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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…

Lisa Miles in History of Engineering
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
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
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
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…

Lisa Miles in STEM Education and Skills
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…

Former Staff Member in STEM Education and Skills
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…

Former Staff Member in STEM Education and Skills
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…

Lisa Miles in Broadcasting and Media
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…

Lisa Miles in Antennas and Propagation
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
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
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…

Lisa Miles in Road transport 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…

Lisa Miles in Road transport systems
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…

Lisa Miles in Renewable Energy
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…

Lisa Miles in Renewable Energy
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…

Lisa Miles in World Health and Wellbeing
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…

Lisa Miles in Built Environment Technologies
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…

Lisa Miles in Artificial Intelligence
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…

Lisa Miles in Artificial Intelligence
It’s Careers week on IET EngX!

Engineering is a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of specialties, each contributing to innovation and problem-solving in its own unique way. But what does it take to be an engineer? What do you need to do to stay on top of your game? Should you look to become a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer? Or an Engineering Technician? Where do you start? What support is available? This week on EngX it’s all about Careers . In our Community Insights blog , Colleagues at the IET will be sharing information about Continuing Professional Development, the training courses available to help you work towards Professional Registration and how the IET can support neurodiverse, hearing and visually impaired applicants. We'll also hear from three inspiring engineers in our new blog series '…

Lisa Miles in Professional development
It's Green Skills Week on EngX!

Back in December 2023 the IET announced the results of the International Skills Survey. Over 2,000 engineering employers in ten countries around the world were asked for their thoughts on their readiness to cope with climate change and net zero. Over the course of this week, we’ll be looking at some of the points raised in the results of the survey through a series of blog posts in our Community Insights blog and a number of discussions in our forum. How confident are you that the engineering workforce have the skills needed to be resilient to Climate Change. What skills do you think are needed? And what support should be given to industry and academia to plug the skills gap? Share your thoughts and comments on the blog posts and get involved in the discussions. And on Wednesday …

Lisa Miles
Community Value Awards 2023

It’s now been two years since we launched our online community, IET EngX, and much like last year, it’s been yet another busy year! We’ve welcomed over 3500 new members and you’ve shared over 10,000 items of content with the community in 2023 with over 4 million views from over 190 countries across the globe. Isn’t that amazing? Our community thrives on the enthusiasm, knowledge sharing, and support of each of you so lets take this opportunity to celebrate those individuals who have made our online community a vibrant hub of engaging discussions and insightful content with our Community Value Awards 2023! Most Engaged Newcomer Hats off to Sergio Fernandez our rising star who has embraced our community with enthusiasm and dedication! Your eagerness to participate, learn, and contribute…

Lisa Miles in General Chat
EngX Update - Ask the Expert and updates to the forum

Happy Monday EngX Community! Today we’re launching a new type of discussion event on EngX - Ask the Expert. Ask the Expert is an event that takes place in our Ask the Expert forum over the course of a couple of weeks where you’ll be able to ask questions to an expert Engineer on a chosen subject. This month’s topic launching today (Monday 13 th November) is Net Zero with Erusa Adizie a Net Zero Manager working for Tarmac. Erusa will be answering your questions on how organisations such as Tarmac reach their Net Zero targets. If you have a question you’d like to pose to Erusa, pop over to Ask the Expert and post your question there. Taking it off-Topic We’ve had feedback from a number of EngX community members that you’ve been missing a place to have general ‘off topic’ discussions…

Lisa Miles
Handy tips for sharing and adding extra content to your posts

Did you know that you can add and share extra content into your forum and blog posts in EngX? You can include polls, embed YouTube videos, Facebook posts and even files from Google docs too! Vote in our Poll! Including a poll in your question or discussion is a fun and easy way of surveying the EngX community’s opinion about a topic. Select insert from the editing options when writing your post and then poll . A new window will pop up for you to add your question, a short description (which is optional) and then the options you’d like the community to vote on. If you need more options than the three that are visible just select ‘add option’ to add more! Don’t forget to switch over to the configuration tab in the window to enter an expiration date for your poll and choose the display…

Lisa Miles
Thanks for all the feedback!

Moving to a new software service is never easy. I’m sure you, like me have been frustrated when your favourite app or piece of software is updated, then you have to relearn everything all over again because nothing is in the same place and the way you did X to get Y is now completely different (umm… Windows 11…. #justsaying) Online communities are no exception. Those of you who have been a member of our online community at the IET for some time will have been through a number of different iterations over the years. First the Fusetalk forum then MyCommunity followed by Engineering Communities and now we have IET EngX. Of course with every changing of the platform software comes a variety of feedback both positive and not so positive. Picking through that feedback to find the things that…

Lisa Miles

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