• Safety, Space & stories that inspire: November Highlights on EngX!

    November was all about looking ahead, whether that’s exploring the stars, celebrating the legacy of television, or shining a spotlight on the people who make our community thrive. Here’s what stood out on IET EngX this month: Payloads of the Past: Sputnik II and Laika’s Legacy In a new blog series, Aaron Russell kicked off with Payloads of the Past: Sputnik II and the Legacy of Laika . His post dives into the story behind the second-ever satellite launched into orbit and the brave dog Laika, whose mission paved the way for human spaceflight. It’s a fascinating read that blends engineering history with ethical questions about early space exploration. World Television Day On 21 November, Ian Nock marked World Television Day with a thoughtful reflection on TV’s role in shaping society…

  • October Highlights on EngX: AI, Automation & Inspiring Journeys

    October was packed with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and some truly inspiring stories from across the IET EngX community. Whether you’re into robotics, broadcasting, space tech or volunteering, there was something for everyone. Here’s a look back at what got people talking. Broadcasting Meets Sustainability In Behind the Broadcast , Gemma Hadley explored how the BBC is trialling solar-powered transmission stations in Ghana. It’s a fascinating look at how engineers are tackling sustainability and operational safety in broadcasting—especially in unpredictable climates like the UK. Why the UK Needs More Robots Professor Mike Wilson made a compelling case for automation in his Robotics lecture at IET Savoy Place. From cobots to humanoids, the UK’s productivity challenge might just have…

  • From Vacuum Flasks to Digital Inclusion: September on EngX

    As we step into autumn, let’s take a moment to reflect on the conversations and insights that sparked engagement across the IET EngX community throughout September. From historical engineering marvels to forward-looking debates and inclusive initiatives, here’s a roundup of what caught our attention last month. Engineering History Meets Everyday Life From our 'On this day in Engineering History' series, Hot Tea, Cold Science took us back to 1842 to celebrate the birth of Sir James Dewar, the mind behind the vacuum flask. This deceptively simple invention, rooted in cryogenics, has had a lasting impact from space missions to your morning coffee! A brilliant reminder of how foundational engineering principles can lead to timeless solutions. Read the post Global Perspectives on Engineering…

  • August on EngX: Fresh Ideas and Forward Thinking

    August brought a fresh wave of ideas, reflections, and hands-on inspiration across the EngX community. From thought-provoking blog posts to engaging forum discussions, here’s a look at what sparked conversation this month. Inspiring Future Engineers: IET Auckland’s ‘Project X’ Workshop On 12 August, the IET Auckland Network hosted its second annual ‘Project X’ electronics workshop at Waikowhai Intermediate School. This hands-on event aimed to ignite curiosity and creativity in young minds through engineering. Students explored circuits, built devices, and got a taste of real-world problem-solving. Read the full post Are You an Engineer If You Can’t Fix a Washing Machine? Richard Bodin reflects on a question his mother once asked him, sparking a philosophical journey through what it…

  • From Robots to Railways: July’s Most Talked-About Posts

    July was a vibrant month on EngX, with members sharing insights, experiences, and stories that spanned continents, disciplines, and generations. Whether you're catching up or revisiting your favourites, here’s a roundup of some standout blog posts and discussions from the past month. Behind the Scenes at Singapore’s MRT Circle Line Alison Siu shared a fascinating account of a technical visit to the SMRT Kim Chuan Depot in Singapore. Engineers got a close-up look at the Circle Line’s operations, including real-time train monitoring and the SMRT Overwatch System. It was a brilliant example of how infrastructure and innovation come together to keep cities moving. Read the full post Disability Pride Month: Daniel’s Story Daniel Robinson opened up about his journey into engineering as a…

  • From Stephenson to Cybersecurity: June’s Highlights on IET EngX

    As summer rolled in, June brought a rich mix of innovation, inspiration, and engineering excellence across the IET EngX community. From celebrating pioneers to exploring cutting-edge construction and wireless technologies, here are some of the standout moments from the past month: Featured Community Insights From Bees to Base Stations: CAWE 2025 On 11 June , the University of Liverpool hosted the 13th Colloquium on Antennas and Wireless Electromagnetics (CAWE’25) . Organised by the IET’s Antennas and Propagation Technical Network, the event brought together over 45 experts to explore the latest in antenna design and wireless systems. Highlights included a keynote by Professor Yi Huang on liquid and dispersive antennas , showcasing the future of adaptable wireless tech. Read the event…

  • May Sparks - Engineering Ideas, Insights & Innovation from the EngX Community

    As May wraps up, let’s take a look at some of the most thought-provoking blog posts and discussions that sparked ideas and debate across the IET EngX community. Featured Community Insights Engineering History Meets Modern Curiosity A standout blog post this month from our Archives team revisited The Electric Telegraph Popularised by Dionysius Lardner, a fascinating 1855 publication that helped demystify telegraphy for the Victorian public. Read the full post Celebrating Engineering Milestones May also marked the anniversary of the Rigi Bahnen, Europe’s first rack railway. This post celebrates the innovation of Niklaus Riggenbach and the enduring legacy of mountain rail engineering. Explore the Rigi Bahnen story Beyond the Badge: Ethical AI and the Risks of Hype Hear from Andy…

  • Reconnect and share: IET EngX is back online!

    I’m happy to announce that EngX is now back online and ready for you to dive back in! Over the past couple of weeks, colleagues have been hard at work on essential updates and improvements to our systems at the IET. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Back to Posting! Now that we're back online, you can again start sharing your questions , projects, and insights with the EngX community. Whether you're looking to seek advice, collaborate on a new project or simply catch up with fellow engineers, our online community is here to support you. Freshen up your profile. When you log back in, take a moment to update your profile information and refresh your profile image. A fresh profile helps others recognise you and understand your expertise. Here's how to do it…

    Lisa Miles
    Lisa Miles

  • Wrapping up our Celebration of Engineers!

    Throughout this week, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the inspiring stories of IET Award winners, showcasing their groundbreaking projects, and highlighting the profound impact of their work. Their dedication, creativity, and perseverance serve as a testament to the transformative power of engineering. Let’s look back on the highlights of this celebratory week: Insights from the Community Finalists and winners of the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards shared their stories in our Community Insights blog. We heard from Finalists Salma Al Arefi and Erin Lowe in This engineer wants to educate future engineers and Engineering high hopes for the future and learnt more about Mary George Memorial Prize winner Alexia Williams in Engines airplanes and engineering drive this apprentice…

    Lisa Miles
    Lisa Miles

  • Celebrating a Year of Growth and Engagement in the EngX Community

    As we wrap up another incredible year, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable growth and achievements within the EngX community. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we have some impressive numbers to share that highlight our collective efforts and engagement. Welcoming New Members This year, we welcomed 3,735 new members to the EngX community. Each new member brings unique perspectives, skills, and enthusiasm, enriching our collective experience. It’s heartening to see our community grow and thrive with such vibrant participation. Content Creation on the Rise Our community’s creativity and knowledge-sharing have reached new heights, with 10,306 new pieces of content created this year. From insightful blog articles to engaging discussions and innovative projects, the…

    Lisa Miles
    Lisa Miles

  • Celebrating Engineers: The innovators shaping our future

    In a world driven by innovation and technological advancements, engineers stand at the forefront, shaping the future with their groundbreaking work. This week on EngX we’re celebrating the remarkable engineers who have been nominated for and presented with IET Awards. These awards recognise the dedication, creativity, and impact of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of engineering. From pioneering sustainable energy solutions to developing cutting-edge technologies, these award-winning engineers exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence. Join us as we delve into their inspiring stories, explore their groundbreaking projects, and celebrate their invaluable contributions to society. Throughout the week, we will highlight their achievements, share their…

  • Celebrating STEM: Highlights from Our IET Education Takeover Week

    Hello EngX Community, As we wrap up our exciting week-long IET Education takeover, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and engaged with us. It’s been a fantastic journey showcasing the incredible work we, along with our education volunteers do to promote STEM engagement to children and young people. To recap, Alexandra Knight CEO and founder of STEAMAZING shared her Guide to Inspiring Young Minds: How to Give an Engaging STEM Talk to School Children , and we asked those of you that do go into schools and give talks to inspire the next generation to share your insights and experiences in our discussion . We also heard from Fairfield Control Systems and how, through volunteering in STEM education with the IET, they work to encourage the engineers of the future…

  • Introducing Harriet Evans – our Special Guest Editor for STEM Education Week takeover

    I’m Harriet Evans, the Education Volunteer Manager at The IET. I collaborate with an amazing group of Education Volunteers from across the UK. They generously dedicate their free time to engage children and young people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities, deliver career talks, and provide mentorship. Our goal is to inspire these young minds to pursue careers in engineering. I’m thrilled to be hosting this focus on STEM education in the EngX community. This week is dedicated to exploring the exciting world of STEM resources, volunteering and activities that aim to highlight the importance of engineering to young people. Why STEM Education Matters STEM education is more than just a collection of subjects; it’s a way of thinking and problem-solving that…

  • Broadcasting in the Digital Age: an overview of our topic focus on Broadcasting and Media technologies.

    In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the broadcasting and media industry is experiencing a seismic shift driven by rapid technological advancements. From streaming platforms and OTT (over-the-top) services to AI-powered production tools and immersive media experiences, technology is revolutionizing the way content is created, distributed, and consumed. Lets take a look at some of the highlights from our topic focus on Broadcasting and the Media Industry: Insights from the Community In our Community Insights blog, we looked into the career journey of Philip Clayson BEng(Hons) MBA CEng FIET in From Engineering to Executive: an Engineer's Journey to the C-Suite . Phil shared interesting insights into his vast experience in the telecoms and broadcasting industry. We also learned more…

  • Topic Focus: Engineering the Future of Broadcasting and Media

    In today’s fast-evolving world, the way we consume information and entertainment is constantly shifting. From traditional TV broadcasts to the rise of streaming services, podcasts, and social media platforms, broadcasting and media technologies have reshaped the way we connect with the world. For our next Topic Focus week on IET EngX, we’ll hear from a number of professionals working in the Broadcasting and Media industry and exploring the trends that are changing the face of media as we know it. Read and comment on blog posts in Community Insights . Ask questions and discuss Broadcasting and Media engineering topics in our Engineering Discussions forum and don't forget to add the Broadcasting and Media topic tag! Also don’t forget to log in to your EngX account and follow #broadcasting…

  • Gathering Insights: How your feedback helps us to improve IET EngX

    At IET EngX, our mission is to create a vibrant, engaging, and supportive community for engineers and technology enthusiasts around the world. To ensure we're meeting your expectations, we conduct surveys among our new members after they’ve been in the community for a month and then again at 6 months in order to gather feedback on their experiences and their suggestions for improvements. The responses have been insightful and thought-provoking, offering us a clear view of what we're doing right and where we can improve. So let’s summarise the key themes from your feedback and outline some of the improvements we have made, and are making, in response to your valuable input. These are a few of our favourite things When asked ‘What do you like best about the EngX community?’ the common…

    Lisa Miles
    Lisa Miles

  • Join our community of writers for Community Insights

    Do you have a passion for writing? Are you eager to share your insights, stories or expertise with a wider engineering audience? We’re excited to announce that our Community Insights blog is now open for submissions from all members of the IET. At IET EngX we believe in the power of diverse voices and perspectives. By contributing to Community Insights you can: Reach a broader audience: Gain exposure to our growing community of readers who are eager to discover fresh content and new ideas. Build your portfolio: Enhance your writing portfolio with a published piece that showcases your skills and insights. Connect with like-minded individuals: Join a community of passionate writers and readers who share your interests. What We're Looking For We welcome a wide range of engineering…

    Lisa Miles
    Lisa Miles

  • On the right track: Summing up our journey through Systems Engineering in Transport

    Systems engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems over their life cycles. The role of systems engineering in the transport industry is particularly crucial due to the complexity of modern transportation systems and the need for integrating various technologies and processes. Let's take a look at the highlights from our Topic Focus on Systems Engineering in Transport: Insights from the Community We kicked off the week with an introduction to Systems Engineering in Transport and how SE works within the wide range of transport modes we now take for granted. Later in the week we were asked What we think about when we think about transport and in Dangerous cargoes – Systems Engineering can make it safer we examined how systems…

  • Topic Focus: The Crucial Role of Systems Engineering in Modern Transport

    As the backbone of modern infrastructure, transportation systems are increasingly complex, integrating diverse technologies and processes to ensure efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Systems engineering provides a holistic approach to designing, managing, and optimising these intricate systems, addressing challenges such as urban congestion, environmental impact, and the seamless integration of new technologies. For the next two weeks on IET EngX, we’ll be deep diving into the topic of Systems Engineering in Transport. If you're a seasoned professional, a student, or just curious about how systems engineering is applied within the transport sector, we have curated a lineup of insightful content to engage, educate, and inspire. Read and comment on blog posts and take part in some…

  • Exploring the future of energy: Key highlights from our Energy Storage Week

    As our world transitions toward cleaner energy sources, the need for effective energy storage becomes increasingly critical. While batteries have been the go-to solution, there are other innovative methods worth exploring. Energy storage isn’t just about storing excess electricity; it’s a linchpin for our sustainable future. Whether it’s harnessing solar energy during the day or ensuring a stable grid during peak demand, energy storage solutions play a vital role. Lets recap on this week’s activities for Energy Storage Week: Insights from the Community Challenges, compromise and creativity in energy storage described some of the innovative ideas engineers are currently exploring and we read about the work of Professor Yulong Ding in Leading the charge into the future…the man finding…

  • Unlocking the Future: A Week-Long Dive into Energy Storage

    Energy storage is the linchpin that holds the promise of a reliable, renewable energy future. It enables us to harness energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind, ensuring a steady and dependable power supply even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. From grid-scale batteries and pumped hydro storage to cutting-edge technologies like flow batteries and thermal storage, the innovations in this field are transforming the way we generate, store, and consume energy. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are inherently intermittent, the ability to store energy efficiently and economically becomes crucial. From improving grid reliability to enabling electric vehicles and powering remote areas, energy storage technologies are integral…

  • Reflecting on a week of Designing for Disability

    Over the past week, we have embarked on a thought provoking journey into the realms of designing for disability. With 16% of the world's population experiencing significant disability, inclusive thinking and design is more important than ever. Insights from the community In our Community Insights blog, we were asked What do we think about when we think about disability? and whether a reluctance to find solutions is borne from a culture of stereotypical views. Barriers are meant to be broken listed the barriers experienced by those with a disability and Digital accessibility: what is it and why does it matter? gave us an insight into what we at the IET are doing to support users of our digital platforms. And there’s still time to share your thoughts in our discussion What best practice…

  • Designing for Disability: Empowering Inclusion Through Engineering

    In today’s world, engineers play a pivotal role in creating technologies that cater to diverse user needs. Designing for disability is an essential aspect of this work, ensuring that everyone can access and benefit from technological advancements. As engineers, we have the power to transform lives and create a world where everyone has equal opportunities. Designing for disability is not just about compliance; it’s about fostering empathy, understanding, and innovation. With an estimated one billion people worldwide living with disabilities, the challenge is immense, but the opportunity is even greater. When engineers design with disability in mind, everyone benefits. From assistive devices to accessible interfaces, our collective efforts can bridge gaps and empower individuals of all abilities…

  • Wrapping up a week of AI Insights!

    As the digital landscape evolves, so does our fascination with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Over the past week, we’ve delved into the heart of this transformative field, exploring its impact on our lives, the challenges it poses, and the potential it holds for the future. Let’s recap the highlights from our week of AI coverage: Insights from the Community We had a fantastic selection of thought-provoking blog posts in Community Insights starting with Trusting machines, not as easy as we think? telling us that AI is everywhere and we interact with it more often than we realise! In Big dreams, big data and some minor technical issues… we learnt that Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are not the same, but they are entwined and vital to each other. Kirsten McCormick shared an insight…

  • Unveiling the Future: A week dedicated to Artificial Intelligence

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed from a concept of science fiction to an integral part of our daily lives, reshaping industries, powering innovations, and redefining the boundaries of what machines can achieve. As we stand on the edge of an AI-driven era, understanding its implications, capabilities, and potential is more crucial than ever. This week on EngX, we’ll be delving into the fascinating realms of AI Whether you're an AI enthusiast eager to deepen your knowledge, a curious mind seeking to grasp the fundamentals, or a professional aiming to stay ahead of the curve, AI week promises something for everyone. From insightful blog posts and thought-provoking discussions , we have lined up an array of online content designed to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful…

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