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  • Exploring the minds of machines: from hand written digits to thinking in language.

    Artificial intelligence has become such a familiar part of our daily lives that many of us barely pause to wonder how it actually works. From photo apps that recognise faces to the large language models embedded in our productivity tools, AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s simply the landscape we live in. Last October, the IET Sussex Network set out to peel back some of that familiarity with a talk titled “How DO Machines Learn?” It offered a rare chance to go back to basics and explore what actually sits beneath the buzzwords. Rather than diving into complex, abstract theory, the session focused on one of the simplest, and most classic, examples of machine learning: teaching a computer to recognise hand‑written numbers. It’s a perfect illustration because it’s something humans…

  • Payloads of the Past: From Looking Up to Looking Down

    Previously we went on a journey aboard Cold War payloads that were designed to look up and out: Geiger counters hunting for trapped radiation belts; rendezvous kits rehearsing an orbital choreographed dance; and capsules containing a man’s best friend that explored the unknown so that humans could soon follow. This month we pivot from that urgency in orbit to a quieter revolution (arguably like my kids, getting louder everyday) unfolding below, as engineers and technologists learn to treat Earth itself as the most important “target” in the sky, from commercial and government (Defence) standpoints. Early weather and Earth‑observation payloads turned “looking down” from a curiosity into a strategic asset, changing not only how we understood the planet but also how nations planned, traded…

  • The 1953 North Sea Flood: A Turning Point in Coastal Engineering

    On the night of 31 January 1953, an extreme storm surge swept across the North Sea and left a mark on the engineering world that still shapes our thinking today. For many engineers, the 1953 North Sea flood is more than a historical event. It’s a case study in systems failure, cross‑border vulnerability, and the transformative power of engineering when society decides that “never again” must truly mean something. Although more than 70 years have passed, the flood continues to influence coastal defence design, risk modelling, data collection practices, and even community resilience strategies. For engineers, the 1953 flood serves as a powerful reminder of why our work matters. A Perfect Storm Meets Vulnerable Defences The disaster unfolded when a deep Atlantic depression moved southeast…

  • France Sparks Europe’s Tech Resilience Pivot

    Overview France has decided to stop treating “digital sovereignty” like a slogan and start treating it like a risk register. At the first Rencontres de la souveraineté numérique on 26 January 2026, Minister for Digital and AI Anne Le Hénanff launched two practical instruments: the Observatoire de la souveraineté numérique (entrusted to the Haut-commissariat à la Stratégie et au Plan) and the Indice de résilience numérique (IRN) , a private-sector initiative chaired by Olivier Sichel of the Caisse des Dépôts. The Minister’s framing was unusually direct: “La souveraineté commence par la lucidité… Nous devons savoir d’où et de quoi nous dépendons” (Sovereignty begins with clear-sightedness… We must know where and on what we depend). Reference : French Government Press Release, 26 January…

  • The Rise of Hybrid AI in Engineering

    Across engineering sectors, conversations about AI are shifting. Instead of debating whether AI is being over‑sold or under‑used, the discussion in engineering circles has moved toward something more concrete: how AI can be integrated into existing technical workflows in a way that aligns with engineering rigour, safety standards and domain knowledge. This shift has brought increasing attention to what many research groups, engineering bodies and industry case studies refer to as Hybrid AI. Hybrid AI blends machine‑learning models with symbolic or rule‑based systems, which includes engineering constraints, logic rules, knowledge graphs and physical models. The goal is not to replace engineering reasoning, but to create AI systems that operate in a structured, verifiable way consistent with…

  • What’s Coming Up for the IET Technical Networks in Early 2026

    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…

  • Unveiling Video at a Distance - Television at 100

    Tuesday 26th January 1926, 22 Frith Street - 100 Years since the first public demonstration of a fully working Television system. That dateline was in the mind of the great and the good of the Royal Institution, who were invited to attend the first public demonstration of a working television system. Over 40 members turned up to see what many believed was not possible - literally the see it to believe it event - in the tiny attic rooms that comprised John Logie Baird's laboratory which was in a fairly nondescript London street. The public unveiling went to plan and showed what John Logie Baird had produced - an electromechanical television system that captured the moving image of a recognisable face on the camera, transmitted it the short distance to the receiver that then recreated the…

  • “As you cannot see on this slide”, a.k.a. The Information Density Problem

    Summary: The information density of professional-level training is often too high and, therefore, not conducive to learning. To create highly effective learning, we must define realistic expectations, start with the simplest possible framework, and progress slowly. Imagine that you’re at a typical conference. It’s been a full schedule and you have already seen several talks. Now you are in yet another presentation of post-doctoral level complexity and the speaker tells you “ as you can see in this slide… ”. You and everyone else in the room leans forward slightly, squints, and scans the slide quickly, hoping that what “ you can see ” will become visible. It doesn’t. Despite everyone’s efforts, among the text, charts, diagrams, and font size 6 annotations , which fill the slide, no one can…

  • Validating Vertical Corrector Magnets for HESR with COMSOL and Python

    In the realm of particle accelerators, precision in electromagnetic design is paramount. The High-Energy Storage Ring (HESR) at the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facility_for_Antiproton_and_Ion_Research ) in Germany represents a cutting-edge project where normal-conducting magnets play a critical role in steering and correcting charged particle beams. As part of Romania's in-kind contribution to FAIR, the National Institute for R&D in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA ( https://www.icpe-ca.ro/ ) manufactured a series of vertical corrector magnets. This blog explores the validation process for these magnets, emphasizing the electromagnetics principles involved and the pivotal role of Python in data analysis, complemented by COMSOL Multiphysics simulations…

  • 100 years of TV: To protect the enduring power of terrestrial television, do not let technology exceed humanity

    World Television Day 2025 was celebrated on November 21, honouring television’s enduring influence as a medium for information, education, entertainment, and shared experiences. This year’s theme, “ TV is Changing. Its Power Remains ,” highlighted the evolution of the medium from its earliest broadcasts to today’s smart screens, while reaffirming its role in connecting people and informing society. Established by the United Nations in 1996, the day recognises television’s growing impact on global decision-making and cultural milestones. According to the UN, television remains a powerful symbol of communication and globalisation in the modern world. In 1996, the United Nations convened the first World Television Forum, acknowledging television’s growing influence on global decision-making…

  • Draft for Public Comment - Guide to Electrical Aspects of 25 kV AC Railway Electrification

    The Draft for Public Comment (DPC) is now available for the IET's Guide to E lectrical Aspects of 25 kV AC Railway Electrification . This is your chance to provide your comments and proposals on the content to ensure that the publication truly reflects the needs of the industry. As the UK continues to progress toward a lower‑carbon transport network, the demand for robust, well‑understood electrification standards is increasing. This guide aims to support that transition by offering a clear, structured reference covering the key electrical principles, system considerations, and best‑practice design processes that underpin modern AC railway electrification. What the Guide Covers The draft brings together a broad sweep of technical and practical material intended to support engineers…

  • From Racing Cars to Electric Dreams: The Origins of EV Innovation

    In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), few stories are as compelling as that of John Samuel, a man whose journey from motor racing to pioneering electric mobility spans decades of innovation, persistence, and vision. In the next of our ‘ My Engineering Career ’ blog series, John shares the fascinating origins of his work in EVs, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of a now-booming industry. A Racing Start John’s foray into electric vehicles began not in a lab or a boardroom, but on the racetrack. “It all started really from my motor racing days,” he recalled. “I was racing grand touring cars and actually building them… lightweight, low drag and had all the features that you need for an electric car.” This background in performance engineering laid the foundation for what would…

  • Volunteer Graham Herries – In the spotlight!

    Graham Herries, IET Vice President and Chair of the Policy Oversight Committee, has been a driving force behind shaping education, skills, and innovation policy within the IET for over a decade. His volunteering journey began in 2013 with the Education Policy Panel and has since evolved into influential leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Innovation and Skills Policy Panel and Chair of the Digital Futures Policy Centre. Today, as IET Vice President and Chair of the Policy Oversight Committee, Graham continues to champion initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring graduates are better prepared for the world of work. What first sparked your interest in volunteering? It all began with frustration! I kept hearing employers say that fresh graduates weren…

  • Simple steps to a healthier, happier year

    The new year can come hand in hand with pressure to overhaul your routine and improve your life. But research shows that it’s more sustainable to build small, consistent habits than to make drastic changes. Studies on behavioural change suggest that starting small, like adding one positive habit, increases the likelihood of success. If you’re wondering where to start, you could look to Blue Zones for inspiration. Blue Zones are regions of the world where people live longer, sometimes reaching 100 years and beyond, and enjoy better health along the way. Their secret isn’t extreme diets or intense exercise plans. People in Blue Zones share a handful of habits that support physical and mental wellbeing: They move regularly They eat whole foods, with diets rich in natural fats They…

  • Payloads of the Past: Explorer 1 – America’s First Orbiting Satellite

    A New Year, A Cold War Deadline (Do not Worry we are looking at 1958) It is January 1958; the United States has already watched Sputniks 1 and 2 cross the night sky and seen the Vanguard launch fail on live television. Confidence, at least in public, was wobbling.​ Into that gap stepped an Army–JPL team, leading this were a few legends of the industry, Wernher von Braun and James Van Allen (You know the belt? This is why), they were given a brutally tight schedule to field a complete launch vehicle and science payload in 90 days. The result? A slim, pencil‑like satellite only about 2m long, 16cm in diameter and 14kg. Perched atop a modified Redstone known as Juno I and cleared to fly from Cape Canaveral before the patience of Washington became untenable and programmes were closed.​ At…

  • Celebrating Our Global Communities: A Year of Impact and Innovation

    As we close 2025, we want to share the incredible work our volunteers have done across our Global Communities . These communities are the heart of our organization—groups of passionate engineers and technologists who come together to share knowledge, inspire innovation, and create opportunities for professional growth. Our Global Communities include: Local Networks (LNs) : Volunteer-led groups in regions around the world that organize events, workshops, and networking opportunities for engineers and technology professionals. Technical Networks (TNs) : Specialist groups focused on advancing knowledge in key areas of engineering and technology, from AI and quantum engineering to antennas, power systems, and beyond. These networks are global, and because of that they are mainly online…

    Mariana Vazquez
    Mariana Vazquez

  • The Future of British Switchgear

    Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) is one of the most potent greenhouse gases in use today, with a global warming potential approximately 24,300 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100-year period. Despite being used in relatively small quantities, its environmental impact is significant. It is one of the 6 notified greenhouse gases in the F Gas regulations. Across Great Britain, electrical switchgear is estimated to contain around 1 million kg of SF₆ , spread across more than 200,000 units . Approximately 97% of these assets operate at distribution level , within medium and high voltage networks. For decades, SF₆ has delivered compact, reliable switchgear. Why SF₆ Became the Standard SF₆ offers unrivalled electrical insulation and arc‑quenching performance, allowing high-energy switching…

  • Would you like to be a Professional Development Scheme Accreditation Assessor?

    Are you passionate about advancing professional development in engineering and technology? Do you have experience in academia or industry with a strong understanding of professional development schemes and higher education programmes? Join us as a Professional Development Scheme Accreditation Assessor for the IET and play a key role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of professional development pathways worldwide. In this role you will review and evaluate organisational schemes against IET accreditation standards. Working collaboratively with other assessors, you will apply agreed criteria to identify high-quality schemes that align with professional registration requirements and provide constructive recommendations for improvement where needed. This opportunity offers you the…

  • Trust in Professions: Engineers Hold Their Ground in 2025

    The latest Ipsos Veracity Index , now in its 28th year, offers a fascinating snapshot of public trust across Britain’s professions. For engineers (and those who champion the profession) there’s good news! Engineers remain among the most trusted professionals in the country. But the broader picture reveals some striking shifts that are worth exploring, especially for a community like ours that values integrity, innovation, and public confidence. Engineers: A Pillar of Trust Once again, engineers feature in the top tier of trusted professions, alongside nurses, doctors, teachers, and professors. This consistency speaks volumes about the profession’s reputation for honesty and reliability. In an era where misinformation and scepticism dominate headlines, the engineering profession continues…

  • Inside ETCS: What Thameslink Taught Us About the Future of Rail

    The UK rail industry is on a journey toward digitalisation, and one of its most ambitious steps has been the deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) on Thameslink. This critical corridor through central London has provided a unique testing ground for in-cab signalling, offering lessons that will shape future deployments. In our first podcast episode for the IET Railway Technical Network, Jude Parsons spoke with Jamie Geraghty, Signalling Manager at Three Bridges, and Glenn Mitchell, Senior Asset Engineer at Network Rail, to uncover what ETCS has delivered so far—its benefits, challenges, and what we’ve learned along the way. Why Thameslink Matters Thameslink is a critical corridor connecting the north and south of the UK through central London, linking major hubs like Gatwick…

  • Would you like to volunteer as an Industrialist Academic Accreditor?

    Are you passionate about shaping the future of engineering education? Are you an experienced industry professional with a strong understanding of higher education programmes? Join us as an Academic Accreditor for the IET and play a pivotal role in ensuring the industry input and influence on the curriculum and student learning experience is of high quality and is effective within engineering and technology degree programmes worldwide. As an Academic Accreditor, you will review and evaluate university programmes against IET accreditation standards. Working collaboratively with other accreditors, you will use agreed criteria to identify high-quality courses that align with professional registration requirements and provide constructive recommendations for improvement where necessary. …

  • Building over a working railway: Visit to Paris Austerlitz T6B construction site

    For over 30 years, investment has flowed into urban regeneration of the River Seine south bank (“rive gauche”) in eastern Paris. Most visible is the iconic Bibliothèque François Mitterrand (French national library) constructed in 1995 right on the riverside. Running just behind this building and parallel with the river is the railway approach to the Austerlitz main line train station. To create a neighbourhood better connected to the river, the architects and planners decided on a radical solution: construction of buildings directly over the top of the railway. Picture: Approach to Paris Austerlitz station before construction started (mirr.eu) On 28th November 2025, the ICE France Association organised a visit to one these construction projects (referred to as T6B) and invited members…

  • IET Robotics & Mechatronics TN – 2025 Year in Review

    As 2025 draws to a close and our final activity has happened, it’s a great time to reflect on what has been an exciting year for the IET Robotics & Mechatronics Technical Network (TN). From thought-provoking webinars to lively community discussions and insightful blogs, the TN has delivered a strong lineup of content to engage with. Digital First and Global Reach remit for our Technical Network This year, we delivered a strong lineup of free-to-attend webinars , each exploring cutting-edge topics shaping the future of robotics. The online format allows us to engage with engineers across the world and share knowledge, provide CPD and build our global communities. Among the highlights: Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and AI Models for Contemporary Robotics Systems This session…

  • A Fresh Way to Solve Problems: Build Your Team’s Skills, One Brick at a Time

    Who knew a bag of LEGO® could help your team solve real work challenges? If you think LEGO belongs only in a toy box (or on the floor waiting for a bare-footed victim), think again. LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) is a hands-on method that helps teams explore ideas, tackle challenges, and communicate more clearly - all while having fun. So, what is it? LSP uses LEGO® bricks to build models representing challenges, goals, processes, or ways of working. It’s structured but open enough for everyone to contribute - even the quieter reflectors amongst us. Why it works When teams build together: Conceptual ideas become visual and tangible. Quiet voices are heard. Discussions are more open, creative, and inclusive. Insights emerge that slides, meetings, or reports rarely…

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