The origins of this story lie not in a turbine field or policy document, but in an archive survey. A call went out across Europe for organisations to contribute to research on historical wind energy collections, part of the EU-funded Mills to Megawatts project. Its aim is simple but ambitious:

In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) is no longer a speculative vision of the future. It is rapidly becoming a defining capability for the next phase of space activity. From assembling large structures in orbit to repairing satellites, removing debris, and manufacturing advanced materials in microgravity, ISAM represents a fundamental

Satellite communications is entering a decisive phase. Once viewed primarily as a specialist infrastructure for broadcasting and defence, SATCOM now sits at the intersection of connectivity, resilience, data intelligence, and national capability. That shift was on full display at the International SATCOMs Conference 2025, where more than 150 experts from

At the April evening lecture hosted by the IET Central London Network, members gathered to explore one of the most pressing and least understood tensions in the energy transition: how net zero ambitions intersect with the rapidly growing energy demands of data centres. The lecture, delivered by Bob Hicks, Chief

When an all-girls robotics team from Bracknell walked onto the global stage in Florida this weekend, they were already representing something bigger than a competition entry. By the end of the FIRST® LEGO® League International Open, they were representing excellence. The RealTech Bots, a team of young engineers led by

On 9 July 2025, a group of 32 IET members and guests returned to the Bentwaters Cold War Museum for a visit that proved just as popular and rewarding as the previous year. With demand once again exceeding available places, those who attended experienced a day rich in history, engineering

The May evening lecture hosted by the IET Central London Network was more than a technical discussion. Held in the Kelvin Lecture Theatre, the event brought together industry leaders, engineers, and innovators to reflect on the state of UK manufacturing and its role in shaping the country’s future. The theme

For much of the last decade, public and investor attention in robotics has gravitated towards spectacle. Humanoid robots, general-purpose systems, and machines designed to replicate the full range of human behaviour dominated headlines, demonstrations, and funding rounds. Yet in 2025, the sector is undergoing a quieter, more consequential shift. Rather

On 11 July 2025, London Metropolitan University hosted the MOS-AK Workshop, bringing together researchers, academics, and industry professionals at the forefront of microelectronics and electron device modelling. Supported by the IET RF & Microwave Technical Network and sponsored by the IHP Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics, the event offered

Volunteering often sits quietly behind professional success stories. In the case of Gordana Collier, it has been a defining thread, shaping both her career and the communities she serves. Gordana began volunteering with the IET in 2011 as an Academic Accreditor. Over time, her involvement expanded to include committee membership,

On 23 July 2025, a group of engineers were given rare behind-the-scenes access to one of Singapore’s most critical transport facilities: the SMRT Kim Chuan Depot. Organised as a technical visit, the day offered participants a detailed view of how the MRT Circle Line is operated, monitored, and maintained to

On 27 June, I had the opportunity to visit Bletchley Park. It was a bright, warm afternoon, and a small group of twelve of us made our way individually to this unassuming Buckinghamshire estate, a place that quietly reshaped the course of the Second World War. Bletchley Park is often

Britain’s railway network is in the middle of one of the most significant transformations in its history. As passenger demand evolves and infrastructure ages, the industry is being asked to deliver a safer, more reliable, and more flexible railway. At the centre of this shift sits the European Train Control

When people talk about the history of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the story usually begins in 1871 with the formation of the Society of Telegraph Engineers, followed by familiar milestones, mergers, and global growth. These narratives are important, but they often overlook a quieter, equally remarkable story: the

The future of space operations will not be defined by launch vehicles alone. It will be shaped by what happens after spacecraft reach orbit. At the 2025 In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) Conference in Belfast, one capability emerged repeatedly as a critical enabler for the sector’s ambitions: robotic grasping. As

As global focus on climate action intensifies, aviation finds itself under sustained and growing scrutiny. Few sectors face such a difficult balancing act: enabling global connectivity while significantly reducing environmental impact. A recent webinar hosted by the IET’s Aerospace Technical Network brought this challenge into sharp focus, exploring what meaningful

The UK has a long and well-earned reputation for innovation. From the industrial revolution through to modern advances in digital technology, British ideas have shaped industries far beyond its borders. Today, that same inventive spirit is visible in the country’s technology start-up ecosystem. Yet while the UK produces world-class ideas,

On 12 August 1981, IBM released a machine that didn’t look revolutionary. The IBM 5150 Personal Computer arrived without spectacle, without bold consumer branding, and without claims of redefining the future. Yet few decisions in modern engineering history have had consequences as far-reaching as the choices made behind that beige

Electric vehicles are often framed as a transport story. In reality, they represent a much broader shift that sits right at the intersection of energy, infrastructure, regulation, and skills. As EV adoption accelerates across the UK, the demands placed on the electrical workforce are changing just as fast. From domestic

That deceptively simple question — “Are you really an engineer if you can’t fix my washing machine?” — has a habit of sticking with people. It was first put to me by my mother when I was still at secondary school, at the point where I was deciding what to

On 12 August 2025, the IET Auckland Network returned to Waikowhai Intermediate School to deliver its second annual Project X electronics workshop. While the programme itself ran for just one day, its impact reached far beyond the classroom, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with engineering through hands-on

The process industries sit quietly behind many of the products people use every day. From food and drink to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paints, and coatings, these sectors underpin modern life. Yet despite their scale and importance, they rarely feature in mainstream conversations about manufacturing innovation. That disconnect is starting to close.

Engineers design, build, and maintain the systems the modern world depends on. From energy and transport to communications, manufacturing, and healthcare, their work underpins daily life. Yet behind the technical competence and professional resilience, engineers are also people navigating the same pressures as everyone else, often with added responsibility and

Discover how Ada Lovelace’s analytical thinking shaped early computing and what her legacy teaches modern engineers about structured learning, creativity, and technical development. Ada Lovelace and the Foundations of Technical Imagination Ada Lovelace’s story is often told as a historical curiosity: the daughter of Lord Byron who became the world’s

Explore how thermoelectric refrigeration supports net-zero goals, reduces greenhouse emissions, and reshapes sustainable engineering applications in modern industries Thermoelectric Research and the Future of Sustainable Cooling Technology Engineering has always been a response to human need. As societies grow and technologies advance, new challenges emerge — especially in energy use,

Discover how long-term STEM exposure transforms young learners into confident problem-solvers, innovators, and future engineers, inspired by Team Activ8’s journey. How Early Exposure to Engineering Transforms Futures When we talk about the future of engineering, we often focus on qualifications, apprenticeships, or technical skills gained later in life. But for

Engineering has always been a profession built on problem-solving, innovation, and progress — but behind every breakthrough sits something just as important: a community willing to support one another. Long before structured welfare systems existed, engineers created their own safety nets, pooling knowledge and resources to help colleagues facing hardship.

Uncertainty is something every engineer understands. Systems fail, conditions change, and no project survives without planning for contingencies. Yet when it comes to our own futures — and the futures of the people we care about — many of us struggle to apply the same principles. Estate planning isn’t just

Behind every skilled engineer is a journey shaped not only by technical competence but by the people, conversations, and networks that helped them grow. While many focus on qualifications and hands-on experience — both essential — fewer talk about the role that professional communities and volunteering play in shaping well-rounded,

For years, the global conversation around electric vehicles has centred on a handful of familiar brands. But while Western headlines stayed busy tracking individual companies, something much bigger—and far more coordinated—was unfolding across China. What began as a policy experiment more than a decade ago has grown into one of

Electrification is often described as the straightforward part of the UK’s decarbonisation journey—replace petrol with batteries, and the rest will fall into place. But anyone working in electrical installation, energy systems, or grid operations knows the picture is far more complex. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is not only

Manufacturing has always been a field shaped by ingenuity. But in 2025, the pace of change is so rapid that even the most experienced engineers admit the landscape feels different. New materials, AI-driven optimisation, quantum simulation, and cross-industry collaboration are changing not just what engineers build, but how they think.

Supporting engineers in their professional development has always been central to the strength of the industry. The IET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Advisor role exists for exactly that reason — helping engineers progress, reflect, and uphold the standards expected of a modern, safety-conscious profession. For those who enjoy mentoring, reviewing

September always brings a shift in pace. Workloads pick back up, student engineers return to study, and many of us move from the slower rhythm of summer into something more structured and demanding. For engineers — whether on site, in training, or managing complex technical projects — that transition can

At the heart of the engineering community are volunteers who quietly dedicate their time, skills and experience to supporting others. One of them is David Parr — a long-standing contributor whose journey shows just how far volunteering can take you, both professionally and personally. David’s first steps into volunteering were

Across Europe, few engineering endeavours match the ambition and complexity of the Grand Paris Express. With over 200 kilometres of new rail lines, 68 stations and an investment exceeding 40 billion Euros, the project represents one of the continent’s most significant infrastructure transformations. Yet beyond its scale, the Grand Paris

On 15 October 1936, the Hoover Dam entered a new chapter—not as a completed concrete structure, but as a working power station delivering renewable energy across the American Southwest. The activation of its hydroelectric generators transformed an ambitious civil engineering project into a functioning, integrated system that reshaped entire cities.

Every year, the Young Woman Engineer of the Year (YWE) awards celebrate engineers who are not only excelling technically but reshaping the culture of engineering across the UK. The 2025 finalists bring together civil, space, software, asset management and infrastructure expertise, demonstrating how diverse an engineering career can truly be.

When people talk about building a career in engineering, they often describe the influence of mentors, the value of education, or the importance of professional networks. But for many—especially those navigating new countries, raising families, or overcoming financial barriers—the real story is one of resilience. Few journeys illustrate this better

For many engineers, a career is built one project at a time—through lived experience, trial and error, support from colleagues, and the gradual building of confidence. But behind every competent professional is another, quieter force: the people who guide them. One of the most impactful ways to support the engineering

The engineering profession is changing at a pace few could have predicted even a decade ago. Automation, energy transition, digital transformation and new ways of working are reshaping the expectations placed on modern engineers. While technical competence will always remain the backbone of the industry, the conversation is shifting. Employers

If you’ve ever travelled between Edinburgh and Fife, you’ll know that crossing the Firth of Forth is more than a commute — it’s an encounter with one of the UK’s most significant engineering achievements. When the Forth Road Bridge opened on 28 August 1964, it represented a bold leap in

The pace of change across every major industry is accelerating, and vocational education is standing at a crossroads. Elec Training believes that the future of vocational education will be shaped by the same forces transforming global media, engineering, energy, construction and communication. The world is moving fast, and skills training

Career development has always depended on a mix of confidence, curiosity and the willingness to grow. In today’s technical sectors, that growth looks different from what many professionals expected at the start of their journey. Whether someone begins with a university degree, an apprenticeship or a vocational qualification, the pathways available often

Technical industries are becoming more complex at a pace many workers never expected. Terms, tools and technologies evolve so quickly that even experienced professionals can lose track of what they actually need to understand. Elec Training sees this across the wider vocational sector. People want to do well, they want

Engineering rarely moves forward by accident. It advances when people come together around a shared purpose, a clear framework and a willingness to rethink traditional systems. The Rail Technical Strategy (RTS) demonstrates this principle in one of the most challenging environments: the UK rail network. At its heart, the RTS

The world of engineering and media technology is changing faster than many people expected. What once relied on hardware, physical infrastructure and tightly controlled onsite systems is now moving into cloud platforms, AI supported workflows and software defined operations. The landscape revealed at IBC 2025 showed exactly how far this

Engineering is often described as analytical, structured and detail heavy, but the reality is far more varied. It is a field shaped by imagination, adaptability and the ability to see solutions where others may see obstacles. For many neurodivergent engineers, ADHD brings exactly those qualities. The challenge is rarely capability.

Technical knowledge is the foundation of engineering, but it has never been the full story. Careers are shaped just as much by communication, confidence, teamwork and adaptability as they are by formulas, tools or calculations. For many learners, the turning point often arrives not in the classroom but in real

Robotics is no longer an abstract promise or a distant technology reserved for specialist factories. It has become a central part of how modern engineering skills are defined, practiced and developed across the UK. From agriculture to logistics, healthcare to manufacturing, automation is reshaping what technical work looks like. And

Engineering has always been shaped by the challenges of the moment. Yet today’s challenges, from sustainability to safety in high-pressure environments, are influencing the way technical teams think far more deeply than before. Modern engineers are being asked not only to understand the technology in front of them but to

Engineering history is full of moments that appear simple at first glance but reveal deeper lessons when we take the time to look closely. The opening of the New York City Subway in 1904 is one of those moments. People remember the scale, the speed and the ambition, but the