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  • Putting the Red Star in Orbit

    On This Day in (Engineering) History January 14, 1966 - Soviet aircraft and rocket designer Sergei Korolev dies. He put the first artificial satellite in Earth orbit, put the first animal, and then the first human into space. He began his career as an aircraft designer and fell foul of Stalin's purges in the 1930s. When he took on leadership of the USSR's rocket and space programs, his identity was a state secret, becoming known only after his death. Sergei Korolev's life was relatively short but full of drama and achievement. Concept Sergei Korolev (pronounced, 'korol-yoff) was born in Zhitomir , a part of the Russian Empire, now Zhytomyr in modern Ukraine in 1906 on January 12, 1907 [in the Old Style Julian calendar used in Russia at the time - December 30 1906]. His father, Pavel…

  • Space Economy - Tomorrow's World Today? (IET Central London Network Xmas Evening Lecture)

    If you had a spare couple of £Billion to spend on space, what would you spend it on? At the IET Central London Network Evening Lectures we always end with a Q&A session with our guest speaker, and this was a question posed to Julie Holt-Jones, Co-Founder/Executive Director of Space4Sight , at the end end of the her lecture on the "Space Economy - Tomorrow's World Today?" Our Christmas Lectures are usually well attended, and this was no exception. Julie entertained a packed Kelvin Lecture Theatre with a short history of Space, from Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin through an anecdote about the Swiss flag being planted on the moon by the Apollo 11 mission to the present day and the International Space Station . The Space economy is forecast to reach $1.8 Trillion by 2035 with growth at an average…

  • What we got up to last year and what’s on the board for 2025 - IET Antennas & Propagation Technical Network (APTN)

    The aim of the IET’s APTN is to support the Antennas and Propagation community through knowledge exploitation and sharing, continuous professional development, networking, and the encouragement and development of new and emerging talent. As Chair of the IET’s Antennas and Propagation Technical Network (APTN) committee it has been a pleasure to oversee and contribute to the wide variety of events that have supported the above community aims Nationally and Globally. (The 2024 events are listed at the end). In 2024 we developed a couple of new engagement formats. These were: “Lunch and Learn” events and “Discussion Forums” both of which were well supported by the wider community. These were supplemented by traditional in-person and virtual events. The “Lunch and Learn” events provided an…

  • Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) ever replace the Project Manager?

    Technology has advanced substantially over the last few decades. Artificial intelligence has played a significant role by acting as the central nerve appearing in an extensive variety of technologies and providing smart solutions to problems. Innovations developed within the AI frontier are the core driving force that transforms how we undertake our contemporary lifestyles and how businesses compete in this globalized world. In this post I question the appropriateness of integrating AI within the field of project management and the strategies to leverage and manage AI-enhanced projects. As new technologies continue to develop, I suggest that traditional paradigms of conducting business and the management of projects ought to adapt in order to remain relevant and efficient. It is well accepted…

  • Karl’s two-stroke of genius

    On This Day in (Engineering) History December 31, 1878 - Karl Benz patents the first reliable two-stroke petrol engine Few things scream 'the twentieth century' like an open-top car whizzing along a straight, open road, wind through the hair, music on the radio. Or maybe a car containing a man in a hat and trench coat, driving through the dark on a rain-swept night. Perhaps a car full of guys bouncing their heads to the heavy guitar of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. What does this have to do with Karl Benz? Everything. Induction Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant was born in 1844 - in Mühlburg, now a borough of Karlsruhe, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg – to unmarried parents. Karl's parents had married before he was two years old, but this stability didn't last. When Karl was…

  • Could you help lead the IET?

    Happy holidays! It's time for a festive break in many countries, which also means it's the time of year that we call for nominations for many of our boards and committees. We hope you'll consider putting yourself forward for one of these exciting opportunities! If you haven't already seen the announcement in E+T or on our LinkedIn page, read on for more information and check out further details about our governance and elections process via our website . Otherwise, feel free to comment below if you have any queries (or want to share what you've gained from being in one of these roles before) and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. (Please note, IET HQ is closed for the holidays from Tuesday, 24 December @ 12.00pm GMT, and will re-open on Thursday, 2 January). What's available…

  • Healthcare technologies for low resource settings (session 2): Challenges and solutions in delivering effective healthcare in low resource settings

    Healthcare technologies for low resource settings (session 2): Challenges and solutions in delivering effective healthcare in low resource settings Leading on from session one, session two delved into the people aspect of delivering effective healthcare in environments with low resources faces many challenges. Some factors which may be detrimental to the provision of adequate healthcare in low resource settings include lack of sufficient financial resources, facilities and infrastructure; insufficient and/or inadequately educated and trained staff; lack of test equipment, manuals and spare parts; inappropriate equipment donations; large number of healthcare equipment out of service; unreliable power and water supplies; political instability and war. Enhancing Family Planning Services…

  • Healthcare technologies for low resource settings (session 1): Challenges and solutions in delivering effective healthcare in low resource settings

    Imagine a world where insufficient financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and unreliable power supplies no longer hinder medical care. This is becoming a reality with groundbreaking advancements like the PulmO2 10L oxygen concentrator and the LeVe CPAP system. These cutting-edge technologies are designed to overcome the unique obstacles faced in these environments, providing sustainable and efficient medical solutions. By harnessing the power of innovation, we can ensure better healthcare outcomes and a brighter future for all. Delivering effective healthcare in environments with low resources faces many challenges. Some factors which may be detrimental to the provision of adequate healthcare in low resource settings include lack of sufficient financial resources, facilities and…

  • Simulating the Future: En-ROADS and the Drive to Limit Global Warming

    SIMULATING THE FUTURE: En-ROADS AND THE DRIVE TO LIMIT GLOBAL WARMING by Sharizal Ahmad Sobri, Farnaz Sanei, Melika Shabaninasiri, Linu Ann Thomas, Sunanda Plaha, & Sahaana Theivaseelan Department of Engineering Nottingham Trent University (NTU) 1.0 INTRODUCTION Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscore the narrowing window of opportunity to limit global warming. Current trajectories place the world on a path toward a 3°C temperature rise by 2100, far exceeding the 2°C threshold. This increase would exacerbate extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The time to act is now, leveraging tools like En-ROADS to enable evidence-based climate action. The global challenge…

  • 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…

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