Latest Insights from the EngX Community

  • Spanning the Firth: The Story of the Forth Bridge

    If you’ve ever crossed the Firth of Forth in Scotland, chances are you’ve marvelled at the elegant sweep of the Forth Bridge. Opened on 28 August 1964, this suspension bridge was a new way to get from Edinburgh to Fife, and a bold statement of engineering ambition and ingenuity. At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge outside the United States, stretching an impressive 2.5 kilometres across the estuary. But its significance goes far beyond its size. The Forth Bridge marked a turning point in British infrastructure, connecting communities, boosting commerce, and showcasing the power of modern engineering. A Bridge Born of Necessity Before the bridge, crossing the Firth of Forth meant relying on a centuries-old ferry service. While scenic, the ferry was slow…

    EngX Editorial
  • UK Space Conference 2025 perspectives from an IET volunteer

    The UK Space Conference always serves as one of those rare occasions when the whole UK space community comes together. As is usually the case, it created opportunities for new conversations with familiar faces dropping by to swap updates, and new introductions sparking fresh ideas. It is emblematic of the space sector that it depends on relationships, partnerships and collaborations built and maintained over time. One of the headline announcements was that space now supports £454 billion of industrial activity across the UK economy, about 18% of GDP, and up £90 billion on last year. Even with the positive spin, that’s a clear sign of the space sector’s continuing and growing influence. Another important marker was new funding in response to the UK government’s decision to formally identify…

  • Why Functional Safety Is Crucial in Particle Accelerators and Medical Technology

    When we think about particle accelerators, we often picture vast scientific facilities probing the mysteries of the universe. But these powerful machines—and the principles behind them—are also at the heart of life-saving medical technologies. From cancer treatment to diagnostic imaging, particle accelerator engineering plays a vital role in modern healthcare. And at the core of all this innovation is something that doesn’t always get the spotlight: functional safety. Functional safety is about making sure that systems behave predictably and safely, even when things go wrong. In environments where high-energy beams, magnetic fields, and complex control systems are in play, that’s not just important—it’s essential. The Hidden Complexity Behind Everyday Treatments Take linear accelerators…

Latest IET EngX News

  • From Robots to Railways: July’s Most Talked-About Posts

    July was a vibrant month on EngX, with members sharing insights, experiences, and stories that spanned continents, disciplines, and generations. Whether you're catching up or revisiting your favourites, here’s a roundup of some standout blog posts and discussions from the past month. Behind the Scenes at Singapore’s MRT Circle Line Alison Siu shared a fascinating account of a technical visit to the SMRT Kim Chuan Depot in Singapore. Engineers got a close-up look at the Circle Line’s operations, including real-time train monitoring and the SMRT Overwatch System. It was a brilliant example of how infrastructure and innovation come together to keep cities moving. Read the full post Disability Pride Month: Daniel’s Story Daniel Robinson opened up about his journey into engineering as a…

  • From Stephenson to Cybersecurity: June’s Highlights on IET EngX

    As summer rolled in, June brought a rich mix of innovation, inspiration, and engineering excellence across the IET EngX community. From celebrating pioneers to exploring cutting-edge construction and wireless technologies, here are some of the standout moments from the past month: Featured Community Insights From Bees to Base Stations: CAWE 2025 On 11 June , the University of Liverpool hosted the 13th Colloquium on Antennas and Wireless Electromagnetics (CAWE’25) . Organised by the IET’s Antennas and Propagation Technical Network, the event brought together over 45 experts to explore the latest in antenna design and wireless systems. Highlights included a keynote by Professor Yi Huang on liquid and dispersive antennas , showcasing the future of adaptable wireless tech. Read the event…

  • 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…

Latest Partner News

  • Silver Fox and Fluke LinkWare Live: Transforming Cable Labelling

    Silver Fox has partnered with Fluke Networks to integrate its Advanced Labelling Software with Fluke LinkWare Live , bringing a faster, smarter way to manage cable labelling. This powerful integration allows engineers to import test data directly from LinkWare Live, eliminating manual entry and ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance . For network professionals, accuracy is critical. This solution streamlines workflows by automatically matching test results with printed labels , reducing errors and improving documentation. Whether you’re working in data centres, telecoms, or electrical installations, this integration saves time and enhances project efficiency . By bridging cable testing and labelling, Silver Fox and Fluke Networks offer a seamless solution that simplifies large-scale…

  • Apprentice's 5,000-mile trip to become a training master

    An apprentice at the University of Sunderland took a trip of a lifetime to become a training master. Steve Simm, who studies on the Learning and Skills Teacher (LST) Apprenticeship at the University, travelled over 5,500 miles to Japan to be certified as an Overseas Monozukuri Education Master Trainer for Unipres. Receiving this accreditation means that Steve will be able to deliver in-house Japanese-style training in the UK, enhancing the teaching he already delivers through a range of level 2 apprenticeships at the Unipres Training Academy. Steve said: “This trip to Japan was fantastic. Over the four-day training course, I’ve been able to enrich my own professional development which now enables me to incorporate Japanese-style teaching into the training academy here in the UK. “While…

  • Positive impact of apprentices celebrated at awards ceremony

    The achievements of University of Sunderland apprentices have been celebrated at a special awards ceremony to mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week. The University’s annual awards recognise the efforts and contributions that its current and graduate apprentices make in the region and amplifying the organisations that create these opportunities. The apprentices taking home prizes this year are: Steph Capewell, founder and CEO of Sunderland-based baby bank charity Love, Amelia – Community Impact Award ( Senior Leader Apprenticeship ) Yan Cunningham, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust – Impact and Research Award ( Advanced Clinical Practitioner ) Hannah Woodward, Bright Futures NE – Apprentice of the Year ( Community and Youth Work ) Scott Simpson, Kasai UK …

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