.

This is a one-day event taking place at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford; on the 25th of March, 2026.

Participants will be assigned debate topics ahead of the event, on which they are to amass knowledge through research. On the day, they will be split into groups and informed whether they will take the affirmative or opposition stance.

The event follows a standard debate structure, with alternating speeches from both parties, followed by rebuttals and a section for Q&A.

You are invited to witness this evening!

Refreshments will be available from 30 minutes before the advertised start time.

To book your FREE place, please click Register Now from the event page on our website. Alternatively, just turn up!

Please see this page for directions to ARU by various modes of transport. If driving, note that parking at ARU is free in the evening. Please use the Queen's / Sawyers car park via Hoffmanns Way. If the barrier is down, press the call button and ask for entry.