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  • New and Exciting Developments in EM Propagation

    The IET’s Antennas and Propagation Technical Network (APTN) committee held its last virtual event of the year on the 11 December 2024. The one-hour event discussed “ New and exciting developments in EM Propagation ” and was hosted by Dr Anil Shukla, Dr Richard Rudd and Professor Sana Salous and was moderated by Dr Viktor Doychinov. Discussions took place on a wide range of topics that included:  the need for long term propagation data,  the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence,  measurements using channel sounders,  measurements in new frequency bands such as the Thz band as well as traditional microwave frequencies,  the use of open-source propagation data,  the use of statistical, real time and forecasting models and  the need to support and develop new propagation…

  • How two bicycle engineers proved Icarus Wright

    On this day in (engineering) history… December 17th, 1903 - The Wright brothers make the first controlled, powered, heavier-than-air flight In Greek myth, father and son team Daedalus and Icarus made wings to escape their prison on the island of Crete (accounts vary). Made from bird feathers, blanket threads, leather and…wax. ‘Follow my flight path and don’t fly too close to the ocean or the sun!’ Icarus followed his father’s instructions until, becoming overconfident, he flew upwards, ever closer to the sun. The wax holding the feathers to the wing frame melted, and Icarus felt the pull of gravity. Thousands of years later, at Kill Devil Hills, for brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright, there was no chance of following Icarus. Their heavier-than-air craft, ‘Flyer,’ made four flights. In…

  • The Synergy of University and Industry in Community Service Projects: Transforming Lives Together

    THE SYNERGY OF UNIVERSITY AND INDUSTRY IN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS: TRANSFORMING LIVES TOGETHER by Sharizal Ahmad Sobri Department of Engineering Nottingham Trent University (NTU) In an ever-evolving world, the partnership between universities and industries has taken on a new dimension - one that extends beyond research and economic growth. Collaborations between these two entities have become instrumental in addressing societal challenges and uplifting communities through community service projects. This article delves into the profound importance of involving universities and industries in community service initiatives, emphasizing how this synergy can transform lives and create a lasting positive impact. When universities and industries collaborate on community service projects…

  • Meet the new Chair of the Particle Accelerator Network

    The Particle Accelerator Engineering Network (PAEN) is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Court as its new Chair. Martin is currently an Electronics Engineering Manager at Elekta, where he leads a team dedicated to developing medical linear accelerators. His journey at Elekta began as a member of the Beam Generation team, where he played a crucial role in developing high voltage and RF generation solutions. Prior to his tenure at Elekta, Martin designed high voltage power supplies for radar systems and created low noise solutions for mass spectrometry and industrial X-ray applications. Martin is deeply committed to STEM outreach, actively teaching young people about the exciting possibilities within the field of engineering. He believes in the importance of nurturing the next…

  • Engineering dreams: My hope to work trackside

    Meet William Tucker , a winner of the IET Somerset and West Wiltshire Local Network Prize Hello, my name is William Tucker , and I have just finished my studies completing my Foundation Degree in Motorsport Engineering at The University Centre Somerset over the last 2 years. This course appealed to me as it combined both interesting and diverse theory based lessons with hands-on practical work applying and improving upon the previous theoretical studies. Before studying this course, I previously achieved my Level 3 and 2 Extended Diplomas in Motorsport Engineering, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. Around my studies I have also served 2 placements as a Motorsport Technician the first being in a car team doing the UK circuit of tracks through the 750MC and the second being in a motorbike team…

    Julie
    Julie

  • Celebrating a Milestone in Early Career Engineering: Honoured as Finalist for The Paul Fletcher Medal at IET Achievement Awards 2024

    It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on my recent honour as a finalist for The Paul Fletcher Medal at the prestigious IET Achievement Awards 2024 . Held at the iconic Savoy Place in London, this event celebrated leaders in engineering from around the world, and it was a humbling, unforgettable experience to hear my name announced on such a global stage. www.youtube.com/watch Recognizing My IET Journey and Dedication to Engineering Excellence This recognition reflects not only my dedication to advancing engineering and technology but also my commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive community within the IET. Over the years, I have been deeply involved in several initiatives to build a supportive, innovative environment for aspiring engineers. Here are some…

  • All that is driven by volunteers

    The winner of this year’s Paul Fletcher Prize for Volunteering is a data engineer from Mumbai, who also chairs the IET’s Mumbai local network. He is Vimal Chaubey. With a five-and-a-half-hour time difference, we met with Vimal at the end of his day. If he was tired, it did not hide his infectious enthusiasm for his regular work - and the work he puts into promoting engineering in Mumbai and across India. An IET journey Vimal joined the IET in 2013 as a student member in Mumbai. He said, "Though the IET had been present in Mumbai for more than 65 years, we did not have any student members until 2013." That year, he was one of the founder members of the first-ever IET student chapter in Mumbai. His IET journey had only just begun. When he left college, Vimal went from the organising head…

  • Motorbikes, fuel cells and door panels - all in a day's work

    She wanted to be a maths teacher, but became an engineer instead. After working as a systems engineer, a design engineer and a senior mechanical engineer, the world is now her oyster. Meet Marisa Kurimbokus , this year's winner of Young Woman Engineer of the Year Who I am My name is Marisa Kurimbokus. I'm a chartered Engineer with a career spanning over a decade in product design and systems engineering within the automotive and power electronics industries. What inspired you to get into engineering? Ultimately, I was a teenager who really enjoyed maths and physics. I wanted to help people, but I didn't know how to do that. Coming from two non-professional immigrant parents, I didn't know what a professional career could look like. I decided I should become a maths teacher because…

  • And the winner is......Manufacturing on the Moon Early Careers and YP competition 2024

    The Manufacturing Technical Network is delighted to announce the winner of the very first IET Manufacturing Student/YP Competition 2024 based on the theme ‘What benefits would manufacturing in space bring to society. What challenges will need to be overcome to realise these benefits and what technologies are key to achieve this’. Our winner is María Mitzi Abigail González Reynoso with the subject ‘Advancing Steel Production in Space: Overcoming Residual Stresses for Enhanced Structural Integrity and Societal Benefits’ A huge thank you to everyone who entered this year’s awards. As always, the quality of entries was high and the judges had a difficult decision in choosing the winners. Our winner and two other notable entries will be speaking at our online event taking place on 20 th January…

  • Keeping nuclear power safe and under control

    Her passion for maths and science saw her aiming to study volcanoes. When that blew out, she chose a control systems apprenticeship instead. Her career in the nuclear industry gives her new problems to solve and challenges to meet every day. Meet Natalie Parker , winner of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize . I am Natalie Parker, I am a Technical Specialist within the Operational Technology Group at Sellafield Limited. What inspired you to get into engineering? I always enjoyed maths, science, and technology-based subjects at school. English was never my strongest subject. I went on to further education at sixth form and studied maths, chemistry and geography. At the time I actually wanted to go and study the field of geography and work with volcanoes, that was always my dream…

  • Engines, airplanes and engineering drive this apprentice

    This young engineer was hooked when she saw a helicopter at an airshow and wondered, ‘how does that work?’ Now, as a Rolls Royce apprentice she has worked on the TP400 engine. As she broadens her horizons to other fields, it is still the practical problem solving of engineering that grabs her. Meet Alexia Williams , winner of the Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices Who I am My name is Alexia Williams, and I am a Through Life Technical Lead at Rolls Royce Plc. What inspired you to get into engineering? It started when I was age 13 to 14 - my parents took me to an airshow and I saw a helicopter floating about. I was a bit confused about how it worked, and that piqued my interest. From there, I looked into aerospace in a bit more detail and found out about apprenticeships. I started…

  • Engineering high hopes for the future

    A love of electricals and a passion for practical work drew her into becoming an apprentice engineer. Now, during the third year of that apprenticeship, she’s already looking to add to her knowledge and experience, with plans for her future. Meet Erin Lowe , an IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Finalist. Who I am My name is Erin Lowe, and I work at Yamazaki Mazak UK Limited as a level three electrical apprentice. What inspired you to get into engineering? When I was younger, I always liked putting together the electrical kits you could buy off Amazon. I got a soldering iron for Christmas, and I was into woodwork, so I went to a free group at B&Q, where we made planters and everything. Whilst I enjoyed Design Technology (DT) at college, it wasn't electrical. In Year 10, I had the…

  • This engineer wants to educate future engineers

    Her father told her she was born to be an engineer. Becoming one of the top ten students in her country proved his point, especially when she chose to work in electrical and electronic engineering. She now educates the next generation of stars in the subject. Meet Salma Al Arefi , an IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year finalist. Let me begin My name is Salma Al Arefi. I am a Lecturer in Engineering Education with a focus on teaching and scholarship. I work at the University of Leeds in the School of Engineering and the School of Electric, Electronic and Electrical Engineering. My teaching expertise focuses mainly on the field of renewable energy systems, and I deliver lectures and laboratory sessions, as well as supervising student's technical projects. What inspired you to get into…

  • 2024: A Year in Review for the Manufacturing TN

    During 2024. the Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) has demonstrated tremendous progress in advancing manufacturing technology, fostering innovation, and building a strong community of engineering professionals. Under the leadership of Chair Chris Proudfoot , the TN has become an essential platform for knowledge sharing and professional development within the engineering community. During Chris’s tenure as Chair over the past four years, the Manufacturing TN has hosted impactful events, produced high-quality content, and provided valuable resources for industry practitioners. Covering diverse topics such as Future Manufacturing Strategies , Sustainability , AI in Manufacturing , and Manufacturing on the Moon , the TN has consistently provided timely, relevant content that resonates with professionals…

    Dr Paul Johnson
    Dr Paul Johnson

  • AI’s role in digital futures and sustainability

    In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come out of Science Fiction and into the realm of the real, especially since Open AI launched ChatGPT into the public consciousness. In the meantime, Dr Gopichand Katragadda, IET President for 2023 – 2024, took the view he would use his time in office and his expertise in the field, ‘…To sharpen the IET’s focus on Digital Futures and Sustainability.’ To get to the core of the issue, the IET organised a series of webinars to discuss three aspects of AI: How can we co-create an IET Digital Futures position? How can we promote equality, diversity, and inclusion? How can we strengthen the IET’s global impact on AI? These discussions were held in three separate events, each with three webinar sessions. They’re meant to highlight how…

  • IET Antennas & Propagation Colloquium

    The IET Antennas & Propagation Technical Network (AP-TN) committee successfully hosted an online 'Antennas and propagation Colloquium' (APC 2024) Part 1 Antennas and Propagation Colloquium and Part 2 Antennas and Propagation Colloquium on the 12th and 13th November 2024. The colloquium offered invited talks covering recent advancements in Antennas and Propagation and was aimed at antennas and propagation scientists, researchers, engineers, technologists, and the applications community to enhance their understanding from experts in their field. The two-part series attracted interest with over 480 delegates registering from 26 different countries around the globe, with a lively Q&A session. Topics covered ranged from fluid antennas and Reflecting Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) to channel characterisation…

  • Giving the Gift of STEM This Christmas

    This Christmas, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is participating in the Big Give Christmas Challenge to raise £10,000 for the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore and Challenge Division Class Packs! From 3-10 December, your donation can be matched, effectively doubling its impact. To contribute during this period and have your donation matched, please visit: https://donate.biggive.org Your support will enable the IET to offer real-world STEM experiences and life skills development through the FIRST® LEGO® League to children eager to join an inclusive educational program. Thank you in advance for your generosity. FIRST® LEGO® League nurtures the next generation of engineers and innovators. Here’s an inspiring story of a school that participated and never looked back! Because…

  • How a Christmas greeting changed the world

    On this day in (engineering) history… December 3, 1992 - A test engineer for Sema Group sends the world's first text message Ho, ho, ho… It is the season for Christmas office parties when a young software engineer sits at his desktop PC terminal, writing code, something that has never been done before. He is writing a Christmas greeting. At an office party, a mobile phone rings, and the owner sees a message – ‘Merry Christmas.’ The phone’s owner, who is at the company Christmas party, calls his software engineer to tell him he has succeeded in sending the world’s first SMS – or ‘text’ message. But curiously, it will take until the end of the decade for the texting revolution to really take off. The software engineer was Neil Papworth , almost 23 years old and working for Sema Group…

  • OFEME comes to Glasgow

    The Operating in Future Electromagnetic Environments (OFEME) symposium 2024 (Glasgow, 19-21st November 2024) hosted an IET Antennas and Propagation Technical Network (APTN) Antennas workshop. OFEME, now in its 5th year, was organised by the EME-Hub (https://emehub.org/) and attracted over 350 UK attendees and over 200 virtual participants from across industry, academia and government. Technical talks included: “The Electromagnetic Environment in a Post Quantum World”, “Secure and Resilient Communications – Building the U.K Ecosystem”, “Future Antennas”, “Space” and “AI-Enhanced Signal Processing, Decision Making and Assurance”. It also held over 20 workshops and supported over 80 poster presentations. The IET’s APTN workshop entitled: “ How Do You Integrate New Agile Antenna Concepts with…

  • The Role of Generative AI in Enhancing Project Cost Modelling - A Practitioner's Perspective

    Introduction Project cost determinants and their impact on project cost at the design, procurement, and construction stages assume increasing importance in project management day by day since competent cost estimation at the initial stage of a project is critical. The author suggests that although traditional models are widely used to estimate the cost of new projects, there is still a need to develop an innovative method to stay competitive in a world with ever-changing technology. This article presents an in-depth exploration of research into the use of generative artificial intelligence to estimate project cost. The author has divided this submission into five sections. Section 1 introduces generative AI and identifies the research gap (e.g. areas for future development). Section 2…

  • Meet the IET Technical Network Community Committee (TNCC) for the 2024/25 session

    Well, we have just finalised the TNCC for the 2024/25 session and just had our first big online meeting, so I wanted to introduce you to our committee. For those not in the know, what exactly is the Technical Network Community Committee (TNCC), where do we fit, what are we doing and who are we? What is the TNCC? The TNCC comprises IET volunteers who support the Technical Network (TNs) across the globe. The aim is to facilitate communication between communities and share best practice. TNCC Terms of Reference The (TNCC) is part of the IET Governance ( https://www.theiet.org/about/governance/boards-and-committees/communities-resourcing-committee-crc/technical-networks-communities-committee/ and our committee members are all IET volunteers. Where does the TNCC sit in the IET framework…

  • Rare book: Appendix to the Narrative of a second voyage in search of a north-west passage and of a residence in the Arctic regions by Sir John Ross.

    Appendix to the Narrative of a second voyage in search of a north-west passage by Sir John Ross, with reports contributed by Sir James Ross, was published in this edition in 1835. It is part of the collection of Silvanus P. Thompson purchased in 1917 by the IET. You can find out more about Thompson, his work and his association with the IET here . The appendix was printed in fewer numbers than the full narrative and few copies survive. In the early 19th century, the Northwest Passage was seen as the key to unlocking a shorter trade route between Europe and Asia. Britain invested heavily in Arctic expeditions to dominate global trade. Sir John Ross’s second voyage was funded by businessman Felix Booth after Ross’s first government-sponsored expedition ended with him failing to find the passage…

  • System Integrity: Physical & Cyber Security Integration in the Railway (Central London Network November Evening Lecture)

    Does your team have a Cyber Security moment? This was the question posed by Terwase Tortiv-Ato and Duncan Hui during their presentation to the IET Central London Network at Savoy Place , on the subject of Railway Cyber Security Integration. Disclosure: as a rail professional I recognise the concept of having a Safety or Values Moment at the start of each team meeting, where we discuss a learning point to reinforce our commitment to maintain our industry position as one of the safest railways in Europe. But I confess that I have never witnessed Cyber Security being an up front topic for discussion. What followed was an interesting lecture on the need for integration and the challenges practitioners face. Why do we need Railway Cyber Security Integration? Traditionally, engineers involved…

  • Engineering Dreams: My journey into Motorsport Engineering

    Meet James Matraves, winner of the IET Somerset and West Wiltshire Local Network Prize My name is James Matraves , and I studied Foundation Degree Motorsport Engineering at Bridgwater and Taunton College over the last 2 years. I really enjoyed this course it had many practical aspects which I feel are lost/disregarded in most engineering courses. Prior to this I also studied two years of Motorsport Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. I took this course as I have always been interested in motorsport and I was looking to get into working for top tier motorsport teams. I am currently studying BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes University. I have two more years which will consist of one placement year and one more academic/studying year. I wanted to get into engineering because…

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