Welcome from the editor

Welcome to the latest issue of Member News, where we celebrate the people, projects and progress shaping the future of engineering and technology.

In this issue, we honour the remarkable achievements of our members, feature inspiring volunteers, and look ahead to an exciting year. 

We begin by celebrating those shaping the future of engineering through dedication, research, and resilience. Meet our recent Achievement Award winners, including Professor Steve Hodges, recognised for his pioneering work in physical computing. He played a key role in developing the BBC micro:bit, a device that has reached over 65 million students in 85 countries, helping young people learn coding and digital skills in a hands-on, engaging way. 

We also showcase the work of Huazhi Dong, recipient of the IET Postgraduate Scholarship, awarded for groundbreaking research in soft robotics. Huazhi is developing a flexible ‘electronic skin’ that gives soft robots full-body awareness - enabling them to sense touch and track their own shape as they move.  

This issue pays tribute to Hertha Ayrton; the first woman elected as a Member of the IEE. As we approach the 120th anniversary of her receiving the Hughes Medal from the Royal Society, we’re proud to announce a series of commemorative events planned for 2026. You can find out more about these on page 6.  

You’ll also hear from volunteer Sekinat Saka, and member Prasanth Kamma, who shares his inspiring journey from rural India to becoming a healthcare technology innovator. 

Plus, we’re bringing you updates from our benevolent fund, Foothold. 

Join the conversation on our social channels and on EngX, where you can dive deeper into the topics featured in this issue. 

Thank you for your continued support - wishing you a brilliant year ahead! 

If you have a story to share, a milestone to celebrate, or an idea to explore, we’d love to hear from you at membernews@theiet.org.