• The End of an Era - Concorde's Last Commercial Flight

    The End of an Era - Concorde's Last Commercial Flight

    On this day in Engineering History (October 24) in 2003, the world witnessed the end of an era in aviation history as the iconic Concorde made its last commercial flight. The supersonic marvel had captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and travellers for nearly three decades, and its farewell marked a bittersweet moment in the history of flight. The Birth of a Supersonic Dream The story of Concorde began in the 1960s when British and French engineers joined forces to create a supersonic passenger aircraft. The result was a technological masterpiece, capable of flying at over twice the speed of sound. In 1976, Concorde made its debut, offering travellers an unprecedented way to traverse the Atlantic in just three and a half hours. Concorde quickly became a symbol of luxury and…

  • Can Project Management and Augmented Reality deliver a Transformative Partnership?

    Can Project Management and Augmented Reality deliver a Transformative Partnership?

    The dynamic field of project management is continually evolving, with innovative technologies playing a crucial role in its transformation. Augmented reality (AR) is one such technology that is reshaping project management practices. Augmented reality when properly integrated into project management practices offers the ability to delve into a projects applications, it’s benefits, and identify potential challenges. By enabling project managers and teams to ‘visualize’ data, enhance communication, and streamline processes, augmented reality the author suggests that AR is proving to be a transformative tool for project success. Project management is the backbone of successful business programme and associated operations. Whether it's constructing a building, developing software, launching a…

  • Technologies for Healthcare 4.0: From AI and IoT to blockchain

    Technologies for Healthcare 4.0: From AI and IoT to blockchain

    Congratulations to Book Editors, Karthik Ramamurthy, Suganthi Kulanthaivelu, Kulandairaj Martin Sagayam , Soumi Dutta and Paryati and to all of their chapter contributors on the publication of this new IET book: Technologies for Healthcare 4.0: From AI and IoT to blockchain About the book There are a growing number of challenges in handling medical data in order to provide an effective healthcare service in real-time. Bridging the gap between patient expectations and their experiences needs effective collaboration and connectivity across the healthcare ecosystem. The success of joined-up care relies on patient data being shared between all active stakeholders, including hospitals, outreach workers, and GPs. All these needs and challenges pave the way for the next trend of development in…

  • Calder Hall: Powering the Nuclear Energy Revolution

    Calder Hall: Powering the Nuclear Energy Revolution

    In the heart of Cumbria, England, lies Sellafield, a site of immense historical and engineering significance. One of its most iconic landmarks is Calder Hall, often referred to as the birthplace of commercial nuclear power. Calder Hall was conceived during a time when the world was beginning to recognise the potential of nuclear energy. In the aftermath of World War II, as nuclear technology rapidly developed, the UK sought to harness this newfound knowledge for peaceful purposes. The government's Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) saw an opportunity to generate electricity on a large scale using nuclear reactors Construction and Design Construction on Calder Hall began in 1953, and it was completed in just four years, a testament to the dedication and expertise of the engineers and workers…

  • Deep Learning in Medical Image Processing and Analysis

    Deep Learning in Medical Image Processing and Analysis

    Congratulations to Book Editors, Khaled Rabie, Chandran Karthik, Subrata Chowdhury and Pushan Kumar Dutta and to all of their chapter contributors on the publication of this new IET Book: Deep Learning in Medical Image Processing and Analysis About the book Medical images, in various formats, are used by clinicians to identify abnormalities or markers associated with certain conditions, such as cancers, diseases, abnormalities or other adverse health conditions. Deep learning algorithms use vast volumes of data to train the computer to recognise certain features in the images that are associated with the disease or condition that you wish to identify. Whilst analysing the images by eye can take a lot of time, deep learning algorithms have the benefit of reviewing medical images at a faster…

  • A day in the life as one of the many stars at the UK Space Agency

    A day in the life as one of the many stars at the UK Space Agency

    Join us as we embark on "A Day in the Life of an Engineer." Through this blog series, we aim to inspire, inform, and celebrate the remarkable individuals who are shaping our world one innovation at a time. Whether you're a fellow engineer, a student aspiring to enter the field, or simply curious about the fascinating world of engineering, these posts will offer a glimpse into the passion, ingenuity, and relentless pursuit of excellence that define the life of an engineer. For the first in this series we spoke to Dr Mamatha Maheshwarappa MSc PhD MIET, to find out more about a day in her life as an Aerospace Engineer at the UK Space Agency. What is your name and job role? My name is Mamatha Maheshwarappa. I’ve been an engineer for over twelve years. At the moment, I work for the UK…

  • October is Black History Month

    October is Black History Month

    Black History Month takes place in October every year and is an annual commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK. Here at the IET we’re committed to reflecting and representing the diversity of the engineering community. We are a professional home for every engineer and technician and want to include everyone whatever their background. If you are interested in supporting IET Education in raising awareness of Black History Month or would like to use some of our teaching resources and materials in schools then have a look at how we can help you. Celebrating black engineers poster Highlighting black engineers throughout history and celebrating their contributions to the world of STEM. Posters and careers packs to download (theiet.org) Inclusivity…

  • The Sphere: Welcome to the new era of concert venues.

    The Sphere: Welcome to the new era of concert venues.

    I couldn’t say I was a big U2 fan back in the 80’s, although saying that, I did (and maybe still do somewhere) have copies of their albums, War, The Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree, and Rattle and Hum. By the early 90’s I’d moved on and about to enter the ‘Dance/Techno’ phase of my musical tastes but I’d still argue that my taste in music is very eclectic. However, I’m currently re-evaluating my U2 fan status after catching glimpses of their latest concert at the newly opened concert venue, ‘The Sphere’ in Las Vegas. For those of you who haven’t had their FYP’s on socials flooded with viral videos of this spectacular building (both inside and out) The Sphere is the latest addition to the Las Vegas Skyline. Conceived in 2018 The Sphere is an 18,000 capacity entertainment arena on the…

  • Become a Professional Registration Advisor (PRA)!

    Become a Professional Registration Advisor (PRA)!

    Are you a member of the IET and a registered engineer with the Engineering Council looking to expand your skill set and add to your development? Would you like to become part of a volunteering community focused on professionalism? Apply today to become our Professional Registration Advisor (PRA) . Volunteer and inspire the next generation of engineering! What you’ll be doing As a PRA, you will assist applicants to complete their applications and to present their case in a way that will assist the registration panel in their assessment. What you can gain from this role Further develop your teamwork and communication skills. Positively contributing to the careers and development of other engineers and technicians. Meet people from different sectors and industries, helping…

  • Saluting our sisters: a 1960s gathering of international women engineers

    Saluting our sisters: a 1960s gathering of international women engineers

    By Anne Locker In October 2023, we celebrate Black History Month in the UK, and the theme this year is ‘Saluting our sisters.’ In this blog, we take a closer look at an album of photographs taken at a 1967 international conference of women engineers and scientists, from the archives of the Women’s Engineering Society (NAEST 092). This conference was attended by four extraordinary women who studied in the UK and went on to ground-breaking careers in Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. These women were Dr Ebun Adegbohungbe, Dr Deborah Ajakaiye, Miriam Muwanga and Dr Letitia Obeng. The conference The second International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES) was held in Cambridge, UK, in July 1967. The first ICWES conference, held in the US and organised by the Society of Women Engineers…

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

    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…

  • Young Astrogazers launch into space!

    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…

  • Make it safe, make it certain: software tools and safety critical systems

    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…

  • SESAME - Autumn 2023 Events Programme

    SESAME - Autumn 2023 Events Programme

    The SESAME (South East Scotland Afternoon Meetings and Events) section is part of the IET's South East Scotland Network . As our name suggests we arrange events within the South East of Scotland with a focus on being both a social and technical group. All our events and other activities are multi-disciplinary, addressing a wide range of current engineering and technology topics of interest to both specialist and generalist alike. Our talks, by an invited speaker, are held at Edinburgh Napier University Craiglockhart Campus with the presentation followed by afternoon tea and discussion with the speaker. They are open to the public and are free. Registration is not necessary but is helpful for us to manage the event. Our technical visits are generally within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh…

  • On this day in Engineering: The Legacy and Innovation of Nintendo: Gaming's Timeless Icon

    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
    IET Editorial
  • The Congruence Engine project - Science Museum Group

    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,…

  • Digging Deep: Unveiling the Thames Tideway Tunnel – London's Environmental Lifeline

    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…

  • Celebrating Excellence in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems

    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…

  • Safeguarding the Future: Navigating the World of IoT Cybersecurity

    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…

  • Flying into the future – removing carbon from the aviation industry

    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…

  • A glimpse into the Railway Engineers Forum (REF)

    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…

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

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

    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…

  • Can Quality 4.0 be an effective Driver of improved Programme and Project Management?

    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. …

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