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Explore The IET's Archive!

This week marks the launch of 'Explore your Archive', a national campaign aimed at showcasing archives from across the UK and Ireland in order to excite, bring communities together and to tell amazing stories. The IET Archives collect and retain material relating to the IET and its predecessor institutions as well as the history of engineering and technology. Our collections cover innovation and developments in these areas from the fourteenth century to the present day. In our collections we hold: The Archives of the IET These are the official records and working papers concerning the activities of the IET since its foundation as the Society of Telegraph Engineers in 1871. We preserve the records of the IET’s 130-year history, including material from the Institution of Electrical Engineers…

EngX Editorial
Brunei leads APEC economics in female graduates of STEM disciplines

Brunei leads the pack in Asia-Pacific for its high share of women graduates in science, technology, engineering and math. Almost half of the graduates are female, compared with just 32 percent in the U.S, according to a report published by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation this week. The country of 417,200 people had fewer men than women among tertiary students as of 2015, with the ratio at 67 per 100 female students, Reference: Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Siong Tang
Ottawa Local Network Annual Dinner

The Local Network were pleased to welcome Eli Fathi, CEO of Mindbridge Ai as our after-dinner speakerThe 2019 Ottawa Network Annual Dinner was held on 20th November at the Britannia Yacht Club, in Ottawa. The dinner was well attended, and guests from both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University were welcomed with OnCampus and PATW events discussed. We were privileged to welcome Eli Fathi, CEO of Mindbridge Ai as our after-dinner speaker with a talk titled 'Embracing Change : The impact of AI on business, society and you' . Mr Fathi engaged the audience with discussion on future implementation of AI in our society, touching on privacy concerns, corporate and government ethics and whether it would lead to 'Utopia or Dystopia?'. Thanks go to the committee members involved in organising…

Graeme Allan
'Overcoming Barriers To SME Scale-up' - IET Event (Maidstone).

An evening event that discussed the many different elements of growing a business, from Finance, Business Infrastructure, Leadership and people-skilling that all plays a role to help scale your SME business. "Values bring your company vision to life" explained Simon Teague of New Level Results at the 'Overcoming barriers to SME scale-up' IET Event held in Maidstone. In very practical terms, he explained how you can set a vision and take the steps towards achieving more for your business and yourself. This was an evening that explored the practicalities on the methods used by the SME leaders to grow their business. For example, Malcolm Clarke of Baxall Construction, gave an overview of how having multiple leaders in a business is a good strategy, it's ok to have more than one leader, it also…

Rimesh Patel
RadioTechCon Masterclass

This is a guest post from radio enthusiast Martyn Storey, who attended RadioTechCon's Masterclass in 2019. I've had an interest in radio and broadcasting for almost as long as I can remember, as well as a love of audio manipulation, technology and anything to do with playing with sound. I currently broadcast irregularly on Nova Radio North East, 102.5 FM in the Newcastle and Gateshead area and online at www.novaradio.co.uk Earlier this year I had the opportunity to attend RadioTechCon's Masterclass 2019 event at the IET in Savoy place, London, and I wanted to share some of my experiences at this event, to illustrate how useful it was to anyone with an interest in audio technology, broadcasting and radio in general, especially those with a view to getting into the industry and making a career…

PhilH
Report From Asia Pacific Communities Volunteer Conference (AP CVC)

Jeremy Lai represented Queensland at the biennial Asia Pacific Communities Volunteer Conference, held this time in Brunei. He will add his report below.

Craig Johnston
Site Visit For Honda Of Canada Manufacturing In Alliston, Ontario

Are you interested in a one hour tour to see the Honda manufacturing plant at 4700 Industrial Parkway, Alliston, ON? It contains a fast-paced, 35 minute walking portion and includes steep sets of stairs. We can organize a bus to commute together from Toronto if there is sufficient demand. Please email iet.toronto2013@gmail.com to indicate your interest by 30 November if you want to participate.

Former Community Member
IET TT LN - 2019-2022 LOCAL NETWORK EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The IET Trinidad and Tobago Local elections was held on Saturday Nov 16 at WASA Sports Facility, St. Joseph. Arising from this event, the new IET Local Network Executive Committee 2019-2022 is as follows: Chairman - Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Vice Chairman - Dr. Tagore Ramlal Secretary - Ms. Jennifer Maraj Treasurer - Mr. Anthony Chadee PATW Coordinator - Mrs. Allison Mason-Boodoo On Campus/YPS Lead - Mr. Pradesh Boodoosingh Executive Member - Mr. Rajesh Ramnath Past Chairman - Mr. David Drakes Executive Member - Mr. Kevin Preudhomme We look forward to positive and innovative results from these individuals.

J. Maraj
Blockchain Applications In The Real World (IET Central London Network)

"Blockchain is a database that helps you to understand how to get better value from applications" explained Adi Ben-Ari, Founder & CEO of Applied Blockchain at the IET Central London Network event held at the IET Savoy Place.He spoke about how the advantages and disadvantages of Blockchain applications are creating innovations where the basic mechanism of Blockchain itself is evolving because of the way we now consume technology has changed. The ability for Blockchain to solution most systems that is transaction based makes Blockchain mechanics an effort worth investing time in. Consumers are now tech savvy, they want seamless integrations, and Blockchain as the evening explored, is a good enabler to progress consumer technology, simply because, it complements business processes by reducing…

Rimesh Patel in Cybersecurity
APC 19 - Event Highlights

Birmingham was all decked out for Christmas, but we were all about antennas and propagation in the Thinktank Science Museum for the inaugural APC! We were pleased to be joined by researchers and industry professionals around the UK and the world, who got to hear from speakers such as Sir Christopher Snowdon, Dr Kevin Boyle and Professor Mike Warrington. As well as the oral speakers, there were poster sessions throughout both days, affording delegates the chance to find out more in depth information about research We were very busy at the stand, with lots of people wanting to find out about our latest events, journals and books! The Antennas and Propagation TPN were proud to announce Paul Cannon as the 2019 winner of the IET James R James Lifetime Achievement A ward. Anil Shukla and Rebecca…

Former Staff Member
IET Blockchain Applications In The Real World (IET Central London Network)

"Zero knowledge proof is reshaping Blockchain" discussed Adi Ben-Ari of Applied Blockchain at the IET Central London evening lecture held at IET Savoy Place titled ‘IET Blockchain Applications in the real world’. Adi gave examples of many different Blockchain applications in the real world and how they differ in using the same Blockchain technology mechanisms. Some take advantage by entering values within the empty spaces and use it to store and communicate information, whilst others take advantage of other characteristics of Blockchain such as immutable properties, distributed database and asset management. He spent some time explaining how Blockchain reduces risk and increases efficiencies, and specifically explaining that in terms of ‘Process-integration’, Blockchain typically is only seen…

Rimesh Patel
North America Communities Volunteer Conference

It took place on 9-10 November, 2019 in Houston, Texas in USA. Great networking opportunity at the conference!Highlights of the event: * The conference started with an ice-breaker where participants introduced themselves. * An overview of strategy of Communities Resourcing Committee (CRC) was delivered by YP CRC, followed by regional three-year strategy presented by CC-A Chair. Participants were then divided into groups for LN SWOT analysis for best practice sharing. * YPs from various regions shared their experience about On-Campus event and PATW as a strategy to engage YP. * Information on path to FIET and the role of IPRA was mentioned. * IET Connect has been rebranded as Foothold. * Each participant worked with a micro:bit-kit as train the trainer. Lots of resources to go through…

Former Community Member
Watch Our #SantaLovesSTEM Festive Story - Featuring A Special Guest Narrator

We all know how busy Santa is on Christmas Eve, but what does he get up to the next day once he’s delivered gifts to children around the world? Watch Steve Backshall (BBC TV’s Deadly 60 and Expedition with Steve Backshall ) tell the story of how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) saved the day for Santa and his family. You can keep an eye on #SantaLovesSTEM on our social media channels @theiet or @IETeducation Help spread the Christmas cheer and share the video with your children, your school, and on your social media channels! Don't forget to use #SantaLovesSTEM And finally – why not visit our web page theiet.org/santa-loves-stem for lots of fun-filled activities for you and the children to do. Our Santa Loves STEM e-Christmas card We’ve created an e-Christmas card for you…

Former Community Member
New Books In The Library November 2019

The following books have been added to the Library this month. Please email the Library Desk (libdesk@theiet.org) to borrow or for more information. A selection of new accessions to the IET Library in November: Henrietta Heald, Magnificent women and their revolutionary machines (Unbound, 2019) David D Clark, Designing an Internet (MIT, 2018) Nobert Wiener, A life in cybernetics (MIT, 2017) Sharon Ann Holgate, Outside the research lab: physics in vintage and modern transport (IOP, 2018) Kat Jungnickel, Bikes and bloomers: Victorian women inventors and their extraordinary cycle wear (Goldsmiths, 2018) C J Dakin, Memories of a 20th century electronic engineer (2019)

IET Library
Platforms Reformed: The Rise Of Content Engines

There was a time when platforms were only for politicians and drag queens. Now, every self-respecting media company has one – but are they about to become obsolete? Anything between viewers and content can be called a platform: PayTV operators, obviously, but also device manufacturers, operating systems, content management services, VoD aggregators, free-to-air channels ... the list goes on. However, as content providers launch their own consumer services over the Internet and nobody else is between content and viewers - is the concept of platform itself outdated? What do platforms do, anyway? At first platforms were needed to enable delivery: towers, cables, the set-top-box (STB): clear physical manifestations of a gatekeeper. From there, the gatekeeping became ever more ethereal: the EPG;…

David Short
How to build an autonomous car

Adrian Bedford is a 'hands on' guy. After starting a company (Street Drone) to 'robotise' a car, he went on to add a motorised steering column, acceleration and brakes to a Renault Twizzy. This was taken up by Google scholars and demonstrated an AI Deep Learning approach to program a computer to drive. Adrian enlightened us on how GPS works and improving the accuracy, using Arduinos and the Ardupilot system, Robot Operating System (ROS), and putting it all together. He encouraged young people to be involved with a start-up, and is now in a start-up himself working with Parkopedia to 3D scan carparks.

Samuel Wane
Ulster Carpets Tour

"Although this sound may be as old as mechanised weaving, this should not lead to the misconceived image of the 1900s, this is a company which has and is innovating in all aspects."On the evening of 6th November the IETNI Local Network made a visit to the Castleisland Factory of Ulster Carpets in Portadown. It is not difficult to see how this company wins some of the world’s most discerning customers, as arriving in the heritage centre the visitors were most warmly and personally welcomed. Snacking on hot beverages and sandwiches provided, the group were surrounded by the tools of yesteryear while the recognisable muted sound of looms harmonised from next door. Although this sound may be as old as mechanised weaving, this should not lead to the misconceived image of the 1900s, this is a company…

Eoin McGread
Arnold Barks Christmas Lecture - Salisbury

Behind the Wheel with the Stig - From F1 to Top Gear with Perry Mccarthy the original Stig from Top Gear will be presenting this years Arnold Barks Christmas Lecture in Salisbury on 11 December full details can be found https://events.theiet.org/arnold-barks-memorial-christmas-lecture-2019/ NOTE:- New venue at Salisbury Guildhall.

John Savage
Midlands Power Group - Toby Norris Memorial Lecture 2019

On Wednesday 30th October, the Midlands Power Group were delighted to host the annual Toby Norris Memorial Lecture at Austin Court. This year's speaker was Dave Parkin, a Director at Progressive Energy and an inspirational figure in the development of the HyNet integrated energy network in the North West of England.As the UK focuses ever increasing amounts of effort in decarbonising the economy by 2050, the potential role of hydrogen as a fuel in achievement of the goal is gaining significant traction. Dave Parkin delivered an insightful and thought provoking lecture on how this might be achieved on a regional or national scale. Starting with a simple concept of 'hot baths' of energy, he clearly demonstrated that the challenge of taking carbon out of energy has barely started with only two…

David Swanson
Awards To CRC Students

The IET Cambridge Network awards prizes each year to the best Engineering Students at local colleges. Three students from Cambridge Regional College (CRC) have been praised for their achievements during a presentation by The IET Cambridge Network. Garry Reed, 46, Josh Carter, 22, and Andrew Curtis, 52, were announced as this year's winners of the annual awards. The trio are electrical engineering students on the HNC course at CRC. Philip Zirngast, Chair of the Cambridge IET, said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Gary, Josh and Andrew and to announce their receipt of IET awards for their excellent achievements at CRC. All three have shown great commitment to their work and studies and growing technical knowledge, all of which are important to success in the engineering profession. I wish them…

David Blake
Recent Tech Talk - Gord Echlin Of Triacta Power Solutions LP.

'Mega Trends in client side energy management - Evolution of on-premise equipment and systems'Ottawa LN recently organised an excellent tech talk by Gord Echlin. Edwin Morton gave the introduction - Gord is VP Marketing and Business Development for Triacta Power Solutions LP. He is a computer scientist and technologist by education. Prior to Triacta he worked in Mitel and Newbridge. He is entrepreneurial and supports his local community in many ways. Attendance was good on a very wet Ottawa night with 16 members present. The talk was lively and well orchestrated by our speaker. He started with an overall description of energy metering and its evolution over three decades, with an emphasis on major trends impacting innovation during this time. We covered regulation, energy conservation, accountability…

Graeme Allan
Want To Get More Involved In Shaping The Strategic Direction Of The Project Controls Network?

The IET/ACostE Project Control Technical Network are looking for interested people to join our Executive Committee. Outlined below are further details on what we are looking for and what is involved, so if you are interested, please email me What are Technical Networks (TNs)? TNs are an integral part of the IET’s strategy. Their aims include: providing high-level technical content; supporting the IET’s knowledge portfolio; and giving members important networking opportunities. They are specialist communities led by executives that generate activities, such as physical events and online discussions, webinars, podcasts, to support the understanding of engineers working within their respective sector. As well as helping the IET to stay ahead of the curve, they can also help participants raise…

Joanne Longton
The Latest Titles In Control

Take a look at our web shop and browse our collection of specialist publications for the engineering and technology community. Design of Embedded Robust Control Sytems Using MATLAB/Simulink This book presents the theoretical and practical aspects of robust control design and implementation using MATLAB and Simulink. Combining knowledge from Control System Design and Computer Engineering, it describes the whole design process cycle from uncertainty plant modelling to the embedding of high-order robust controllers in 32-bit DSP and FPGA. Price: £130 / $170 Authors: Petko Hristov Petkov et al. Publication Year: 2018 Format: Hardback & eBook ISBN: 978-1-78561-330-2 e-ISBN: 978-1-78561-331-9 Modeling, Simulation and Control of Electrical Drives This book provides insights into state-of-the-art…

Joanne Longton
The IoT TPN At IMESS 2019!

During October, the IET Internet of Things Technical Network attended the IEEE International Microwave, Electron Devices, Solid-State Circuits Symposium (IMESS) 2019 in Penang, Malaysia. The two-day symposium was a platform for the participants to exchange ideas regarding topics related to microwave, electron devices, and solid-state circuit. The featured international experts, local industry leaders, academic experts, and researchers. The event was a great success with 200 delegates. IMESS 2019 was launched officially by the Penang Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman. During the launching ceremony, he said: “The emergence of multidisciplinary and fast growing field of artificial intelligence (AI), fifth generation communication technology (5G) and Internet of Things…

Former Staff Member

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