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  • From STEM Student to Strategic Leader: Shaping a Career in Manufacturing

    From his early days as a STEM-focused student to his current role as Operations Strategic Development Manager at Oxford Instruments, Ben Unett has built a career around operational excellence and a passion for sharing knowledge. In the next of our 'My Engineering Career' blog series , Ben reflects on his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and why volunteering with the IET Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) has become a meaningful part of his professional life. STEM to Manufacturing Ben’s interest in engineering began at school, where he was drawn to maths, physics, and chemistry. With a father who taught maths, STEM subjects were always part of the equation. “I started off thinking I wanted to do mathematical engineering,” Ben said. “But I realised I was more hands-on than theoretical…

  • “What’s the difference between a satellite and a spacecraft?” – Why We Need Holistic Sat-Comms Training

    There is a lingering and often ignored problem for the sat-comms sector. Despite being the most dominant sector within the commercial space economy, a key element of global trade, and a decisive factor in defence, many people do not understand it. That is true for many people even within the sat-comms sector. Several years ago I spoke with a seasoned employee at a sat-comms company and he told me about one of the all-staff meetings. It had been another hour-long talk by the boss. He talked in nautical terms, of headwinds and stormy conditions, of satellites and spacecraft, markets and missions. Hundreds of people sat there diligently, silently, and unquestioning. This man then asked me shyly, “…but what’s the difference between a satellite and a spacecraft?” It’s a fair question. I explained…

  • The Day New York Went Underground: Engineering the Subway Revolution

    On 27 October 1904 , New York City introduced its first underground railway line, running from City Hall to 145th Street. The Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) system covered 9.1 miles and carried over 100,000 passengers on its first day. It marked a significant shift in how cities approached mobility, especially in densely populated urban centres. The subway addressed mounting congestion, pollution from horse-drawn vehicles, and the limitations of surface-level transport. It also demonstrated how engineering could be applied to solve complex urban challenges with speed and scale. Technical Challenges and Solutions Constructing the subway beneath Manhattan’s busy streets required a combination of civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering expertise. Engineers had to navigate existing…

  • Behind the Broadcast: Engineering Challenges in Modern Radio

    The broadcasting industry is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. As technology evolves and audience expectations shift, engineers are being asked to solve problems that go far beyond signal strength and studio acoustics. Two themes rising to the top of the agenda? Sustainability and operational safety . At this year’s Radio TechCon, one standout session explores a BBC-led initiative to transition transmission stations in Ghana to solar power . It’s a bold move toward greener broadcasting, and it raises an important question: how can we adapt renewable energy solutions to work reliably in less predictable climates like the UK? For engineers, this isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic one. Power redundancy, battery storage, and weatherproofing all come into play. And…

  • Robotics: where we are now and what the future could look like (Central London Network September Evening Lecture)

    Blog Post by Central London Network Chair Matthew Davies Robotics in the UK: Why We Need More Robots, Not Fewer Professor Mike Wilson , Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) , presented on “Robotics: Where We Are Now and What the Future Could Look Like , ” at the IET’s Savoy Place on behalf of the Central London Network . Using data, case studies, and decades of hands-on experience to show how automation is changing UK manufacturing and how increasing the level of automation is a key means of addressing the challenges currently facing it. The talk began with Professor Wilson tracing his career arc: from an MSc in Industrial Robotics back in 1981 through to being the Chief Automation Officer of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and director of the…

  • Volunteer Jaya Sujeewon Rughoo – In the spotlight!

    We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Jaya Sujeewon Rughoo, whose journey from curious newcomer to community leader is nothing short of inspiring. Jaya spoke to us about how it all began, the moments that have stayed with her, and the advice she’d offer to future engineers. Let’s start at the beginning, what first drew you to volunteering with the IET, and how has your involvement evolved over time? Honestly, my story might sound familiar to others, but it all started with PATW (Present Around The World)*. I love sharing how I first came across the IET, it was during a job interview back in 2015, right after I’d finished the fourth year of my engineering degree. One of the interviewers asked if I knew about the IET (I didn’t at the time) and mentioned I could enter the PATW competition…

  • Thriving in engineering with ADHD: practical tips

    ADHD can bring both challenges and amazing strengths, especially in a field as creative and fast-moving as engineering. Engineer Mikaela shares her personal strategies for harnessing ADHD and using it as an advantage. Here you’ll find her top tips for boosting focus, managing your time and wellbeing, and making the most of the unique traits that ADHD brings. Everyone’s different, and this is one engineer’s story about finding strategies that help them thrive. Whether you’re studying, starting your career, or a seasoned engineer discovering more about yourself, with a little experimentation and the right support you can start engineering your way. Make ADHD work for you ADHD can be a real asset in engineering. Quick thinking, creativity, and adaptability often come naturally, especially…

  • IBC Review 2025 - Shaping The Future

    Blog Post by Central London Network volunteer Phil Snuggs How are we shaping the future of entertainment and technology? The October Central London Network Evening Lecture was a Panel review in partnership with the Royal Television Society London Network. The topic was the recent IBC2025 show, a global event for the media, entertainment, and technology industry. The Panel in the Turing Lecture Theatre was chaired by Nadine Dereza , Broadcaster & Journalist. Her fellow Panel members were: Dan Cherowbrier – Acting CTO Formula E Muki Kulhan – IBC Accelerators Lead Ian Nock – CEO Fairmile West and vice chair IET Media Technical Network Tia Shenton – RTS Young Technologist of the Year 2025 The panel recounted how IBC 2025 was attended by 43,858 visitors and had 1,300 exhibits…

  • Driving Innovation in Rail: How the RTS is Shaping the Future of Freight in Great Britain

    The UK rail industry is undergoing a transformative journey, and at the heart of it lies the Rail Technical Strategy (RTS) —a collaborative framework designed to unify stakeholders, drive innovation, and deliver a shared vision for the future of rail. In a recent session led by Gareth Evans (Head of Rail Technology, Network Rail) and Louisa Moisio (Director of Research, RSSB), industry leaders explored how the RTS is evolving and actively shaping investment, particularly in the freight sector. Why the RTS Matters Rail is vital to the UK’s economy, enabling social mobility, reducing emissions, and supporting regional growth. But it’s also a fragmented industry, with multiple organisations operating across devolved structures. The RTS provides a shared vision and a strategic roadmap to align…

  • IET France visit to “Grand Paris Express” – one of Europe’s largest mega-projects

    Those living in the Paris suburbs are familiar with the ongoing long-term construction of the "Grand Paris Express". Over 40 billion Euros are invested in this mega-project to extend the public transport network around Paris with over 200km of new train lines and 68 new stations. First proposed in its current form in 2009, it's one of the largest projects in Europe. The first stations opened for the Olympics in 2024 and all stations in the current construction phase will open by 2030. Communication on the project is essential given the significant cost and long-term impact on the local community. The managing company, Societe des Grands Projets, created the "Fabrique du Metro" in Saint-Ouen (northwest Paris suburbs) for this purpose. This is a superb exhibition centre covering all aspects…

  • Harnessing the Colorado River: How Engineers built a powerhouse!

    On 15 October 1936 , the Hoover Dam’s hydroelectric power plant was officially completed, transforming a colossal concrete structure into a living system of energy generation. While the dam itself had been structurally finished the year before, it was the commissioning of its power plant that truly unlocked its potential, delivering electricity across the American Southwest and setting a precedent for large-scale renewable energy projects. The Hoover Dam was a feat of civil engineering and a bold statement about what coordinated engineering disciplines could achieve. From the excavation of Black Canyon to the installation of massive turbines, the project demanded precision, innovation, and resilience. Hydroelectric Engineering at Scale At the heart of the dam’s power generation system…

  • Introducing our 2025 YWE finalists!

    Get to know our top five and register for the ceremony here As has become a tradition on Ada Lovelace Day each year, today we’re very excited to reveal the five amazing engineers that make up our 2025 Young Woman Engineer (YWE) of the Year awards finalists. Our annual YWE awards celebrate engineering excellence in the UK and aim to highlight women role models in engineering roles to other young women and girls. As we find every year with these awards, it was incredibly tough to whittle applications down to a top five, but our judges were able to reach a decision and we’re delighted to now share with you who our 2025 finalists are. Registration for our ceremony on Thursday 11 December is now open, and we would love to see Members and Volunteers coming along and supporting this event…

    Daisy March
    Daisy March

  • Ada Lovelace – an enchantress of science

    By Asha Gage, IET Archivist Augusta Ada Byron was born 10 December 1815 in London, the daughter of Baron and Lady Byron (George Gordon Noel Byron and Anne Isabella Noel, née Milbanke). Following the separation of her parents as a small child, Ada was raised by her mother and educated by tutors with a strong focus on mathematics and the sciences, as her mother hoped to deter her from following in the footsteps of her poetic father. Ada was fascinated by mechanical toys and scientific pursuits. At 17 she met the polymath Charles Babbage (1791-1871). Babbage showed Ada his first calculating engine, the Difference Engine, which aimed to automate the production of numerical tables, thereby reducing human error. The engine captured Ada’s imagination and she attended lectures regarding it, examined…

  • Because early exposure to engineering transforms futures

    How the IET Futures Fund helped a team of ten grow from beginners to award-winners. It’s one thing to fund a one-off experience. It’s another to support long-term growth, learning and transformation. For Team Activ8, sustained access to FIRST ® LEGO® League , thanks to funding from the IET Futures Fund has helped them evolve over three years from complete beginners to award-winning innovators. Their story shows why consistency matters. Year after year, they’ve come back stronger, growing not just in numbers, but in mindset, maturity and skill. The IET Futures Fund ensures that teams like Activ8 can keep building, not just their robots, but their futures. Helping young people explore their potential When asked about funding the response from the team is clear…

  • Thermoelectric Research and Sustainable Energy Application

    Engineering has been on the forefront of improving sustainability and reducing Green-gas emission over the years. In the preservation of tangible commodities - conventional refrigeration systems contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change due to the use of harmful refrigerants. Energy consumption also plays a crucial role in the preservation of perishable and biodegradable materials. To address this challenge, research has explored sustainable alternatives, with thermoelectric refrigeration emerging as a more environmentally friendly option. Thermoelectric refrigerators are silent, robust, and offer precise temperature control compared to traditional vapour-compression systems. As engineering continues to drive sustainable practices and support the global net-zero goal, developing…

  • 125 years of grantmaking: Meet the prominent engineers who supported us early on

    10 October 2025 marked 125 years since Foothold made its first financial grant to support engineers and their families. In that long history, tens of millions of pounds have been given to engineers worldwide during their toughest moments. This has only been possible thanks to the generous donations of IET members and corporate supporters. Foothold doesn't get any statutory funding or proceeds from IET membership fees. Members who want to support fellow engineers do so through direct donations to Foothold. To celebrate 125 years of grantmaking, we're combing through the archives to explore: How and why Foothold began The prominent engineers who donated early on The first grant A wartime turning point and the story of Speirs House How our grants work today, and how the need is…

  • Estate planning 101: how you can secure your family’s future

    October is Wills Month at Foothold. Many members of the engineering community have told us they would like more information and guidance on estate planning. So we've teamed up with financ ial advisers at SecondSight to explain the basics and provide a free webinar. Keep reading to learn how you can continue to support your family after you die, and have peace of mind knowing your wishes are known by those close to you. What is estate planning? Wouldn’t it be ideal if we could see into our future and plan accordingly for it? Unfortunately, no one can be certain of what the future holds, but one thing we can do is ensure that our family are looked after. That’s why it’s so important to have the right financial planning in place; so your money and assets (possessions and valuables) go to…

  • The Power of Volunteering in the Manufacturing Technical Network

    Engineering Community: The Power of Volunteering with Ben Unett and Christopher Proudfoot In engineering, technical skills are vital, but they’re only part of the story. What really brings the profession to life is connection. The IET Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) offers a space where professionals can share knowledge, build relationships, and contribute to the wider community. We spoke with two passionate volunteers, Ben Unett and Chris Proudfoot, who’ve found that volunteering has been both personally rewarding and professionally enriching.  In a recent conversation, they shared their experiences of volunteering, the impact it’s had on their careers, and why they believe others should get involved.  Giving Back with Purpose Ben Unett joined the TN with a clear goal: to give…

  • China’s EV Revolution: How Policy, Innovation, and BYD Are Reshaping the Global Market

    When we think of electric vehicles (EVs), names like Tesla often dominate the conversation. But in recent years, China has emerged as the true powerhouse of the EV revolution, thanks to bold government policy, strategic investment, and companies like BYD that are redefining what’s possible. In a recent interview, engineers John Samuel and Pete James offered a compelling look at how China’s approach is reshaping the global automotive landscape. From Zero to Global Leader China’s rise in the EV sector didn’t happen by accident. “The Chinese government came in force in 2012,” said John Samuel. “They invested about $6 billion in charge stations and EV buyer incentives. It was a chicken and egg thing. They could see this was going to be a big industry, but it wouldn’t work unless you had somewhere…

  • A Night of Inspiration and Innovation at PLAD2025

    On 4 October 2025 , the IET Malaysia Local Network proudly hosted the Prestige Lecture and Award Dinner 2025 (PLAD2025) at Pullman Kuala Lumpur , bringing together a vibrant community of engineers, technologists, and changemakers. This year’s theme, “Harnessing Responsible AI as a Catalyst in Engineering and Technology for Youth and Societal Empowerment,” sparked powerful conversations on the ethical advancement of technology and its role in shaping a better future. Welcome Address The evening began with a warm and inspiring welcome from Ms. Toni Allen , Chief Engagement & Growth Officer at The IET, setting the tone for a night of celebration and reflection. Prestige Lecture Highlight We were honoured to host YBhg. Professor Emeritus Datuk Ts. Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah binti Tapsir…

  • Design Your Dream Retirement

    After a 35 year career in engineering, I retired 18 months ago and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far. I know some people struggle with the transition from work to retirement so I have written a short blog capturing what I have learned. For many, the transition from working to retirement is a difficult one. We assume that if we're lucky enough to retire, we'll have a long and happy post-work life. But this isn't always the case. Many retirees suffer from depression, anxiety, loneliness and boredom. In fact, nearly 3 million people in the UK recently returned to work after retiring according to research by Legal and General. Recent research shows the top three reasons for "unretiring" are: Financial pressures Loss of purpose Staying mentally active This creates a contradiction…

    John Drever
    John Drever

  • Advancing Nuclear Energy: Safety, Innovation, and the Path to Sustainable Growth

    Nuclear power plants have experienced critical incidents in the past, with accidents such as Fukushima and Chernobyl severely affecting both communities and the environment. These events have driven significant improvements in the design, construction, and operation of nuclear facilities, with a strong emphasis on optimizing safety standards worldwide. Today, as renewable energy adoption increases globally, incorporating advanced and reliable safety processes into nuclear power systems has become essential. Through ongoing research and innovative engineering, modern nuclear facilities are designed with sophisticate contingency to withstand a wide range of extreme events, leading to a noticeable reduction in impact of accidents. In my own professional journey, I have contributed to the design…

  • AI in Aerospace - a successful panel

    With a huge registration of 444 people, the IET's Aerospace Technical Network recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the aerospace industry. Hosted by Patrick Capaldo, and thoroughly organised by Victoria Rooke and Harry Hancock, the session brought together five experts working at the cutting edge of AI and aerospace: Alex Spiri – Digital Engineering Manager, Rolls-Royce Alistair Nottle – AI Research Project Leader, Airbus Alex Brooker – Founder & CEO, Airside Labs Ian Henderson – Head of AI Research, Thales UK Dr Mark Hall – AI Research Project Leader, Airbus The primary motivation for the event was to discuss how we reconcile these two industries: the AI industry that "moves fast and breaks things" and…

    Tori Rooke
    Tori Rooke

  • N-ATLAS: Nigeria's AI Future

    N-ATLAS is an initiative started by Silas Adekunle, a Nigerian-British robotics engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of Awarri, the frontier technology company that built Nigeria's first multilingual AI assistant, which was trained locally with Nigerian talent and languages. Awarri and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) as well as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), have launched Nigeria's first multilingual and multimodal large language model (LLM) to the world. N-ATLAS is an LLM designed to support major Nigerian languages like Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English. This immediately…

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