The role of the academic supervisor may differ at each university but essentially they are there to support you complete your project. This includes administration support, such as ensuring you meet the targets and deadline set by your university, technical support, i.e. providing guidance on how to approach a subject that they have expertise in, as well as skills development, i.e. they might teach you how to write a literature review or form a solid evidence based argument.

As EWB projects can be in an area that is not the primary research interest of the academics EWB provides additional contextual support as well as training in humanitarian engineering. However, EWB is not a substitute for an academic supervisor.

It is important that before you apply for an EWB topic that you have spoken to an academic supervisor and have them agree to supervise the project. This means that if they have any questions or input on the direction of the project these can be discussed before the project begins. You may apply for a topic without having secured a university supervisor, however, you must have one before the project can begin.