Latest Insights from the EngX Community

  • Making Photons Count with Lean Manufacturing

    Introduction What manufacturing strategies can help improve yield and consistency in the production of advanced photonic devices? One approach is the application of lean manufacturing principles to the critical photocathode deposition stage at ET Enterprises, a designer and manufacturer of photomultipliers - highly sensitive detectors capable of measuring extremely low levels of light. These devices are used in medical imaging, radiation detection, scientific research and industrial measurements. Because the signals involved are so small, even minor variations during the manufacturing process can significantly impact performance. To meet demanding customer requirements and improve manufacturing yield, we applied Lean manufacturing principles to one of the most critical stages…

    Magdalena Wywijas
    Magdalena Wywijas

  • Navigating the hidden costs of disability

    Engineering thrives on different perspectives and ways of thinking. Yet disabled people are still underrepresented in the profession. According to Engineering UK , 14% of people working in engineering and technology identify as disabled, compared with 19% across other sectors. For many people, the biggest barrier isn’t their condition itself. It’s the extra costs and logistics that come with it. This is sometimes called the ‘disability tax’ – the extra financial burden that disabled people can face simply to access the same opportunities as everyone else. The disability tax The disability tax can take many forms. It might mean buying specialist equipment, adapting your home, paying for care, arranging accessible transport, or funding assessments needed to access support. For some people…

  • An institution with (rail) connections

    A blog looking at the UK’s early electric railways and links with our Institution and its members by guest blogger David Knights FIET . Railway history is often dominated by the names of civil and mechanical engineers. As the “new” technology of electricity developed, railways were often “early adopters”. The IET has a long-standing relationship with the railway. Our past Presidents and members have played a significant role in the development of the railways, including their electrification. This article highlights some of the notable electrical engineers who contributed to these pioneering developments. A short history of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) The IET can trace its history back to 1871 when the Society of Telegraph Engineers (STE) was founded. In 1880 it…

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Latest IET EngX News

  • Curiosity, AI and the Future of Engineering - July's Highlights on EngX

    July on EngX was packed with thought‑provoking ideas, career reflections and practical engineering conversations. From exploring the decision‑making challenges behind artificial intelligence to rethinking how we design workplaces and infrastructure, the community shared a wide range of perspectives on how engineering continues to evolve. Alongside these future‑focused topics, personal career stories and lively forum discussions reminded us that some of the most valuable insights come from sharing experiences with one another. Here's a look at some of the content that stood out this month. Blogs worth a read Dead on Arrival: Why fresh produce needs a digital brain, not just a GPS This fascinating blog explored how digital twins, IoT sensors and predictive AI could help tackle one of…

  • June Highlights on EngX: Digital twins, decarbonisation and community conversations

    June on EngX brought together a fascinating mix of future-focused thinking, practical engineering challenges and inspiring community stories. From exploring how digital twins are transforming decision-making across industries to tackling the realities of decarbonising energy-intensive sectors, members continued to share insight, experience and expertise. Alongside these technical discussions, stories celebrating engineering talent, STEM education and inclusion helped showcase the people driving our profession forward. Here’s a look at some of the content that stood out this month. Blogs worth a read Digital twins in motion: why a multi-disciplinary debate matters now Digital twins have rapidly evolved from an emerging concept into a practical engineering tool, and this blog explored…

  • AI, Engineering Skills and Real‑World Challenges: May's highlights on EngX

    As we wrap up May, it has been another thoughtful and wide‑ranging month across the IET EngX community. From deep dives into engineering history and emerging technology challenges to open conversations around skills, wellbeing, and global impact, members have continued to share insight, experience and practical knowledge. Here are some of our top highlights from across EngX in May. Top Discussions This Month The forums have been as active as ever, with conversations spanning cutting‑edge technology, career development, and practical engineering challenges. A number of threads explored AI and digital transformation, including discussions such as Beyond hype: uncovering the critical research axes and future trajectories of AI‑driven digital transformation and Zero Trust was not built…

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Latest Partner News

  • Josie Harries discusses how Domino is working to increase support for women in the workplace

    Encouraging women to choose careers in STEM subjects has been top of the agenda for many years – but what fresh ideas can you introduce within the workplace to attract and support female employees? At Domino, we are committed to improving the gender ratio in leadership roles within a business to 40% by 2030. This target, endorsed from Board level down, now stands at 25%, from a starting figure of 18%. Support networks Recently we re-launched our Women@Domino global network to promote inclusion within the business and facilitate the sharing of ideas and experiences, as well as networking, mentoring, events and training. Gender was also one of three key areas in our new Inclusion & Diversity strategy. The network is not limited to female employees; male colleagues are encouraged to participate…

  • Road to Engineering event introduces children to the world of engineering

    BAE System's Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge (SASK), Barrow-in-Furness successfully hosted the 6th Road to Engineering event which took place over three action-packed days. Over 200 children from the Furness area participated in the event which aims to inspire future careers in Engineering. This year's theme was 'Adapt and Change' following the British Science week theme. Supporting the event were the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, Barrow District of Associate Engineers and the Royal Institute of Naval Architects who contributed valuable insight, merchandise and STEM packs for schools. Stephen Rowe, Project Director of Engineering Transformation said, "It was a privilege to attend the Road to Engineering event and…

  • H&MV Engineering appointed as principal designer and contractor for the Thorpe Marsh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

    H&MV Engineering has been appointed as principal designer and contractor for the delivery of the 400 kV grid connection and electrical infrastructure for the Thorpe Marsh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – the largest of its kind in the UK and among the largest in Europe. This landmark project, led by Fidra Energy and backed by major investment from EIG and the UK Government’s National Wealth Fund (NWF), has now reached financial close with construction commencing immediately. Located on the site of the former Thorpe Marsh coal-fired power station in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, the 1,400MW / 3,100MWh facility will be capable of exporting over 2 million MWh annually, supplying clean energy to approximately 785,000 homes. Once operational in mid-2027, it will be three times larger than…

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Latest articles from E+T Magazine

  • Jodrell Bank faces £2.8m funding cut as 200 public figures call for action

    More than 200 public figures - including musicians, writers and scientists - have signed an open letter to the UK government to save the historic Jodrell Bank observatory from ‘foolish and short-sighted’ funding cuts. Owned and managed by the University of Manchester, the Jodrell Bank Observatory is a world-renowned deep space research facility located in Cheshire. Opened in 1957, the site features the iconic 76-metre-wide Lovell Telescope, which was the world's largest steerable dish radio telescope at the time of its completion. Vital space research is carried out at the facility, which has been recognised as a Unesco world heritage site. Last week (27 July), the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) officially announced the decision…

  • Engineers convert dissolved seawater CO2 into permanent mineral storage

    A technology that converts carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater into a solid mineral has demonstrated continuous carbon removal, according to a new study. The research team, led by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), developed a system known as electrochemical dissolved ocean carbon removal (e-DOC). The technology works by converting carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved in seawater into calcium carbonate, a solid mineral commonly found in rocks such as limestone and chalk. In this form, the carbon can be permanently stored and prevented from returning to the atmosphere, effectively helping the ocean to continuously absorb new CO2. The ocean is the planet’s largest carbon reservoir, absorbing about 30%…

  • Archer’s electric air taxi cuts California journey from 35 minutes to nine

    An electric air taxi made by Archer Aviation has made an intercity round trip between Salinas and Monterey in California that cut the journey down to nine minutes from 35 in a car. Otherwise known as an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, the upcoming transport option is aimed at delivering short-haul flights in urban areas. However, it’s one thing building an aircraft and another getting it certified for flight. This is an area where many eVTOL companies are struggling: getting past the testing stages into operation because of stringent regulations and safety rules. The Archer-made eVTOL known as Midnight departed from Salinas Municipal Airport and landed at Monterey Regional Airport before making the return flight on 30 July. Midnight covered each leg of the journey…

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