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  • Message from our Chairman

    Control & Automation – it’s a pretty wide-ranging subject! But I believe there are core skills and interests that are likely to be common to pretty much everybody in the business. My own field, for the last 20 years or so, is C&I in midstream Oil, Gas & Petrochem, but I’ve been in or touched on enough other businesses to know that this is nothing like the whole story. Our newsletter, we hope, will alert you to events that you might otherwise have missed, perhaps highlight some trends and hot topics that you haven’t got around to looking at yet; and maybe sometimes just interest and amuse you. If it’s going to work, we need a two-way street: we’ll need to know who you are, what you like and dislike, what you found interesting, anything you think might be interesting, especially if you’re willing…

    Joanne Longton
    Joanne Longton

  • UK's Slowest Broadband Street.

    Two streets with 30 times slower download speeds than UK average have been named the slowest broadband locations in the country. Those living on Erw Fawr in Henryd, Wales, and Wheatley Road in Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex, can only download 0.6 megabits of data per second, according to a report carried out by online comparison site uSwitch.com. Erw Fawr and Wheatley Road’s connections are 96 times slower than Loundes Road in Unstone, Derbyshire, which came the first in the comparison. That means that while inhabitants of the two slowest streets would have to wait more than 15 hours to download an HD-quality movie, those on Loundes Road, the fastest, could download the same movie in less than 10 minutes. Read the full article on the E&T website

    Lisa Miles
    Lisa Miles

  • MedPower 2014 Conference

    The IET Hellas, IET Cyprus and IET Israel networks are organising the upcoming MedPower 2014 Conference: The 9th Mediterranean conference on Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Energy conversion. The Conference will focus on topics of interest to the Electric Power Industry. It intends to address the vast technological changes in all areas of the electric energy business, products, equipment, methods, and so on. MedPower 2014 will provide power engineers and technicians opportunities to be updated on current academic and industry developments, achievements and trends through presentations and open discussions. Presentations will emphasise the regional needs and peculiarities of environmental aspects associated with electric power generation, transmission, energy conversion systems…

    Gemma Hadley
    Gemma Hadley

  • Present Around the World competition - Hellas

    The Hellas network are pleased to announce that they will be holding a Present Around the World competition in Athens, Greece. Come along and support the next generation of engineers. You, the audience, will have the opportunity to watch a wide variety of interesting and cutting-edge presentations from the next generation of engineers. You will also be able to ask questions, with the winner being announced at the end of the evening. Date: Wednesday 21 May 2014 Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Venue: TEI Piraeus, Lecture Room ZB111

    Gemma Hadley
    Gemma Hadley

  • Congratulations To Team Invicta - World Champions

    All in IET Kent congratulate Team Invicta (Emma, Oli and Carlos) on their fantastic achievement of becoming World Champions at the First Lego League World Festival held in St Louis Missouri on 26th April 2014. A brilliant result.

    Brian Dury
    Brian Dury

  • Don't Trow Away Your Broken Laptop - Fix It!

    Restart has 187 ‘restarters’ ranging from teachers to those in the tech industry to security guards signed up to help fix things, with a core group of about 10 in London who regularly attend events. They come from all ethnicities, education levels and backgrounds but the majority are men. The charity has only two female restarters, but it hopes to encourage more to sign up after the first women-only event that took place earlier this month. For more information...

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

  • Thameslink – Achieving Metro Headways On The Mainline

    The Thameslink will increase capacity for routes into London from the North and South. This will be achieved through the procurement of a new fleet of trains, significant enhancements to the stations at the core of the Thameslink route and signalling control systems to support a reliable 24 tph service. Paul Bates , Project Director at Network Rail covered some of the following in his recent presentation on behalf of the IET Railway TPN in London on 26 March 2014. The need for high capacity signalling systems; Why ATO and ETCS were selected for Thameslink; How the project had developed the scheme, based on lessons learned from the Cambrian ERTMS early deployment scheme; How traffic management will be deployed across the Thameslink route to support the operation. Feedback after the event indicated…

  • Heathrow Air Traffic Control Tower Visit

    A group of IET visitors recently enjoyed a visit to Heathrow's Air Traffic Control Tower on 31 March 2014. Those participating in the visit organised jointly by the IET Aerospace Technical Professional Network and the London Network Young Professionals Section were fortunate to be able to access the Visual Control Room at Heathrow. Commenting on the event, Mike Murdoch , Committee Member of the Aerospace TPN said: "A very instructive visit enhanced by the exciting 360 degree panoramic view from the tower's gallery, enabling a bird's eye appreciation of the airport's continuous arrival and departure operations". If you were unable to secure a place on the visit you can see some images from the visit taken by Mike Murdoch and Monique Chong. Mike and Kiran Addala from the YP Section have also…

  • Sensors Technologists sought for the Rail Industry

    The Transport Knowledge Technical Network are working with Jim Lupton and the Railway Industry Association on an 'Unlocking Innovation in Rail' programme. Jim is specifically reaching out to the colleagues in the rail industry to assisting in finding some new faces to help the train operating companies (e.g. ATOC) find solutions to the problems associated with braking and accelerating of trains. This includes but is not limited to the problems of “leaves on the line” - moisture/leaves etc. If you think what those sorts of weather conditions do if you’re in a car - when you brake or when you try and accelerate - your wheels spin. Bad enough in a car, but on a track, where you can’t deviate, and your momentum is so much greater, and you’re on a timetable where seconds mean money, and safety is…

    Deborah-Claire McKenzie
    Deborah-Claire McKenzie

  • The first IET East London Network Event on April 24th

    The new IET East London Local Network hosted it's first talk at 6:30pm, at Queen Mary University near Mile End in East London on April 24th. The event was packed out with some of the audience reduced to sitting on the floor. An interesting lecture was followed by an enjoyable networking session afterwards. I look forward to the next one

    Robert Heaton
    Robert Heaton

  • Automation In The Oil And Gas Industry

    On 11th of March an IET Control & Automation TPN organised evening seminar was given entitled ‘Automation in the oil and gas industry’ at the Broadway House conference venue in central London. The event consisted of two talks, each lasting 30 minutes with 15 minutes of Q&A at the end and a half hour networking coffee break in between. Therefore the over all event lasted a nominal two hours with a starting time of 18:00. Chris Bogath, the automation architect for Schlumberger Oilfield Ltd., gave the first talk, with its main content being the commercial and engineering drivers and constraints for down stream automation in oil and gas, which essentially means drilling and drilling related technologies. Dr. James Whidborne, a Reader in control and flight dynamics at Cranfeld University, gave the…

    Joanne Longton
    Joanne Longton

  • New Frontiers in Digital Technologies for Influenza

    This upcoming event organised by the EPSRC IRC in Early Warning Sensing Systems for Infectious Diseases (i-sense) and the Infectious Diseases Research Network (IDRN) looks to be a very interesting one day workshop on the epidemiology of influenza. New Frontiers in Digital Technologies for Influenza: Big data and Mobile-Phone Connected Diagnostic Tests Thursday 26th June 2014 The Council Room, The Institute of Materials,1 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DB A draft programme for the event has been uploaded in the files area of the group. For more information including ticket prices and to register online please visit the event webpage .

    Gemma Hadley
    Gemma Hadley

  • The KTN and IET Direct Current Energy Systems Forum - 22 May 2014

    Join us this 22 May for a FREE, invited speaker event! https://communities.theiet.org/built-environment/dc-energy This focused one day event on 22 May 2014 will look at the landscape of Direct Current (DC) energy systems, the challenges they present to engineers, technicians and building managers alike, and the opportunities for wider application and user adoption of these emerging technologies. #IETBuiltEnv

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

  • About the Antennas & Propagation TPN

    This free to join technical community covers all aspects of theory, design and modelling of antenna systems and associated components, as well as theoretical and wave experimental studies of electromagnetic wave propagation at any frequency. You can take part in discussions , connect and engage with your peers, share files , video and documents and manage your online profile. This community organises free activities such as technical visits, conferences and seminars which you can get involved with. You can also benefit from knowledge exchange with others in your community; personal and professional development and network with your peers who have the same technical interests as you from around the world.

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

  • Antennas & Propagation TPN Committee 2013/14

    The IET Antennas & Propagation Network Committee organises programme of activities for IET members, engineers and members of the public. All of these events and activities are made possible by the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers. If you would like to know more about volunteering your time to help with our activities, please get in touch with any of the current volunteers listed below: Rob Lewis Chairman John Batchelor Committee Member Anthony Brown Committee Member Darryl Smith Committee Member James Flint Committee Member Cyril Mangenot Committee Member Richard Rudd Committee Member Christophe Craeye Committee Member Sana Salous Committee Member Rhiannon Mitchell-Thomas Committee Member Rebecca Walton Committee Member Mike Warrington Committee Member Lee Ford Committee Member Costas…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

  • Spotlight on our Exec team member - Ebrahim Mattar

    The first in an occasional series focuses on Dr Ebrahim Mattar , exec team member resident in Bahrain. Dr. Mattar, (Nickname: Al-Gallaf), has followed an academic career pathway. Mattar is currently University of Bahrain Assoc. Professor of Cybernetics & Robotics. Mattar is also a candidate for the full rank Professor. He started his career pathway back on 1986 as he received University of Bahrain BS.c. in Electrical Engineering, he then pursued his studies for MSc. in Electronics in 1988, University of Southampton, in 1994 he was awarded University of Reading Ph.D. in Cybernetics (more on Robotics Control). In 2001 he was selected with 30 others for the Gulf Executive Program conducted in USA, he received MBA from Darden School, Virginia University, USA. Mattar has interests in Cybernetics…

    Joanne Longton
    Joanne Longton

  • HELP! - At Safety Event For Primary Schools

    ELECTRICITY CAN KILL! That’s why IET Kent supports the “Safety In Action” event for Primary School children each year. To do this we need YOU to Volunteer. Just give up one day – to give advice to 10 – 11 year olds. We give you a script ( so no deep knowledge of electricity required ) – you work in pairs AND it's fun and rewarding. Safety in Action is organised by Maidstone Council for local primary schools across the two week 2nd June to 13th June 2014 ( 09.00 to 15.00 each day ). It is held at Invicta Barracks Maidstone. Many organisations attend (e.g. Lifeboats, Fire & Rescue, Railways etc). IET Volunteers give electrical safety advice - In pairs, by delivering a 10 minute presentation about electrical safety to small groups of children. ( A Disclosure and Barring Service Check [formerly…

    Brian Dury
    Brian Dury

  • For women in business, there's no such thing as 'harmless banter'

    Roma features in a very interesting article from the Guardian - Women in Leadership Innuendos and sexualised language undermine women's achievements and hold us back from attracting new talent to male-dominated industries, says Roma Agrawal ''I would like to thank the Evening Standard for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of engineering and women in leadership , but next time, let's do it without the p**** jokes.'' To read the article...

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

  • Your Control & Automation Community needs you!

    Are you working or studying in the field of Control and Automation? Are you passionate about supporting the community? Do you have 3-4 days per year that you can volunteer to attend committee meetings and organise activities? We’d love to hear from you! The IET Control & Automation Network is seeking professional engineers working in this field to join our Executive Team. By volunteering for this role, you will be representing the interests of the community as a member of the IET and a registrant of the Network and we would like to invite you to put yourself forward for this very rewarding opportunity. What is the role of the Network? The role of the Network is to provide a platform that enables the exchange of knowledge and information amongst the community through a variety of networking…

    Joanne Longton
    Joanne Longton

  • IET Control & Automation Doctoral Dissertation Prize, 2014

    The IET Control & Automation TPN invites submissions for the IET Control & Automation Doctoral Dissertation Prize, 2014. The prize recognises the novelty and contribution of the outstanding PhD dissertation in the field of Control & Automation The closing date for submission is 29 th August 2014. The candidates should have submitted their dissertation for a PhD, or equivalent higher research degree, in the field of Control & Automation for examination at a UK university during the calendar year prior to closing date. This is an exciting opportunity to get your research recognised and rewarded by professionals and academic experts widely recognised in the Control & Automation field. You can access the nomination form here . Further details Nirav Chokshi PhD CEng MIET

    Joanne Longton
    Joanne Longton

  • IET Northern California Visits The NIF

    Message of the Chairman of the Norcal Chapter: The Institution of Engineering and Technology. (IET) I am delighted to announce the inauguration of the Northern California chapter of the IET with a bang by visiting the National Ignition Facility , the world’s largest and highest –energy laser system at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore California. Our special thanks go to our chapter board member Mr. Allan Casey, CEng, MIET, who organized the visit. The Norcal Chapter is also proud to announce that Mr. Allan Casey is an employee of The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The visit was very well organized and the following members and scientists participated: Ben Venktash Allan Casey Stuart Marshall Panagiotis Petratos Jonas Neubert Andrew Manuel Joseph Modro Sheron Wylie…

    Allan Casey
    Allan Casey

  • CPD Monitoring Scheme – the first review cycle gets underway

    We are about to embark on the first review cycle of the IET’s new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Monitoring Scheme . Members of the scheme will receive an email this week inviting them to submit their 2013 CPD records for review. About CPD CPD is the process of developing and maintaining competence; a set of recognised skills needed to reliably perform the occupation of your choice. It’s how you keep up-to-date with current practice; it drives you to improve your skills and progress into new roles and keeps you employable throughout your working life. CPD is a professional obligation for all IET members, as featured in the IET Rules of Conduct . “Members shall keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date through planned professional development and seek to broaden and deepen that knowledge…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

  • Preparing the IET’s next generation of volunteers for leadership

    As an opportunity to provide the region’s engineering students with project management, teamwork and leadership experience, IET Victoria, Australia launched a Young Professionals Section (YPS) leadership programme. The brainchild of long-term IET Victoria committee member Denise Lam, the YPS leadership programme was launched this summer at the State Library in Melbourne, Australia. Running between six to eight months, participants are paired with a mentor from the YPS committee and develop their soft skills whilst helping to organise and run events for the YPS of IET Victoria, Australia. The aim is to see the students learn the skills necessary to successfully manage projects and how to apply them to their studies, but also hopefully bring fresh blood onto the committee. YPS succession planning…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

  • ''Rebel Toy Company Launches New Quest to Turn Princesses Into Engineers''

    NEWARK, California — When GoldieBlox tried to launch its line of engineering and building toys for girls, Lindsey Shepard says she heard one thing over and over from the rest of the toy industry: “Girls don’t want them.” It seems that someone forgot to tell those girls. In the past seven months, GoldieBlox has raised more than $285,000 on Kickstarter, garnered millions of views for a video about its toys (thanks in part to a brilliant re-imagining of the Beastie Boys’ song “Girls”), pre-sold more than a million dollars’ worth of products, and parlayed that groundswell of support into winning a contest for a Super Bowl commercial slot. Its toys are stocked by big retailers like Toys R Us and Target, even expanding into the United Kingdom and Australia. And now, it’s filming the follow-up to…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member

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