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The IET Bookshelf

Brought together through our love of reading, this virtual club looks at STEM-related books written by contemporary authors. We've been chatting with the authors to go beyond their books, find out what inspired them and ask them your questions.

You can watch all the episodes on-demand via our YouTube channel.

How to Spend a Trillion Dollars by Rowan Hooper

Rowan Hooper, Managing Editor of New Scientist magazine, joined us to discuss his latest book: How to Spend a Trillion Dollars.

If you had a trillion dollars and a year to spend it, for the good of the world and the advancement of science, what would you do?
Go to How to Spend a Trillion Dollars by Rowan Hooper

The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers by Bobby Seagull

Bobby Seagull joined us to talk about his book, The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers.

Told through fascinating stories and insights from his life, Bobby’s enthusiasm for numbers will change how you think about almost everything!
Go to The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers by Bobby Seagull

Broadband: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire L. Evans

American singer, writer and artist, Claire L. Evans discussed the themes presented in her book Broadband: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet.

Discover the women who made the internet and learn about their inventions and contributions that touch our lives in ways we don’t even realise.
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpzW1AD2odM

A Galaxy of Her Own by Libby Jackson

British space exploration expert Libby Jackson shared her insights on her first book: A Galaxy of Her Own.

Discover the extraordinary stories of women in space. This is a brilliant read, packed full of both amazing female role models and mind-blowing secrets of space travel, championing unsung heroes and celebrating remarkable achievements from around the world.
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPyjPxeFR-w
Henrietta Heald

Magnificent Women and Their Revolutionary Machines by Henrietta Heald

We were joined by Henrietta Heald to discuss her book, Magnificent Women and Their Revolutionary Machines.

Discover the stories of the women who founded the Women’s Engineering Society in 1919, from their success in a social revolution to their significant achievements in engineering and technology.

Henrietta brings the era to life, from the moment when women in Britain were allowed to vote for the first time to the changing attitudes to women’s rights.
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CpXxSWLxFk&t=64s

The Knowledge by Lewis Dartnell

Professor of Science Communication Lewis Dartnell talked about his book The Knowledge: how to rebuild our world from scratch.

As engineers looking to develop a better world, this book will help you envision the world and the history of innovation from the ground up.

Is there a thread that we can revisit to string together a better, more sustainable future?
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T04UlHPcDuI&t=2s

The Upper World by Femi Fadugba

Femi Fadugba speaks about his debut publication, The Upper World.

Soon to be adapted for film by Netflix starring Academy Award winner Daniel Kaluuya, this sci-fi thriller explores London gang culture, inspired by Femi’s own experiences of holding a Quantum Physics Masters juxtaposed with living on a London estate.

Extending the themes of the novel, we discuss the topics of free will versus destiny, the physics of time travel, and the fight for a better future.
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbT5brc7Jvk

The Future You by Brian David Johnson

Engineer and futurist, Brian David Johnson discusses his latest book: The Future You.

Learn how to future proof your career and business with an actionable 10-15 year vision.

Brian explains the processes of futurecasting, threatcasting and backcasting, which involve methodically analysing your current situation, the local and wider environments and identifying your future goals to support with idea generation and strategic planning.
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZtX1N0TZWw&t=1621s