The Germany Local Network is led by local volunteers who come together to organise lectures and technical visits that provide opportunities to learn and meet new people. All events are open to the public and most are free of charge.
The Local Network aims to raise awareness of science, engineering and technology in the local area, and promote membership of the IET.
Visit the events page filtered by Germany Local Network to find out about our upcoming events.
Our LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4900744/
Contact: info@mfi-ev.de
Chairman: Paul Cullen
Vice-Chairman: Andy Sinharay
Secretary: Mark Atkins
Treasurer: Colin White
There is a regular Stammtisch meet-up in Munich, normally every first Friday of the month, although sometimes dates vary - all are welcome.
If you are interested in attending, please e-mail: info@mfi-ev.de
See Event Page Entry
See Event Page Entry
The IET Germany Local Network launched its 2025 programme with an informal dinner and technical talk held at Munich’s renowned Paulaner Bräuhaus. The event provided members—particularly those in the Munich area—with a relaxed opportunity to meet, network, and share interests. Attendees included a mix of age groups, engineering disciplines, and nationalities, with many UK expatriates present. Partners and newcomers were warmly welcomed, contributing to the friendly and engaging atmosphere.
The evening’s main feature was a presentation by David Coleman CEng MSc MIET, Technical Leader at Cisco Systems GmbH, titled “Optical Communications: From Stevenage to Space Lasers.” David began with an overview of optical communication fundamentals, contrasting light-based transmission with microwave systems and outlining the core components: semiconductor laser diodes, optical fibres, and receivers. He discussed the refinement of diode technology, fibre design variations, and challenges such as attenuation and non-linear effects at high power.
Davis then traced the historical development of fibre optics—from early trials in 1977 between Hitchin and Stevenage, through the first international submarine cable (UK–Belgium 5, 1986), to the landmark TAT-8 transatlantic link (1988). He highlighted technical hurdles such as fibre chemistry, shark damage, and the rapid uptake of capacity far beyond expectations. The talk also covered advances such as SONET/SDH networks, enabling fault-tolerant rerouting within milliseconds, and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), which expanded bandwidth to 10 Gbps by 1997.
Concluding with a glimpse of future technologies, David discussed low Earth orbit laser satellites, where inter-satellite optical links promise high-speed communication but face challenges like Doppler shift. The session ended with audience questions and informal discussions.
As the evening wound down, participants shared meals, drinks, and professional contacts, fulfilling the event’s goal: to combine technical insight with enjoyable social interaction among IET Germany members.
In the spirit of furthering cooperation between neighbouring LNs in central Europe, this year the Annual National Meeting of the Germany LN was held in cooperation with the Czech LN as a weekend event including a social programme in Prague.
In technical lectures, the speakers introduced us to two significant recent and historical European projects.
The first presentation was by former Institute of Civil Engineers France Chair Lucy Rew. Her presentation was about the TELT (Tunnel Euralpin Lyon Turin) part of the new Lyon – Turin rail line. When finished the tunnel will at 57.5km long be the longest in the world.
The second presentation was by Patricia Vergne-Rochès on the Viaduc du Garabit, a cast-iron railway viaduct in the French Massif Central designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1884, which paved the way for his commission to build his famous tower in Paris in 1889, and which has recently been restored.
Both presentations were very well prepared and presented and held the interest of the audience. Each was followed by questions about particular aspects of the projects.
After the lectures the attendees adjourned to the hotel bar, followed by a Czech dinner during which the diners were treated to traditional music by local musicians.
A guided tour on the Sunday morning was fascinating. The local tour guide was well versed in the history of the city and pointed out many buildings of historical and architectural interest.
Prague shares perhaps, with Budapest and Lisbon, the added fascination of being a city with hills. After lunch, Mike Wrigley of the Czech LN gave further insights into the city. To test the group’s fitness and provide another view of the city, his tour led up to the Castle.
The joint LN weekend event was judged a great success, although the number of Germany LN members making the trip to the exotic destination of Prague resulted in the Czech LN members being outnumbered in the end.
Mike Wrigley deserves a special mention for pulling many strings, which contributed to the success of the weekend.
