Graphene delays, space innovators and LGBT support: most-read stories of 2018, Jan – March

Change is the most exciting aspect of engineering, the constant innovation that transforms how we live and work. With another year coming towards its end, we've looked back at what happened by taking stock of our most-read stories from each month.

It has been fascinating to discover what you, the readers, were most keen to hear about. With an increasingly grim stream of news about climate change and vast ecological change, it is no surprise that stories on innovative, sustainable transport including electric planes and hydrogen trains made the list. Inspiring individuals, such as Renishaw's prodigiously productive Sir David McMurtry or LGBT campaigner Ben Murphy, one of our Engineering Heroes, were the subjects of some of our most popular stories. And controversies – delays to graphene commercialisation, the shameful gender pay gap – were inevitably a draw. 

Next year will bring fresh surprises, stunning innovation and more change – but, for now, take a look back at some of engineering's most compelling stories of 2018.

January: Graphene – the not-so wonder material?

If you heard about graphene's miraculous properties back in 2004, its absence from mainstream applications today might be a bit confusing. The material, wrote Rich McEachran, "was meant to transform everything from the car tyre to the condom" – so what happened?

The answer is far from straightforward, with various challenges standing in the way of a widespread roll-out. But, with dedicated work from innovative engineers, could the long wait be over soon?

February: Five top innovators in the UK space sector

For many, 2018 was the year when the space race seemed to reignite, with American rocket pioneers such as SpaceX reaching new heights and gaining more media attention. But in the UK, a host of ingenious companies have been quietly carving out a solid foothold in the global market. 

It was a topic we returned to frequently, especially after the long-anticipated announcement of the country's first spaceport, to be built in Sutherland, Scotland. Before that news, however, we met five of the sector's top innovators, specialising in everything from compact satellite technology to HD video coverage from space. 

March: Ben Murphy – an engineer of change

Looking at the top stories from every month this year, it is clear that our readers are inspired and enlivened by news of innovative technology. But sometimes it is the most human stories that grab the attention, such as the feature on one of our Engineering Heroes, Ben Murphy.

Engineering is trying to change, he told Alex Eliseev, but it is "still dominated by middle-aged, straight, white dudes". To help encourage acceptance of more diverse engineers, Murphy launched a Pride group at his employers, Babcock, and he is determined to help create the best working environment for everyone.