The first part of 2026 is already shaping up to be an active period for the IET Technical Networks. After a strong 2025, the activity planned for the coming months continues to support members with opportunities for learning, development and connection.
2025 overview
Looking back, the Technical Networks achieved significant reach throughout 2025. Webinars drew audiences from over 100 countries and volunteers created over 60 blogs via EngX. Seventy‑four online activities were delivered, generating more than seventeen thousand registrations and nearly nine thousand live views. We re-instated QR codes for members a simple way to link directly to Career Manager, helping to streamline recording of CPD. With an overall NPS score of fifty‑one, it is clear that members and non-members valued the breadth and quality of the programme our volunteers create,
Thank you to all our volunteer
The Technical Network team also want to give a massive thank you to all of our incredible volunteers who give their time and energy to the committees that plan, organise and deliver this activity. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and expertise are at the core of everything we do.
It is your willingness to contribute ideas, lead initiatives, support events and collaborate across regions that we are able to create these opportunities for our community.
Without your commitment and drive, we would not be able to achieve the global impact we’re so proud of today. Thank you for helping us continue to make a positive difference around the world. Gemma Hadley Tori Rooke
What we have planned for early 2026
In February, the focus turns to ‘Manufacturing in Space’. As advances in space technology accelerate, the idea of producing materials beyond the Earth’s atmosphere is becoming increasingly viable. This online session, led by Julie Holt‑Jones from Space 4 Sight and Dr Michael Nayak from DARPA, explores how the conditions found in near‑space environments may help solve longstanding challenges in material creation. For those working in advanced manufacturing or simply interested in future industrial possibilities, it offers a clear look at how space could redefine production.
March brings a session on ‘AI-Driven Horizons: The Future of Biofouling Detection in Tidal Stream Turbines’ and how AI can address a problem that has operational impact across marine energy systems. The webinar introduces the scale of the challenge and the limitations of current detection methods before moving on to data‑driven and hybrid AI techniques that may support earlier and more accurate identification. It also highlights future research directions for those exploring the intersection of renewable energy and machine learning.
Later in the month, an in‑person event at the University of Salford examines ‘Re-Thinking Dialogue Intelligibility: why high SNR still fails viewers’ and why dialogue in modern media can remain difficult to understand even with high technical clarity. By looking at biometric insights and cognitive responses, the session offers a more nuanced view of how speech is perceived and why traditional intelligibility measures may not tell the full story. Anyone working in audio, media or acoustic research will find it particularly relevant.
In April, attention shifts to the use of ‘Application of Lean in Hazardous or Clean Environments’ Speakers Magdalena Wywijas and Ivan Sapojinets will consider how familiar Lean principles need to adapt in high‑risk and tightly controlled settings. The session includes opportunities for discussion in virtual breakout rooms, making it a practical forum for members to share perspectives and challenges from their own work.
Additional events will be added as the year develops, and members are encouraged to check back regularly for updates.
Related blogs
Members who want to explore these themes further can view the many blogs and insights on these topic areas
Interested in getting more involved?
If you are interested in volunteering, please register your interest. Or if you think you can add to the Technical Network programme for 2026, please contact us with a title, synopsis and a short biography.