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On this day in Engineering: Edison's Vulcan Street Hydroelectric Plant

Thomas Edison is widely celebrated as one of the most prolific inventors in history with over a thousand patents to his name. While he is best known for inventing the incandescent light bulb, one of his most significant achievements was the development of the hydroelectric plant at Fox River which entered operation on this day (30 September) in 1882. A pioneering project that revolutionised the way electricity was generated and distributed in the late 19th century. Edison's Vision for Electric Power At the turn of the 20th century, electricity was still in its infancy as a practical source of power for homes and industries. Most electricity was generated through steam engines and distributed over short distances, limiting its usefulness. Edison recognised the potential of electricity as…

IET Editorial in History of Engineering
Young Astrogazers launch into space!

Croydon High School, in a remarkable partnership with the University of Bath and supported by experts Professor Cathryn Mitchell and Dr. Robert Watson, specialists in space and atmospheric physics, proudly announces the triumphant success of its Astrogazers project, which involved launching a weather balloon into space. This achievement underscores the school's unwavering commitment to STEAM education and the remarkable journey it has taken its students on. "Mission Aspiration" was a dream realised for Arabi Karteepan, Head of Physics and Director of Astrogazers at Croydon High School. The mission involved a team of girls from Year 5 - 11 launching two meteorological balloons that ventured to an altitude of 32,380 metres. The balloons carried essential equipment, including cameras, data loggers…

Marie Neighbour in Space
Make it safe, make it certain: software tools and safety critical systems

Make it safe, make it certain: software tools and safety critical systems It is the software tools used to design and build safety critical systems that truly keep us all safe… Andrew Banks & Nick Tudor Why not join us at our full day event taking place on 21st November at Austin Court, Birmingham to find out more on this topic: Software Tools in the Development of Safety Systems - IET Events (theiet.org) One of the more unsung aspects of our technologically driven society is the need for software-controlled safety critical systems. Aircraft, manned spaceflights, medical devices, and nuclear reactors all require the use of safety critical systems, with the software designed and built by software engineers. These keep the machines and devices doing what they are supposed to, should they…

Lynsay Callaghan in Functional Safety
On this day in Engineering: The Legacy and Innovation of Nintendo: Gaming's Timeless Icon

In the world of computer gaming, few names carry as much weight and nostalgia as Nintendo. For decades, the Japanese gaming company has been a cornerstone of the industry, shaping the way we play, connect, and experience virtual worlds. Nintendo's journey began on this day (23rd September) in 1889, not as a video game company but as a playing card manufacturer. Founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi, Nintendo was initially known as "Nintendo Koppai." Over the years, the company ventured into various businesses, however, it wasn't until the 1970s that Nintendo made its first foray into the video game industry The Arcade Era and birth of the home gaming console In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Nintendo introduced arcade games like "Donkey Kong" and "Mario Bros." These games laid the foundation…

IET Editorial
The Congruence Engine project - Science Museum Group

Three fantastic and passionate speakers presented on the Congruence Engine Project , a research project to demonstrate how museum collections' can be linked, expanded and elucidated by enabling the linking of multiple information sources. Dr Tim Boon ( Head of Research & Public History for the Science Museum Group) , Dr Alex Butterworth ( Senior Research Fellow in Digital Public History at the Science Museum ), and Professor Jane Winters ( Chair of Digital Humanities and Director of the Digital Humanities Research Hub at the School of Advanced Study, University of London ) each talked about differing aspects of the Congruence Engine project. The Congruence Engine project is focussed on textiles, energy, and communications as exemplar topics for expanding and linking collections, however,…

Matthew Davies in Asset Management
Digging Deep: Unveiling the Thames Tideway Tunnel – London's Environmental Lifeline

London’s sewage system was designed in the 1860s for a city of around 4 million. There are now around 8 million people living in the capital. Although the system still works well, it’s struggling to cope in terms of capacity. The result is that millions of tonnes of sewage pour into the river Thames every year. The Thames Tideway Tunnel is a 25km tunnel stretching from Acton in west London to Abbey Mills pumping station in Newham in east London, where it will connect to the Lee Tunnel. Tideway will connect with 34 of the most polluting overflow points along the river - collecting sewage that currently overflows into the Thames and transfer it to Beckton for treatment. Project Progress The project is almost 90 per cent complete and focus is now on preparations for system commissioning…

IET Editorial in Waste Management
Celebrating Excellence in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems

Earlier in the summer the IET Automotive & Road Transport Systems (ARTS) Technical Network, sponsored several prizes at a conference organised by students at the University of Bath, Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems Centre for Doctoral Training (AAPS CDT). The conference covered several themes: Integrated transport systems, Energy efficient and clean propulsion technologies Development of sustainable fuels Mobility behaviour change Automation and digitalisation These aligned with topic areas of interest to the ARTS TN and in addition to the two categories of talks i.e., long and short (lightning), there was also a poster session which they also supported. Each prize winner and runner-up received an Amazon voucher and certificate. The conference was well supported with over 100…

Deborah-Claire McKenzie in Automotive Engineering
Safeguarding the Future: Navigating the World of IoT Cybersecurity

In our modern age, the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. From smart thermostats that adjust the temperature when we're away to wearable fitness trackers that monitor our health, IoT devices have become an integral part of our lives. However, with great convenience comes great responsibility, and one of the most pressing concerns we face today is the cybersecurity of these interconnected devices. The Rise of IoT: Imagine a world where your refrigerator communicates with your smartphone to let you know when you're running low on milk, or your car sends real-time updates to your navigation app about road conditions ahead. This is the magic of IoT – a network of devices connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data to…

Rob Taylor in Internet of Things
Flying into the future – removing carbon from the aviation industry

Swapping jet powered planes for alternative power sources is possible, but complicated. Aircraft are a vital part of the way we organise society, nationally and internationally, from world summits to quick international delivery to foreign holidays and sports tours. Now, because of the need to mitigate climate change and stop burning fossil fuels, many of the things we have come to take for granted in the last 60 years are up for grabs. While aviation is not one of the biggest contributors to the atmospheric carbon load, it is the one that is growing as demand for air travel increases. Currently, jet aircraft (the backbone of world aviation) are powered by kerosene-fired jet engines. While this fuel can run a wide variety of different engines to undertake everything from short to long…

Deborah-Claire McKenzie in Aerospace
A glimpse into the Railway Engineers Forum (REF)

As of June 2023, the IET assumed the rotating roles of chair and secretariat for the Railway Engineers Forum, or REF as it is known within the member Institutions. Founded 10 years ago, the REF includes representation from those professional institutions with an interest in promoting engineering best practice in the railway industry. The original aim of the REF was to harmonise the activities of the constituent Institutions, enabling them to devise and implement programmes of activities that would support the railway community, regardless of their professional affiliation. This role would encompass cross-promotion of conferences, seminars, lectures, training, information services, publications and statements of policy to Government and other Regulatory Bodies. Essentially, the REF would provide…

Lynsay Callaghan in Railways
My Voyage from Malaysia to the IET VSWP Meeting in London – Fun, Collaborative Engagement and Passionate Volunteerism

As a passionate volunteer in IET, I embarked on an incredible adventure to attend the IET Volunteer Support Working Party (VSWP) meeting from Malaysia to London. The first in person gathering since 2019, held at Wallacespace St Pancras, London, brought together dedicated individuals from across the world, together with dedicated IET staff all working towards a common goal of enhancing volunteer recruitment, training, support, and recognition for IET. In this blog, I am excited to take you on a journey through my experience as a volunteer at this remarkable event. The meeting's agenda was meticulously crafted to foster meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas. We commenced with an icebreaking session, sharing fun facts that revealed the unique facets of our individual lives. This simple…

Dr John Tan
On this day in Engineering: Margaret Hamilton - Pioneering the Future of Computing

Today we celebrate the 87th Birthday of Margaret Hamilton, an American computer scientist and systems engineer, and a driving force behind the Apollo space program's success. Her innovative contributions were instrumental in making the moon landings a reality, revolutionising the way we perceive software engineering and ensuring the success of one of humanity's greatest achievements. Born on August 17, 1936, in Paoli, Indiana, she exhibited an early fascination with mathematics and science. She attended Hancock High School in Michigan, where her passion for problem-solving and logical thinking began to flourish. Pursuing her academic aspirations, she enrolled at Earlham College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Her journey led her to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology…

Lisa Miles in Space
Can Quality 4.0 be an effective Driver of improved Programme and Project Management?

In an era of technological advancement and complexity, the integration of Quality 4.0 principles into programme and project management has emerged as a transformative approach. Quality 4.0, a fusion of traditional quality management methodologies with Industry 4.0 technologies, offers a new paradigm for managing complex programmes and projects. This article explores and gives an overview of how Quality 4.0 can effectively drive improved programme and project management, leading to enhanced efficiency, accuracy, stakeholder satisfaction, and overall project success. Through a summary review of the literature, relevant case studies, and practitioner insights gained from discussions with peers, this article illustrates the potential impact of Quality 4.0 on programme and project management. …

Louis Redding in Nuclear Power
Leveraging Digital Twins for Advanced Project Management: An Overview

In the ever-evolving landscape of project management, the integration of cutting-edge technologies has proven to be a game-changer. One such technology that has gained significant traction is the concept of digital twins. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, or systems, powered by real-time data and advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and data analytics. In this article the author suggests that digital twins are revolutionizing project management by enhancing various stages of the project lifecycle. The foundation of a successful project lies in robust design and planning. The digital twin plays a pivotal role at this stage by enabling project managers, designers, engineers, planning engineers, the eventual operators to create virtual replicas of their proposed…

Louis Redding in Nuclear Power
Personalised Audio Objects on your TV

It could be argued that the video industry has had a “more” fixation for many years. More TV stations to choose from, more pixels, more dynamic range, more frames per second, more colours. Audio has progressed very slowly from one channel (mono) to two channels (stereo) and finally six channels (5.1) and then got stuck, other than a few experiments with more channels of audio to give height. Other than a couple of failed attempts to introduce 3D TV, I think there have been no significant new media experiences since the introduction of colour TV in the middle of the last century! Now, object based media promises new opportunities rather than simply more of the same. What are media objects? There are two main kinds: Layers: the media have additional elements which can be played at the same…

Rupert Brun in broadcasting
Lunar Football: I can’t wait for kick-off!

As a huge football fan with a love for physics and all things space, when the IET asked if I wanted to be part of this year’s Moon United campaign, I couldn’t say no! This had my name written all over it. I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little, and I’ve always loved the idea of potentially living on other planets in the future. And with the 2025 Lunar mission fast approaching, we could be inhabiting the Moon sooner than we think! My view is that there will be three main aspects to our future in space…as you can tell, I’ve given this some thought! The first will be the rise of space tourism, where people can pay to visit space for a few hours or maybe stay in space hotels for a few days on holiday. The second is exploration. I think we will likely colonise Mars at some point in the…

Beth Clarke in Space
Influence the Future of the IET

Unlock your potential, sign up for a Career Mentor. The IET is looking to establish a new Career Mentoring scheme that allow much more flexibility for Mentors and Mentees to establish a mentoring relationship for their specific needs/skillset compared to our existing Professional Development Mentoring offering. The unique aspect about this new scheme is that it allows Mentors and Mentees to find each other using an online platform and profiles can be filtered based on some re-established criteria. Mentorship involves a two-person partnership with the intention of developing, improving and reaching personal and professional goals. We are currently only accepting 50 IET Members to become Mentees in this Career Mentoring Pilot Scheme. Deadline: Monday 18 September 2023 [ FORM ] How…

Leanne Wilson in Professional development
Rare book: Isolario

Isolario , Book of Islands, is the best-known work of Venetian cartographer and miniaturist Benedetto Bordone. It was originally printed in Venice in 1528 by Nicolo Zappino, but the edition held by the IET is from a later printing in 1534. It was intended to be a guide for sailors and includes double page woodcut maps as well as smaller woodcut maps in the text. The book forms 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 . His collection of books and pamphlets covered a wide range of subjects including navigation, which is likely why he acquired this work. His collection also includes several similar works such as The Safeguard of Sailers by Cornelius Antoniszoon published in…

IET Archives in History of Engineering
Help Us Shape the Future of Mentoring

Empower others by becoming a Career Mentor. The IET is looking to establish a new Career Mentoring Scheme that will allow much more flexibility for Mentors and Mentees to establish a mentoring relationship for their specific needs/skillset compared to our existing Professional Development Mentoring offering. The unique aspect about this new scheme is that it allows Mentors and Mentees to find each other using an online platform and profiles can be filtered based on some pre-established criteria. Mentorship involves a two-person partnership with the intention of developing, improving and reaching personal and professional goals. We are currently only accepting 50 IET Members to become Mentors in this Career Mentoring Pilot Scheme. Deadline: Monday 11 September 2023 [ FORM ] …

Leanne Wilson in Professional development
On this day in Engineering: Bridging Oceans - The first Transatlantic Telegraph Cable

Nowadays, we think nothing of grabbing the phone out of our pocket and calling up our friends and family who may be located all over the world using a variety of different modern day apps such as WhatsApp and Facetime etc but in the not-so-distant past, communication across vast distances was a time-consuming and arduous process, requiring weeks or even months for messages to reach their destinations. However, on this day (27 th July) in 1866, a pivotal moment in history changed all that - the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable. This revolutionary feat of engineering transformed global communication forever, uniting continents and shrinking the world in ways previously unimaginable. The idea of connecting Europe and North America with a telegraph cable beneath the Atlantic…

Lisa Miles in History of Engineering
Cheshire school triumphs in IET’s national engineering challenge final

Taking place 29 June 2023 at Cranfield University, students from Fallibroome Academy in Cheshire, were named champions of the IET Faraday ® national engineering challenge, securing £1,000 for their school. The other school teams that took part included Sandringham School from Hertfordshire, Thomas Alleyne Academy from Hertfordshire, The Gilberd School from Essex and The Corbet School from Shropshire. The final took place within the University’s Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) – a fitting location for this year’s challenge. In association with UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge, we tasked teams to design a prototype that could support UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge with regards to accessibility and ease of use, safety and impact on the environment. The winning team…

Marie Neighbour in STEM education and Skills
Are you interested in becoming a member of our Professional Development Advisory Committee (PDAC)

Are you a member of the IET and an Engineering Council registered engineer who has an interest in, or knowledge of, continuing professional development policies and procedures. Then, you could be our next Professional Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) Member . Volunteering with the IET is as rewarding as it is interesting and it’s vital to supporting professionalism in engineering and technology. If you’re passionate about the profession, why not join our skilled and experienced volunteer community and be an ambassador of industry expertise and influence? Volunteer and inspire the next phase of engineering. What you’ll be doing As a PDAC Member, your role is to review and develop the existing professional development policies for engineers at all career stages, ensuring they…

Leanne Wilson in Professional development
Would you like to be our next Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Advisor?

Are you a member of the IET and an Engineering Council registered engineer or technician with an active interest in Professional Development? You could be our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Advisor . Volunteering with the IET is as rewarding as it is interesting and it’s vital to supporting professionalism in engineering and technology. If you’re passionate about the profession, why not join our skilled and experienced volunteer community and be an ambassador of industry expertise and influence? Volunteer and inspire our engineering community! What you’ll be doing As a CPD Advisor, you will review individual members CPD records and assess whether they are demonstrating professionalism by maintaining competence and undertaking Professional Development activities. You…

Leanne Wilson in Professional development
Tracing an ancestor down the Amazon!

By James Catmur, IET guest blog James Catmur had been in touch with the IET Archives whilst researching his great grand uncle who had been a member of the IEE (Institution of Electrical Engineers). More research ensued which led to the discovery that this interesting character, a student in electrical engineering working in London, ended up on the Amazon River. This is his fascinating story. Herbert Braithwaite Johnson Herbert Braithwaite Johnson was born on 16 August 1877, in Brocklesbury, Lincolnshire, England, to John Henry Johnson and Anna Braithwaite Savory. Herbert died on 6 September 1960, aged 83 years, in Jalisco, Mexico. Herbert was buried in 1960 in Ajijic, Mexico. I first heard of ‘great uncle Herbert’ in 1973. At the time we lived in Mexico City, and returning home from…

IET Archives in History of Engineering

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