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Fibre Optics: Light Speed Travel in the Tiniest of Tunnels

On This Day in (Engineering) History April 22, 1977 - Optical fibre used to carry live telephone traffic for the first time A warm, sunny spring day in Long Beach, California. Someone is phoning the doctor, the insurance company or a relative from their apartment. Twenty-four hours ago, nothing would have been special about this call. Yesterday, the phone company funnelled calls through a copper coaxial cable. Today is different. Today, April 22, 1977 a fibre-optic telephone system has gone live, and it is not an experiment. At its core Fibre-optics involves the marriage of technologies to create a new, third technology. In simple terms, the idea is to put a beam of light down a tiny glass tube and send it over a distance. The light doesn't leak from the tube because of what is called…

EngX Editorial in History of Engineering
AI Breakthroughs: How Technology is Shaping the Future

Discover the Future of AI at Our Upcoming Event! Imagine a world where machines can understand and respond to human emotions, where healthcare is personalised to each individual, and where businesses operate with unprecedented efficiency. This is not a distant dream but a rapidly approaching reality, thanks to the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). On 21 May 2025, from 14:00 to 15:00 BST , we invite you to embark on a journey into the future at our online event, Popular Enterprise AI Apps & Domain-Specific AI Apps . Hosted by the IET Artificial Intelligence Network , this event will feature the esteemed Dr Madan Mohan Tito Ayyalasomayajula , a Senior Technology Architect at Infosys. With over two decades of experience in AI, machine learning, and digital transformation…

Joanne Longton in Artificial Intelligence
Navigating AI: Opportunities and Challenges in Modern Business

Welcome to our first blog post covering the fascinating world of AI in business, inspired by the insightful discussion from the IET AI Technical Network 's podcast. In this episode, industry leaders Kirsten McCormick, Phil Clayson, and Andrew Williams share their perspectives on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on business operations, the benefits and challenges it presents, and the future of AI in various sectors. AI is transforming the way businesses operate, offering new opportunities and posing unique challenges. Kirsten McCormick, the IETs’ AI technical network chair and AI lead at General Dynamics Mission Systems, kicks off the podcast by highlighting the importance of discussing AI's role in business. She is joined by Phil, a CTO in the tech industry, and Andrew, the innovation…

Andy Williams in Ethical Aspects
Scaling New Heights: Reflections from the 6th UK Robot Manipulation Workshop at King’s College London

On the 7th and 8th of January 2025, the heart of London played host to a landmark gathering in the field of robotics: the 6th UK Robot Manipulation Workshop. Held at King’s College London’s Bush House, this fully in-person event brought together over 350 researchers, students, and industry professionals—setting a new attendance record for the series and underscoring the ever-growing momentum in robot manipulation research. Since its inception in 2016 at the University of Birmingham, the workshop has become a vital fixture in the UK robotics calendar, previously hosted at institutions including Imperial College London, the University of Leeds, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, and the University of Oxford. This year’s edition stood out not only for its record-breaking attendance but also for its…

Shan LUO in Artificial Intelligence
Celebrating a Career in Engineering: Honoured as Finalist for the Mike Sargeant Award at IET London

Hi, I’m Athul Jayaram , founder of SecurityInfinity. I was named a finalist for the IET Mike Sargeant Award . Standing at IET London’s Savoy Place, invited by Chief Executive Ed Almond , FIET , was the highlight of my career. I’m an Application Security Engineer and Cybersecurity Researcher too. My work dives into cybersecurity , uncovering vulnerabilities, securing digital systems, and staying ahead of threats across web, mobile, and cloud environments. I lead an initiative in the cybersecurity industry, crafting AI-driven solutions to protect critical infrastructure for enterprises worldwide. Inspiration and Education Growing up, I was glued to computers and chose computer engineering. But those engineering books became interesting, and coding lessons flipped a switch. Learning…

Athul Jayaram in Professional development
Highlights from EuCAP 2025: Innovations, Keynotes, and Future Trends

The IET’s Antennas and Propagation Technical Network (APTN) proudly supported the 19th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2025), held in the vibrant city of Stockholm, Sweden, from 31st March to 3rd April. This prestigious event attracted around 1,700 experts and emerging talents from Europe and beyond, with over 1,500 submissions showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations. Dr Shukla , the current APTN chair and Senior Fellow at QinetiQ, delivered a presentation at the opening ceremony. He emphasised the mission of the IET’s Antennas and Propagation network and highlighted upcoming APTN events. These include the in-person "Colloquium on Antennas and Wireless Electromagnetics" (CAWE’25) to be held at Liverpool University on 11th June 2025, and a global-reaching…

Deborah-Claire McKenzie in Antennas and Propagation
Rare book: Opera omnia, in unum proxime post illius mortem collecta : Accessit index locupletissimus by Girolamo Fracastoro

Opera Omnia is the collected works, published posthumously in 1574, of the Italian poet and scientist Girolamo Fracastoro. The book is part of the collection of Silvanus P. Thompson purchased in 1917 by the IET. Thompson was an avid collector of scientific books and added volumes in numerous disciplines and European languages to his collection during his life. We can see from the contents that this edition contains two of Fracastoro’s most famous works De Contagione et Contagiosis Morbis and Syphilis sive morbus gallicus. Also in this edition towards the end are his Biblical poem Joseph and a collection of miscellaneous poetry titled Carmina . The book is bound in vellum and has remained in good condition providing an overview of Fracastoro’s work as both a poet and a scientist. Particularly…

IET Archives in History of Engineering
Windmills in the skyscraper

On this day in (engineering) history… April 8, 2008 - The world's first skyscraper to integrate wind turbines is completed in Bahrain A warm spring day in Manama – capital city of the island state of Bahrain, 2008. It fits snuggly between the northeast coast of Saudi Arabia and the west coast of Qatar, off the southern shores of the Persian Gulf. The country was a sleepy but strategically important backwater before the oil boom. Bahrain has long attempted to diversify its economy to avoid overreliance on the thick, gooey black stuff – moving into banking and financial services. Today, the latest part of that push opens…the Bahrain World Trade Center, the first skyscraper on the planet to incorporate wind turbines. Depending on the angle from which you see it, the building could look like…

EngX Editorial in History of Engineering
Read our 2024 EDI Year in Review

Learn about last year’s EDI projects and achievements As we reflect on the past year, it is inspiring to see the strides we’ve made in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The 2024 EDI Year in Review highlights our commitment to building an inclusive environment where everyone can do and feel their best. We know that diverse minds bring diverse ideas, and by embedding EDI principles across our institution, we aim to advance excellence in engineering and technology. This year’s review offers a comprehensive look at our progress, achievements, and the areas where we continue to strive for improvement. As part of our commitment to ongoing progress and transparency, we are proud to publish our fourth EDI Year in Review guide…

Daisy March in Women in Engineering
From Fire Beacons to 5G: The Evolution of Telecom Infrastructure

On a crisp spring day at Savoy Place in London, enthusiasts and professionals from the telecommunications industry gathered to hear Professor Nigel Linge from Salford University deliver a captivating presentation on the often-overlooked yet vital structures that form the backbone of our communication networks: telecom towers, masts, and poles. Organised by volunteers from the IET London Friday Lunch Lecture committee, the event began with a warm welcome from the host, Roger Ward, who introduced Professor Linge as a distinguished figure in the field of telecommunications. "Nigel is an electronic engineer by profession," he noted, highlighting his extensive research interests, including 5G mobile location services, communication protocols, and network design. Professor Linge's passion for telecoms…

Roger Ward in Antennas and Propagation
How Apple killed innovation in the smartphone industry

In the world of smartphones, Apple is a name that resonates with innovation, sleek design, and cutting-edge technology. However, a closer look at the industry reveals a different story—one where Apple's dominance may have stifled innovation rather than fostered it. The IET London Friday Lunch Lectures recently hosted Simon Rockman who delved into the history of smartphones, the impact of Apple's iPhone, and the current state of innovation in the industry. The Pre-iPhone Era: A Hotbed of Innovation Before the iPhone's debut in 2007, the smartphone market was a vibrant landscape of diverse designs and functionalities. Companies like Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, and Samsung were at the forefront, each bringing unique features to their devices. The Nokia E90 Communicator, Sony Ericsson…

Nick Hunn in Research and Innovation
A technology with real star power

Stephen Phillips Nuclear fusion is one of the most exciting technologies in energy production, but it has not proved easy to realise - a state of affairs that is changing. While it is still challenging to get right, there has been progress in recent years - driven by the determination of governments (via the UK Atomic Energy Authority in the UK) and commercial startups to unlock its potential. By dawn’s first light To bring us up to speed on these developments, the IET is hosting two events in the coming week. On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 , our Nuclear Technical Network will host an online seminar : 'First Light Fusion's amplifier scheme for IFE: an overview of our capabilities and facilities.' First Light's idea is to fire a metal projectile with a velocity of tens of kilometres per…

Stephen Phillips in Nuclear Power
From Submarines to STEM: Anne Morris's Inspiring Volunteer Story

Today we shine the spotlight on Anne Morris. We recently interviewed Anne to learn about her experiences on volunteering at the IET. Here’s what she had to say… Anne submerges herself in volunteering BAE Systems Submarines expert Anne Morris has worked in engineering for 25 years and has volunteered for the IET since 2012. Anne joined BAE Systems in 1999 after graduating from the University of Leicester with a Master’s degree in Mathematics. The following year she embarked on a part-time, employer-sponsored MSc in Aircraft Engineering, which she completed in 2004. A Postgraduate Certificate in Management from Lancaster University followed in 2008, again sponsored by BAE Systems. Her 25-year career at BAE Systems has spanned numerous roles in the design-and-build phase of complex fast…

IET Volunteering Team in STEM Education and Skills
Rock and roll to paradise!

On this day in (engineering) history… March 25, 1807 - The Swansea and Mumbles Railway, then known as the Oystermouth Railway, became the world's first passenger-carrying Railway. March 25, 1807, a spring afternoon in Swansea, rapidly becoming the World's capital of the copper industry. The grey clouds are breaking into sunshine over a place called 'The Mount,' marked out by some small, low buildings near the centre of the industrial town. A group of men, women, and children climb and are helped into a strange contraption - a box mounted on wheels running on a plateway line. A horse will pull the box, not much more than a cart, on the World's first passenger railway journey, leaving the World's first recorded railway station. The first in some ways, but not in others The Mumbles Railway…

EngX Editorial in History of Engineering
In conversation with a neurodivergent volunteer: Beverley Gibbs

It's Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17-23 March), and to mark the occasion, we've been sharing real-life experiences from neurodivergent engineers within our member and volunteer base. Today, we're featuring an interview with Beverley Gibbs, Director of the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology and a valued IET Volunteer, conducted by Daisy March, our Senior EDI and Engagement Executive. Beverley has worked in the industry for an incredible 37 years in a range of different disciplines. From training as a process engineer to moving into applied research and research management, to transitioning into academia for the second part of her career, she has had the benefit (and challenge!) of experiencing many different environments. One thing the sectors that have attracted Beverley…

IET Volunteering Team in STEM Education and Skills
A 'day in the life' of a neurodivergent engineer: Helen's Journey

It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and on Tuesday we invited you to join Gavin as he led us through his day as an engineer with ADHD and autism . Today, we’re delighted to be following Helen through hers as an engineer with dyslexia and ADHD. Meet Helen Helen is a Weights Engineer with BAE Systems, which means her role is to monitor all weight throughout the design stage of ships. Her aim is to keep each ship under a certain weight and monitor how the weight is distributed. She has kindly offered to bring us with her for a day to share what it’s like, and why it works well for her. Over to you, Helen! Mornings I should preface this with that fact that there is no real ‘typical’ day in engineering – everyday is different, which is part of the fun! However, today starts with…

Daisy March in Women in Engineering
Manufacturing Technology Adoption

The IET Manufacturing Technical Network is hosting a Webinar on 9 th April 2025, titled Manufacturing Technology Adoption. Details and registration information can be found at Manufacturing Technology Adoption This webinar is designed to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thrive in the rapidly evolving world of manufacturing. Attendees will learn how to develop a winning strategy for adopting the latest manufacturing technologies and gain a competitive edge. The webinar will cover: Discovering the latest technologies transforming manufacturing today Understanding the potential benefits and opportunities Finding support and resources for smooth technology adoption Identifying and developing the critical skills needed for success As we build…

Christopher Proudfoot in Management of Technology
A 'day in the life' of a neurodivergent engineer

In 2023, we carried out research into the instance and experience of neurodivergent engineers, and we learned so much about the broad challenges they face within the industry. However, we also heard about the unique strengths that come from thinking differently as an engineer or technician. So, we’ve explored the big ‘stuff’, what about the smaller ‘stuff’? Well, in recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17 - 23 March), we thought it would be a great opportunity to share some insights into daily life as a neurodivergent engineer, and to take us through that today is our man on the ground, Gavin Russell. Gavin is an active member of our Neurodiversity Member Network and has kindly agreed to share a look into his day as a Building Performance Engineer – take it away, Gavin! Morning…

Daisy March in Engineering with a Disability
Korea-ing his way to winning the Educational Technology Medal

Richard Harris saw how South Korea taught technology. Suddenly, a light switched on his mind and changed his whole approach to education technology. The best, most effective method of teaching anyone is to get the students involved in the subject as far as possible. The winner of our Education Technology Medal for 2024 has certainly arrived at novel ways of involving his students in Design and Technology. He is Richard Harris, Head of the Art and Design Faculty at Raynes Park High School in London. Within that role, he teaches Design and Technology GCSE, Art, Design BTEC, and Key Stage 3 Design. Switching on A good example of Richard's approach to using tech in the classroom is how he used Augmented Reality (AR). As Richard tells it, "[I] first came across that when I saw students playing…

EngX Editorial in STEM Education and Skills
Reflecting on Three Years as Chair of the IET Central London Network Committee

Three years ago, I stepped into the role of Chair of the Central London Network Committee, a position that has been a rewarding leadership journey. Over the past 36 months, I have had the privilege of organising about 30 monthly events, each one a testament to the dedication and innovation of our team. From Space Technology, Cyber Security in Railways through to Solar Farming, our events have not only educated but also inspired a community of enthusiasts and professionals, allowing us in staying true to the IET’s vision to Inform, Inspire and Influence! One of the most significant achievements during my tenure has been the growth and development of our team. When I first took the helm, the committee was a close-knit dedicated group. Today, we have a robust team of volunteers, each bringing…

Rimesh Patel
The IET Achievement Medals 2025 are now open for nominations

The IET Achievement Medals celebrate the incredible talent within engineering and technology, and there is a wide range of categories to recognise people who have made a real impact in their industry, academia or as an IET Volunteer. Winning is about much more than just receiving a medal; it can boost careers, promote companies, and inspire others into engineering. What it would mean to someone you know? Richard Harris, 2024 Achievement Medal winner said about his win, "It felt amazing to have my passion for innovation and education recognised. This award means so much to me because it highlights the impact of bringing engineering to the forefront of students' learning experiences, and it reaffirms the power of education to inspire future innovators". The IET wants to hear about the person…

Nicole Tiebosch
From Traffic Jams to Smooth Journeys: The Story of M25 Junction 10

The IET London Network’s Friday Lunch Lecture for February (held on a Thursday this time!), featured Jonathan Wade, a senior manager at the Highways Agency, who provided an in-depth look at the M25 Junction 10 project. From Traffic Jams to Smooth Journeys: The Story of M25 Junction 10 The M25 Junction 10 project, also known as the A3/M25 traffic jam project, is a significant undertaking aimed at improving one of the busiest sections of the UK's motorway network. Jonathan Wade , the senior manager responsible for this project, shared valuable insights into the complexities and challenges faced during its execution. Introduction and Background Jonathan began by introducing himself and providing a brief overview of his career, which started with a mechanical engineering apprenticeship…

Roger Ward in Road transport systems
Tragedy in Japan - three disasters in one day

On this day in (engineering) history… March 11, 2011 – The Fukushima Disaster – Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident in one. The most powerful earthquake in Japanese history caused a massive tsunami, three nuclear meltdowns, the deaths of nearly 20,000 people, with another 6,000 people injured and 2,500 people missing. Even ten years later, almost a quarter of a million people were still living in temporary accommodation of one sort or another. This was the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami (the Great East Japan Earthquake, or 3.11 – san ten ichi-ichi in Japanese), which swamped 2,000km (1,242 miles) of Japan’s northeast coast. It also caused the most serious nuclear accident since the explosion at Chornobyl in 1986. Powers greater than we can imagine On the cold, wintery afternoon…

EngX Editorial in Nuclear Power
Applications for Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2025 are now open!

Who will you nominate? Saturday 8 March was International Women’s Day, a celebration of women – past and present - across the globe, and in our everyday lives. As has become tradition, to mark the occasion we opened applications for our 2025 Young Woman Engineer (YWE) of the Year awards on Saturday. But wait – this year there’s a twist! For the first time ever, we will be enabling nominations for YWE. This means that if you know an exceptional woman engineer or apprentice who deserves recognition, all you need to do is share their name, email and organisation via the nomination link and they will be directly invited to apply. Remember, there are four prizes that make up our YWE awards, each with their own criteria – click below to learn more about them. The Young Woman Engineer of the…

Daisy March in Women in Engineering

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