2025 marks the 17th year of the CIBSE Ken Dale Travel Bursary – a prestigious opportunity that allows early-career engineers to travel internationally, conduct research, and bring back insights that shape the future of building services engineering.
But who was Ken Dale, and why is this bursary named in his honour? His story is one of leadership, innovation, and a lifelong dedication to the engineering profession.
The life and career of Kenneth William Dale (1925 – 1998)
Born in Birmingham in 1925, Ken Dale’s journey into engineering began after attending Moseley Grammar School and serving in the Royal Air Force from 1942 to 1946. He was among the first students at the National College of Heating, Ventilating, Fan Engineering and Refrigeration, setting the stage for his distinguished career in building services engineering.
Ken gained experience working for various contracting and consulting engineering firms before founding his own practice, K W Dale and Partners, in 1954. His firm later became Dale and Goldfinger Ltd, where he served as Senior Partner, Chairman, and Managing Director. Throughout his career, Ken worked on iconic buildings both in the UK and internationally, including:
- Chatsworth House
- Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre
- The Royal Opera House
- Westminster Hospital
- Trellick Tower
- Mecca and Riyadh Hotels and Conference Centres
- British and Indian Antarctic Survey Bases
- The British Embassy in Riyadh
Beyond his project work, Ken played a pivotal role in the development of the building services industry. He was instrumental in securing a Royal Charter for what would become the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). As Chairman of the Charter Panel, he worked alongside past Presidents and CIBSE leadership to establish the Institution as a recognised professional body where members could register as Chartered Engineers.
A leader, innovator, and advocate for engineering excellence
Ken Dale’s influence extended far beyond his own practice. He was deeply involved in engineering institutions, holding key leadership roles, including:
- President of the Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (IHVE) in 1974
- Honorary Fellow of CIBSE
- Life Fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- President of the Federation of European Heating and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) in 1993
- Chairman of the Building Services Advisory Panel
His dedication was recognised with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) appointment in 1982, reflecting his service not only to engineering but also to public and military service. Ken served as a Colonel in the Territorial & Volunteer Reserve and as Aide de Camp to Queen Elizabeth II from 1977-1979.
The Ken Dale Travel Bursary: Continuing his legacy
To honour his remarkable contributions to engineering and CIBSE, the Ken Dale Travel Bursary was established. This bursary supports early-career CIBSE members in exploring international engineering innovations, gaining invaluable experience, and contributing to the evolution of building services engineering. It embodies Ken Dale’s commitment to:
- Rigorous research and problem-solving
- Global collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Elevating engineering standards and best practices
- Mentorship and professional development
The bursary awards between £1,500 and £4,000 to early-career engineers who wish to spend three to four weeks traveling to research areas connected to their field of work. By doing so, recipients contribute not only to their own professional growth but also to the broader engineering community—just as Ken Dale did throughout his career.
Applications are now open
If you’re an early-career engineer looking to follow in Ken Dale’s footsteps and make a lasting impact on the industry, this is your chance.
Learn more by visiting our webpage or complete your submission below.
Ken Dale’s legacy lives on in the innovation, leadership, and passion of the next generation of engineers.
Could you be the next recipient to carry forward his vision?