Derek Seward is Emeritus Professor of Engineering at Lancaster University, UK, where he was formerly Head of Engineering and the University Director for Regional Outreach. His experience includes a period as a design structural engineer for consultants and a local authority. He has authored over 50 research papers as well as the textbook Understanding Structures which is now in its fifth edition. In recent years, he has been involved in the design and build of a single-seat racing car.