The conference opened with a short welcome and introduction of the RSA by Matthew Taylor (RSA’s chief executive).

Caroline Baillie, the conference organizer, then dedicated the conference to the memory of Maren Somers.

Then all conference participants in attendance introduced themselves, Caroline gave a short introduction and overview of the history of the ESJP network, and some of the “old timers” shared their stories of how they come to be interested in engineering in relation to social justice and peace issues and came in contact with the ESJP network and how their experience and the network has evolved over the years.

Then we did a short exercise using postcards of William Blake paintings to find our critical friend for the conference, with whom attendees throughout the conference can discuss and reflect on their experience.