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 Williams, volunteer from the Artificial Intelligence Technical Network with their thoughtful podcast challenging the engineering community to look beyond certifications and consider the deeper ethical implications of AI. It explores how hype can obscure real risks and why engineers must remain vigilant in applying critical thinking to emerging technologies. Read about AI in Engineering
Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Brunskill
This month’s spotlight shines on Chris Brunskill, a passionate volunteer from the Satellite Technical Network, whose contributions continue to inspire.
Meet Chris Brunskill
Top Community discussions this month
What’s the Most Innovative Solution You’ve Come Up With?
This engaging thread invites our community members to share their most creative solutions to tricky engineering problems. From clever workarounds to elegant design fixes, the responses showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness that define the profession. Join the conversation
Upstream Protection for Short-Circuit Current
In this detailed thread, members tackled the complexities of upstream protection in electrical installations—particularly how to ensure adequate short-circuit protection when downstream devices have lower breaking capacities. The discussion covered coordination, discrimination, and practical design strategies. Read the full discussion
Mechatronics Apprenticeship: Career Path Insights
A fresh discussion in the Career Development forum explored the opportunities and challenges of pursuing a mechatronics apprenticeship. Contributors shared advice on training providers, industry expectations, and how this pathway compares to traditional academic routes. Explore the apprenticeship discussion
Whether you're here for the history, the innovation, or the community, May has been a month full of insight and inspiration. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and join the conversations on EngX.
Which post or discussion stood out to you this month? Let me know in the comments below! 
