The start of a new year always brings fresh conversations, new ideas, and thoughtful reflection, and January on IET EngX was no exception. From forward looking technical insights and policy discussions to lively forum debates and career focused questions, our community has been busy sharing knowledge and supporting one another.
Here’s a roundup of some of the blogs and discussions that caught our attention during January 2026 and sparked great engagement across the platform.
Blogs worth a read
From racing cars to electric dreams: the origins of EV innovation
One of the standout career‑focused blogs this month explored the career of Sir John Samuel from his early roots of electric vehicle innovation and tracing his journey from motorsport engineering to pioneering EV development. Personal stories like this continue to resonate strongly with our EngX community, offering inspiration alongside technical insight.
Read John's story in Community Insights
What’s coming up for the IET Technical Networks in early 2026
This timely post looked ahead to the months to come, highlighting upcoming themes, events, and activities across the Technical Networks. It also reflects on the scale and global reach of activity delivered by our volunteers during 2025; a powerful reminder of the impact our community makes together.
Read the blog: What’s Coming Up for the IET Technical Networks in Early 2026
Validating vertical corrector magnets for HESR with COMSOL and Python
This technically rich blog from Vasile Daniel DAN offered a deep dive into the validation of vertical corrector magnets for the High‑Energy Storage Ring (HESR) at the FAIR facility in Germany. Walking readers through electromagnetic modelling, simulation, and data analysis, the author showed how COMSOL Multiphysics and Python can be used together to verify magnet performance against design requirements. It’s a great example of practical, applied engineering content that blends theory, simulation, and real‑world validation.
Read the post: Validating vertical corrector magnets for HESR with COMSOL and Python
Discussions that sparked conversation
Can engineers turn moist air into usable water in the GCC?
This thought‑provoking discussion explores atmospheric water generation in hot, humid climates and the practical engineering challenges involved. Members share perspectives from sustainability, energy efficiency, and real‑world deployment, making it a great example of collaborative problem‑solving in action.
Read the discussion The Summer Humidity Temptation: Can Engineers Turn Moist Air into Usable Water in the GCC?
Car park fire safety: are current standards still fit for purpose?
This active January discussion from Sergio Fernandez in the Wiring and Regulations (BS 7671) forum explored whether current car park fire safety and electrical design approaches remain fit for purpose, particularly as EV use increases. Prompted by recent high‑profile fires, members debated issues such as fire detection, sprinklers, EV charge‑point isolation, emergency lighting, and evacuation arrangements, including provision for disabled users. The thread developed into a balanced exchange on risk, regulation, cost, and real‑world practice, highlighting how changing vehicle technology is reshaping everyday engineering decisions.
Join the discussion and add your thoughts : The car park
From digital technology to rail systems: reflections on building reliable, safe infrastructure
This January discussion from OLUMAYOWA invited the community to reflect on what it’s really like to work at the intersection of digital technology and safety‑critical infrastructure. Drawing on experience across cloud, data, and regulated environments, the author shared thoughts on reliability, resilience, and risk when digital systems are applied to long‑life assets such as rail. The thread encouraged others to share lessons learned and practical advice, sparking a thoughtful exchange between digital specialists and infrastructure engineers.
Share your thoughts: From Digital Technology to Rail Systems: Reflections on Building Reliable, Safe Infrastructure
A community powered by participation
What stands out most from January isn’t just the range of topics, but the willingness of you, our EngX members, to share experience, ask thoughtful questions, and help one another. Whether through a detailed blog post, a first‑time forum question, or a carefully considered reply, every one of your contributions helps make EngX the supportive, knowledgeable community it is.
If you’ve read something interesting this month, why not:
- add a comment to continue the conversation
- share a post with your own social network
- or start a discussion of your own?
We’re looking forward to seeing what February brings!
A quick heads up!
We’re planning some maintenance updates next week on Monday 2nd February and Tuesday 3rd. For more information read our latest announcement in EngX Updates
Once we’re live again, we’d love for you to pop back in, catch up on the latest discussions, and share what you’ve been working on. Looking forward to seeing you back on EngX as soon as the maintenance is complete.
