Welcome to the Community Insights blog!

This blog features posts from and about the EngX community. Want to contribute? Read our blogging guide to help you get started.

  • 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…

  • The stealthy rise of passive radar

    Passive radar is rapidly emerging as a transformative technology in the world of surveillance and air defence. Unlike traditional active radar systems, which transmit their own signals and analyse the reflections, passive radar leverages ambient electromagnetic emissions from sources such as radio towers, television broadcasts, and satellite constellations. This approach enables detection and tracking of objects without emitting detectable signals, making passive radar systems inherently stealthy, resistant to jamming, and often more cost-effective. The evolution and significance of passive radar While the concept of passive radar is not new, recent technological advancements have significantly enhanced its capabilities and broadened its applications. As electronic warfare becomes more…

    Garima Satija
    Garima Satija

  • A Robot Touch of AI: London Summer School in Robotics & AI 2025

    On Wednesday, 25 June 2025 , King’s College London hosted the third London Summer School in Robotics & AI , a free, one-day event supported by the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) . Jointly organised by King's College London , University College London , and Imperial College London , the summer school combined cutting-edge research talks with hands-on experiences to inspire the next generation of robotics and AI talent. Held at King’s newly renovated Quad, the event ran from 9:45 am to 7:00 pm and brought together over 40 participants from across the UK and Europe. The audience included A-level students, undergraduates, master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, software engineers, and faculty members from a diverse…

  • Hot Tea, Cold Science: The invention that keeps things just right

    Let’s rewind to 20 September 1842 . That’s the day Sir James Dewar was born, a name that might not immediately ring bells unless you’ve spent time in cryogenics or have a fondness for keeping your tea hot during long site visits. But Dewar’s contribution to engineering is quietly profound. He’s the mind behind the vacuum flask, a deceptively simple invention that’s had a surprisingly wide impact. The Challenge of Storing Cold Liquids Dewar wasn’t trying to invent a lunchbox accessory. His work was rooted in experimental physics, particularly in the study of gases at extremely low temperatures. In the late 19th century, he was attempting to liquefy hydrogen, a task that required storing it at temperatures close to absolute zero. The problem? As soon as you collect the liquid, it starts warming…

  • “Nigeria and the Seoul Accord: Claiming Our Seat in the Digital Future”

    Over the past few years, I have been deeply engaged in conversations around Nigeria’s engineering education standards — particularly our transition from provisional to full signatory of the Washington Accord through Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and National Universities Commission (NUC). I have spoken about it at forums like the 15th Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Lecture (MEDL), and I continue to believe that aligning with global benchmarks in TVET is critical if we are serious about producing world-class engineers. But the world is changing, and as someone working at the intersection of engineering, AI/ML, and computer vision, I see another equally urgent frontier: computing and IT education. Much like the Washington Accord for engineering, the…

  • UK's Inclusion Week and Global Communities

    This week, during the UK's Inclusion Week, we had the privilege of hearing from our trustee, Katy Deacon. She shared her personal story and explained how, following her diagnosis, she used her engineering knowledge to adapt her home. This experience has inspired her to promote a more inclusive approach to engineering in her work and now at the IET. Her talk about :Why we need inclusive engineering, reminded me of the concept of "humanitarian engineering." While I fully agree with both of these ideas, I believe that in an ideal world there shouldn't be a separation. Engineering should be inherently inclusive and humanitarian, and its purpose should be to solve the relevant problems that arise. This vision is central to what we aim to achieve with our global IET communities: to be hubs with…

  • Gridlock or Green Light? EVs, Renewables, and the Energy Infrastructure Challenge

    As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly mainstream, a new challenge emerges, not under the bonnet, but in the wires and substations that power our world. The integration of EVs with renewable energy sources and the national grid is a complex, evolving puzzle. In a recent interview, engineers John Samuel and Pete James unpacked the technical and systemic hurdles we face, and the innovative solutions that are already taking shape. The Intermittency Problem Renewable energy is clean, abundant, and essential to a sustainable future. But it’s also unpredictable. “The problem of intermittency with wind and solar is well known,” said John Samuel. “What a battery can do is smooth out the supply, depending on its duration.” He offered a vivid example: “In California, everyone comes home…

  • What’s Next for the IET Manufacturing Technical Network? A Look Ahead at Upcoming Activities

    The IET Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) continues to build momentum with a packed calendar of events and initiatives designed to explore the future of manufacturing, foster collaboration, and support engineers at every stage of their careers. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student, or someone looking to broaden your horizons, the TN offers a dynamic space to engage with emerging technologies, industry challenges, and fellow engineers. Here’s what’s coming up—and why you should get involved. Quarter 4 2025 The future of Lean Manufacturing and beyond , 16th September While lean principles have been around for decades, the TN is taking a fresh look at what lean means in 2025. Manufacturing and Space , 7th October Building on the success of the 2024 event, the TN will revisit…

  • Are you passionate about shaping the future of engineering through guiding professionals as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Advisor?

    Join us as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Advisor and play a pivotal role in providing feedback and guiding others within the engineering field. As a CPD Advisor, you will inspire members to demonstrate engineering excellence through Continuing Professional Development. You’ll play a key role in upholding high standards and ensuring consistency as well as adhere to the IET’s volunteer policies and stay current with our CPD requirements. While being professionally registered and a member of the IET, your responsibilities will include reviewing individual CPD records, providing constructive feedback, and assessing whether members are maintaining professional competence through meaningful development activities. This role will offer you the opportunity to: Network with a…

  • Feeling flat after summer? Here's a tool to help you recalibrate

    As September arrives, many of us are shifting gears. For those of us in the UK, the summer holidays are behind us and the rhythm of work is picking up again. Whether you're on site, in the lab, or at your desk, the change of season can bring a sense of renewal and productivity. But it can also leave many of us feeling a bit... flat. Particularly if you're in a technical or project-driven role, or an engineering student, September often means diving back into complex tasks, tight timelines and high expectations. And with responsibilities ramping up, days getting shorter and mornings getting colder? It's understandable to experience a dip in mood, lower energy, or more stress. That's why it's more important than ever to check in with how you're feeling. A quick, confidential way to check…

  • Volunteer Spotlight: David Parr

    At the IET, our volunteers play a vital role in supporting the engineering and technology community. From mentoring to professional registration, their contributions help shape careers and inspire others. In this edition of our volunteer spotlight, we caught up with David to learn more about his journey, the variety of roles he’s taken on, and what keeps him coming back. Let’s start at the beginning, what inspired you to start volunteering, and how has your experience evolved? My interest in volunteering began early in my career, inspired by the encouragement of colleagues at my first workplace, particularly my first manager, whose support was instrumental in my journey towards CEng registration. That early influence sparked a desire to get involved, and I soon joined the younger members…

  • Shaping Tomorrow: Skills for Innovators and Problem Solvers

    What does it take to thrive as an engineer in a world of constant change? That question was at the heart of “Shaping Tomorrow: Skills for Innovators and Problem Solvers” , a recent event hosted by the IET Victoria Network at Monash University. The panel brought together students, graduates, and industry professionals for an insightful discussion on the evolving skillsets engineers need to succeed. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible panelists: Daisy Pei , Graduate Engineer at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Heshna Uppadoo , Graduate Engineer at Middleton Group Pela Markogiannakis , Director of Transformation at NEXTDC Robert Loader , General Manager, Transformation at MLC Life Insurance Each speaker brought a unique perspective shaped by their experiences…

  • End Digital Poverty: Sekinat Saka’s Volunteer Story

    For End Digital Poverty Day, we met with Sekinat Saka, known to many as Seki. Seki shares how her connection with the IET began during her early studies in Nigeria and how an IET bursary played a pivotal role in supporting her through a challenging period while studying for her Master’s degree in the UK. Today, Seki continues to make a meaningful impact through her volunteer roles as a Professional Development Scheme Accreditation Assessor, Registration Assessor, Professional Development Mentor and recently accepted invitation to join as a member of the Professional Development Operations Committee. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and a passion for helping others thrive in their engineering careers. Seki’s connection with the IET began in 1994, during her first year studying electrical…

  • Cameron Steel: Designing the Future of Prosumer Electrical Installations

    Cameron Steel is an Associate Director and Chartered Electrical Engineer with over 25 years of experience in mechanical and electrical building services design, project management, and consultancy. His career spans sectors including education, residential, commercial, and most recently, decarbonisation, where his work supports the UK’s transition to low-carbon infrastructure. Before entering consultancy, Cameron spent over 15 years as a practicing electrician, giving him a rare dual perspective on both the practical and strategic aspects of electrical systems. He is the lead author of the IET’s Guide to Prosumer Electrical Installations, and has contributed to numerous IET publications on energy efficiency, lighting, building automation, electrical maintenance, and electrified heat. Prosumer…

  • Graham Kenyon: Engineering Expertise at the Heart of Energy Transition

    Graham Kenyon is a Chartered Engineer with a distinguished career in electrical engineering, specialising in electrical safety, energy storage systems, and regulatory development. His work spans consultancy, technical authorship, and leadership in standards committees, most notably as Chair of JPEL/64, the panel responsible for maintaining BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), and as a member of the IET Wiring Regulations Policy Committee. Graham has authored several IET publications that provide practical guidance on solar PV, battery storage, and prosumer electrical installations. His expertise lies in translating complex regulatory and technical requirements into actionable insights for designers, installers, and policymakers. At Solar & Storage Live UK, Graham will reflect on three key topics…

  • Spanning the Firth: The Story of the Forth Bridge

    If you’ve ever crossed the Firth of Forth in Scotland, chances are you’ve marvelled at the elegant sweep of the Forth Bridge. Opened on 28 August 1964, this suspension bridge was a new way to get from Edinburgh to Fife, and a bold statement of engineering ambition and ingenuity. At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge outside the United States, stretching an impressive 2.5 kilometres across the estuary. But its significance goes far beyond its size. The Forth Bridge marked a turning point in British infrastructure, connecting communities, boosting commerce, and showcasing the power of modern engineering. A Bridge Born of Necessity Before the bridge, crossing the Firth of Forth meant relying on a centuries-old ferry service. While scenic, the ferry was slow…

    EngX Editorial
    EngX Editorial

  • UK Space Conference 2025 perspectives from an IET volunteer

    The UK Space Conference always serves as one of those rare occasions when the whole UK space community comes together. As is usually the case, it created opportunities for new conversations with familiar faces dropping by to swap updates, and new introductions sparking fresh ideas. It is emblematic of the space sector that it depends on relationships, partnerships and collaborations built and maintained over time. One of the headline announcements was that space now supports £454 billion of industrial activity across the UK economy, about 18% of GDP, and up £90 billion on last year. Even with the positive spin, that’s a clear sign of the space sector’s continuing and growing influence. Another important marker was new funding in response to the UK government’s decision to formally identify…

  • Why Functional Safety Is Crucial in Particle Accelerators and Medical Technology

    When we think about particle accelerators, we often picture vast scientific facilities probing the mysteries of the universe. But these powerful machines—and the principles behind them—are also at the heart of life-saving medical technologies. From cancer treatment to diagnostic imaging, particle accelerator engineering plays a vital role in modern healthcare. And at the core of all this innovation is something that doesn’t always get the spotlight: functional safety. Functional safety is about making sure that systems behave predictably and safely, even when things go wrong. In environments where high-energy beams, magnetic fields, and complex control systems are in play, that’s not just important—it’s essential. The Hidden Complexity Behind Everyday Treatments Take linear accelerators…

  • Wired for Change: How EVs and Renewables Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Transport

    As the world accelerates towards a cleaner, greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche innovation, they are the cornerstone of a global energy revolution. But how did we get here? What challenges have we overcome, and what lies ahead? These are the questions at the heart of Electric Vehicle Technologies: Renewable Energy for the road, a compelling new book published by the IET and co-authored by two of the most experienced minds in the field: John Samuel and Pete James. This book is more than just a technical manual, it’s a sweeping narrative of innovation, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of sustainable transport. Whether you're an engineer, policymaker, student, or simply an EV enthusiast, this book offers a rich, accessible, and inspiring look at the technologies…

  • Are you an Engineer if you can't fix a washing machine?

    Are you truly an engineer if you can’t fix my washing machine? That was a deceptively simple question that my mother asked me as a young school student. While attending secondary school, I developed a keen interest in computing and I wanted to continue this into higher education. After considering various computing science degrees, I stumbled on a course in “Software Engineering” at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. At the time, I hadn’t thought of my interest as engineering, and the question on the washing machine came up when I discussed this with my mother. Of course, it was intended as a light-hearted tease. But a few words triggered a philosophical argument that has stuck with me to this day. After obtaining my Software Engineering degree, becoming a Chartered Engineer and following…

  • Inspiring Future Engineers: IET Auckland’s ‘Project X’ Workshop at Waikowhai Intermediate

    On 12 August 2025, the IET Auckland Network proudly hosted its second annual ‘Project X’ electronics workshop at Waikowhai Intermediate School — a hands-on initiative designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds through engineering. The event was a resounding success, drawing praise from students, parents, and educators alike. Teaching principal David King shared his appreciation, noting, “Things went well, and the children enjoyed themselves and learnt a lot. Thank you again for the IET team's time.” His words reflect the enthusiasm and impact felt throughout the day. Engineering in Action The workshop was powered by the passion and dedication of the IET Auckland committee members and volunteers , led by Gowrishankar Sunthanthirapalan . The team — including Anne George…

Community Rules & Guidelines