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  • The Historic Opening of the Rigi Bahnen: Europe's First Rack Railway

    On the 21st of May, 1871, a significant milestone in European rail history was achieved with the inauguration of the Rigi Bahnen on Mount Rigi, Switzerland. This event marked the opening of the first rack railway in Europe, a pioneering feat that not only revolutionised mountain travel but also set the stage for the development of alpine tourism. The Visionary Behind the Project The Rigi Bahnen was the brainchild of Swiss engineer Niklaus Riggenbach. Riggenbach, who had previously patented a rack and pinion system in France in 1863, envisioned a railway that could conquer the steep inclines of Mount Rigi. His innovative system involved toothed racks set between the railway tracks, which interlocked with cogwheels fitted under the locomotives. This design allowed trains to safely and efficiently…

  • Harnessing AI in Engineering: Insights from Dr. Ismaël Adam Essackjee

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that is revolutionising the engineering landscape. This event is designed to provide engineers with insights into how AI can enhance automation, optimise processes, and enable smarter decision-making. From predictive maintenance to AI-driven design, the applications of AI in engineering are vast and transformative. Technical Insights into AI in Engineering Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising engineering by enhancing automation, optimising processes, and enabling smarter decision-making. Here are some key technical aspects that will be covered during the event: Predictive Maintenance AI-driven predictive maintenance involves using machine learning algorithms to analyse data from sensors…

  • Satellites to the Stars: Chris Brunskill’s Volunteer Story

    We would like to introduce you to Chris Brunskill, a volunteer from our Satellite Technical Network (TN). Chris studied Electronics with Satellite Engineering at the University of Surrey and earned a PhD in space robotics from the Surrey Space Centre. Chris’s career so far has seen him work on numerous missions, leading for three separate missions on weather mapping, LEO satcoms and SIGINT sensors. He currently runs his own small business providing strategic, engineering and innovation support to businesses developing new technologies for in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing missions. Let’s look at Chris’s journey in volunteer leadership which has been nothing short of astronomical. An Astronomical Journey in Volunteer Leadership Chris was first introduced to the TN early in…

    IET Volunteering Team
    IET Volunteering Team in Space

  • Nigeria’s Transition to Full Washington Accord Signatory

    1. Executive Summary The Washington Accord is an international agreement that recognizes the substantial equivalency of engineering degree programmes accredited by its signatories. Nigeria has gained provisional signatory status through the Council for The Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria ( COREN ) , this provides an opportunity to reform engineering education (EE) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training ( TVET ) practices in the country . Provisional Membership typically lasts from 2-4 years and members are expected to work towards the goal of achieving recognition as a full signatory . To become a full member COREN has to submit a self-assessment report to the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) for consideration by the 23 full-signatories of the Washington Accord …

  • Ransomware in Healthcare: A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity

    On 12 May 2017, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom faced one of the most significant cybersecurity threats in its history. The ransomware attack, known as WannaCry, disrupted services across the NHS, affecting hospitals, GP surgeries, and other healthcare facilities. The Attack: What Happened? WannaCry is a type of ransomware that encrypts files on infected computers and demands a ransom in Bitcoin to unlock them. The attack began on 12th May 2017 and quickly spread across the globe, affecting hundreds of thousands of computers in over 150 countries. The NHS was particularly hard hit, with around 80 out of 236 trusts affected, along with numerous GP practices and other healthcare providers. The ransomware exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, known as EternalBlue…

  • Beyond the Badge: Ethical AI and the Risks of Hype

    Welcome to the second instalment in our blog series exploring the real-world implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business, inspired by the IET AI Technical Network’s insightful podcast discussions. This week, hosts Kirsten McCormick, Phil Clayson, and Andrew Williams return to explore the motivations driving AI adoption, the ethical questions surrounding its use, and the role open source plays in shaping the future of AI deployment. Watch the Podcast below! Key Highlights What’s motivating AI adoption? Is it genuine innovation… or badge-slapping? Kirsten opens with a candid reflection on how some organisations rush to adopt AI not for strategic advantage, but for image. “You start to see companies slapping the badge of AI onto their products,” she says, recalling a noticeable…

  • Inside the Mind of a Hacker: Navigating Cyber-Attacks with Industry Leaders

    In an era where digital threats loom large, understanding the anatomy of a hack has never been more crucial. The recent IET webinar, "The Anatomy of a Hack," brought together leading experts to unravel the complexities of cyber-attacks and share invaluable insights on safeguarding digital content. From the emotional rollercoaster experienced during a breach to the cutting-edge techniques employed by ethical hackers, this webinar was a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone invested in cybersecurity. Join us as we delve into the key highlights and discover how to fortify your defences against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Stephen Stewart a committee member of the IET Media Network opened the session by highlighting the importance of content security in the media industry. He…

  • Deaf Awareness Week

    This year’s theme is Beyond the Silence It’s Deaf Awareness Week (5 - 11 May), and this year’s theme of “Beyond Silence” encourages a greater understanding of the diverse ways in which Deaf and hard-of-hearing people communicate, from British Sign Language (BSL) to lip-reading, written communication, and assistive technology. It also highlights the social, cultural, and professional barriers that many Deaf individuals face, advocating for improved accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunities. The definition of ‘Deaf’ has many guises, from being hard-of-hearing to totally Deaf, this year’s campaign is to reflect and engage beyond the simple acknowledgment of ‘Deaf’, and to: - Delve deeper into what it means to be Deaf - learn how can we work together to make those around us understand…

    Teresa
    Teresa

  • North Devon Robotics Challenge 2025

    Teams of Year 7 students from Devon Schools came together on Wednesday 26th March at Petroc College in Barnstaple for the conclusion of the third annual North Devon Robotics Challenge, sponsored by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The teams, comprising four pairs of Year 7 students had been working on four challenges, which they had been provided by the event organisers, for six weeks, in after school clubs or lunchtime clubs. One of the challenges was to design a conceptual robot to help with maintenance of roads, rivers or land, while the other three challenges required Edison robots to be programmed to address specified challenges. The first programming challenge was to program the robot to drive around a figure-of-8 circuit as many times as possible in one minute, without…

  • Celebrating National Space Day with Dave Davis’s Volunteer story

    This National Space Day, we’re turning the spotlight on a volunteer who’s passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers. Meet Dave Davis, a long-standing IET volunteer and member of the Satellite Technical Network (TN), who’s been championing STEM education and professional collaboration throughout his volunteering journey. A mission sparked by a simple question: “Why not engineering?” Dave’s journey into volunteering began with a personal observation that many young people were being steered away from engineering—not because of a lack of interest, but due to misconceptions and missed opportunities. “I started by visiting schools and talking about engineering as a career choice,” he recalls. “Too often, I saw students discouraged by parents or teachers.” That spark soon…

    IET Volunteering Team
    IET Volunteering Team in Space

  • Smart Cities and Secure Data: Tackling the Biggest Challenges in Data Protection

    Smart cities are reshaping the way we live—connecting technology with urban planning to make our daily lives more convenient, efficient, and sustainable. But as these cities become smarter, one big question remains: How do we keep all that data safe? Where Does the Data Come From? In a smart city, data is collected from almost everywhere—traffic lights, air quality sensors, smart homes, energy grids, and even healthcare systems. This data helps city planners make better decisions, improve services, and create healthier environments. But here’s the challenge: The more data we collect, the higher the risk if that data falls into the wrong hands. ️ Why Data Protection Is a Big Deal It's not just about stopping hackers. Smart cities face many key issues: Who owns the data? …

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

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