Latest Insights from the EngX Community

  • Celebrating International Volunteer Day

    International Volunteer Day (IVD), celebrated on 5 December, is a global observance established by the United Nations in 1985 to recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers everywhere. It’s a day to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and the power of people-led solutions to our shared challenges. To all our volunteers at the IET: you’re not just a part of our organisation, you’re at the very heart of everything we do. From inspiring young minds to shaping professional standards and influencing policy, your commitment helps us engineer a better world, together. This year’s theme focuses on the power of collective action, and we couldn’t think of a better example than showcasing the remarkable things you’ve achieved as a community. Together, you’ve delivered these exceptional highlights…

    IET Volunteering Team
    IET Volunteering Team

  • Alternative routes to becoming a chartered engineer

    Many of our members have taken the traditional route to becoming a Chartered Engineer, taking an engineering degree and/or gaining experience by working in the profession. However, there are other routes to becoming a professional engineer. Apprenticeships have been around in Britain since the Middle Ages, when a family would enter into a contract with a master craftsman or tradesman, binding a youth for five to nine years. Sometimes this involved paying a fee. Over the centuries industry bodies and governments have introduced measures to improve the rights of apprentices and to offer support to businesses wanting to take on apprentices. Military Service conscription in the 1900s drastically reduced the number of apprentices, but it wasn’t until 1964 that Industrial Training Boards were…

    David James
    David James

  • Payloads of the Past: Gemini 7/6A – Rendezvous Above the Earth

    December 4 th is a fabulous day, and not because it my birthday. Back in 1965 a historic event occurred, one that in today’s Space and Satellite growth, has significant relevance. Gemini 7 lifted off from Cape Kennedy carrying Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, who would later become famous for his command on Apollo 13, embarked on what would become a nearly 14‑day mission, the longest U.S. crewed flight to that point. Officially a medical and long‑duration test flight, Gemini 7 had a secondary task, to serve as the passive target for Gemini 6A, flown by Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford, which launched on December 15 th , and executed the first true crewed orbital rendezvous, closing to within about 1ft of its sister spacecraft. The mission pair answered two critical questions on the road to…

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Latest IET EngX News

  • Safety, Space & stories that inspire: November Highlights on EngX!

    November was all about looking ahead, whether that’s exploring the stars, celebrating the legacy of television, or shining a spotlight on the people who make our community thrive. Here’s what stood out on IET EngX this month: Payloads of the Past: Sputnik II and Laika’s Legacy In a new blog series, Aaron Russell kicked off with Payloads of the Past: Sputnik II and the Legacy of Laika . His post dives into the story behind the second-ever satellite launched into orbit and the brave dog Laika, whose mission paved the way for human spaceflight. It’s a fascinating read that blends engineering history with ethical questions about early space exploration. World Television Day On 21 November, Ian Nock marked World Television Day with a thoughtful reflection on TV’s role in shaping society…

  • October Highlights on EngX: AI, Automation & Inspiring Journeys

    October was packed with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and some truly inspiring stories from across the IET EngX community. Whether you’re into robotics, broadcasting, space tech or volunteering, there was something for everyone. Here’s a look back at what got people talking. Broadcasting Meets Sustainability In Behind the Broadcast , Gemma Hadley explored how the BBC is trialling solar-powered transmission stations in Ghana. It’s a fascinating look at how engineers are tackling sustainability and operational safety in broadcasting—especially in unpredictable climates like the UK. Why the UK Needs More Robots Professor Mike Wilson made a compelling case for automation in his Robotics lecture at IET Savoy Place. From cobots to humanoids, the UK’s productivity challenge might just have…

  • From Vacuum Flasks to Digital Inclusion: September on EngX

    As we step into autumn, let’s take a moment to reflect on the conversations and insights that sparked engagement across the IET EngX community throughout September. From historical engineering marvels to forward-looking debates and inclusive initiatives, here’s a roundup of what caught our attention last month. Engineering History Meets Everyday Life From our 'On this day in Engineering History' series, Hot Tea, Cold Science took us back to 1842 to celebrate the birth of Sir James Dewar, the mind behind the vacuum flask. This deceptively simple invention, rooted in cryogenics, has had a lasting impact from space missions to your morning coffee! A brilliant reminder of how foundational engineering principles can lead to timeless solutions. Read the post Global Perspectives on Engineering…

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Latest Partner News

  • In-flight Broadband Connectivity and Experimentation for Beyond 5G Networks “AeroNet”

    This work is supported by the HORIZON-MSCA-2024-SE-01-01, Project ID 101236523 and Innovate UK. Total amount is €1.8 million for five Universities and 3 Industries in EU and UK. Raed A Abd-Alhameed, Viktor Doychinov, Vuong Mai, Ifiok Otung University of Bradford, (UoB), Organisation in United Kingdom London South Bank University (LSB), Organisation in United Kingdom Technische Universität Dresden (TDN) - Organisation in Germany University of Athens (UoA) - Organisation in Greece University of Trento (UDT) - Organisation in Italy Fogus Innovations and Services PC (FGS) - Organisation in Greece Sigint Solutions Ltd (SGT) - Organisation in Cyprus JIO Platforms (JIO) - Organisation in Estonia Fogus Innovations and Service P.C. (FGS), Athens, Greece Sigint Solutions Ltd (SGT), Nicosia, Cyprus…

  • New Voltage Matters Forum attracts 300+ members as grid transition causes growing voltage issues

    More than 300 members have joined a Voltage Matters Forum to address the problem of uncontrolled voltages, as the grid comes under increasing pressure from millions of new distributed energy resource (DER) connections, including intermittent renewable generation, electric vehicles and rooftop solar installations. Co-created in January 2025 by voltage control specialists Fundamentals and power engineering experts Threepwood Consulting , the forum has attracted representatives and contributions from across the electricity industry, including network distributors, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, consultants and regulators. Fundamentals CEO Dr Jon Hiscock said: “It’s clear that uncontrolled voltages are increasingly causing problems across the grid. Complaints from consumers…

  • Booth Welsh Moves to Employee Ownership

    Booth Welsh has transferred ownership of the company into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), securing the long-term future of the business and placing its people at the heart of its success. The company, based in Irvine, Ayrshire was founded in 1989, and has grown to employ more than 300 people, serving clients throughout the UK and internationally. CEO Martin Welsh and the leadership team will all remain in their existing roles. The company says the move to employee ownership will secure the long-term future of the business and help attract and retain the best staff. Martin commented: "Employee ownership is something we've been planning for some time. Our people have always been at the centre of Booth Welsh's success. Today's announcement not only safeguards the long-term future of the…

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Latest articles from E+T Magazine

  • Drones capable of lifting people spark security fears in UK prisons

    Criminals are increasingly using sophisticated drones to infiltrate prisons to deliver contraband such as drugs or aid in prison escapes, MPs have warned. In a report, the Justice Committee said that the use of illicit drugs and their trade across prisons has reached “endemic” levels, which is fostering a “dangerous culture of acceptance that must be broken”. But it is the emergence of drones to deliver the drugs that represents a “paradigm shift” in how prisons should be thinking about tackling the drugs trade. As well as being able to bypass traditional perimeter security to deliver packages, the committee also heard about drones that could lift “a moderate-sized person”, which raises the threat that they could be used to aid in prison escapes. Recent data on drone incidents published…

  • O2 and Starlink team up to boost rural UK mobile coverage

    Virgin Media O2 has announced a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite-based connectivity to rural areas across the UK. The deal will provide coverage in previous rural ‘not spots’ by automatically connecting phones via satellites when no standard mobile signal is available. Scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, the new service, O2 Satellite, will initially offer messaging, maps and location services, with further improvements, such as voice and video calls, to follow. Virgin Media O2 has said the deal could see over 95% of the UK landmass covered within 12 months of launch. The service will connect to Starlink’s network of around 650 satellites, a satellite-to-mobile constellation in low-Earth orbit (LEO), delivering connectivity directly to compatible devices using…

  • Virgin gets green light to introduce trains on Channel Tunnel route for the first time

    The Virgin Group has announced a “landmark decision” by the rail regulator that allows it to press ahead with plans to launch a rival train service through the Channel Tunnel. Rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved Virgin’s use of the Temple Mills International depot in East London. Virgin says this “landmark decision” means it can now move ahead with its plans to launch a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel, introducing competition on the route for the first time. Eurostar has had exclusive use of the Channel Tunnel up to now, with around 400 trains passing through the tunnel each day. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly. …

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