IET in the news

Driving equity forward  

We launched two reports in March covering a breadth of topics in the EDI space. During British Science Week and exactly six years after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) launched its report STEM after Covid-19, looking at the impact of women’s participation in STEM. 

We also launched the IET Disability in engineering and technology report, identifying the barriers facing disabled people in engineering and technology, calling for sector-wide action to build more accessible and equitable workplaces. 

The report draws on research conducted in 2025 with disabled engineers and technologists and those who support them at work. It reveals that workplace inclusion issues often arise not from a lack of information but from a lack of clear accountability and consistent implementation.  

We shared highlights from our research across social media and saw strong engagement across our channels.  

Celebrating International Women’s Day  

In March every year, on International Women’s Day, we open applications for the Young Woman Engineer (YWE) of the Year awards. The awards aim to tackle the UK’s engineering skills gap by showcasing role models and encouraging more girls into the profession. 

Last year, the prestigious accolade was awarded to Jennifer Barry, senior systems engineer at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). Jennifer was named the Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2025 at a ceremony at IET London: Savoy Place. 

We also facilitated an interview with a journalist from Manufacturing Management and Sadie Peacock, vice-chair of the IET’s Manufacturing Technical Network, looking at how diversity can be better bolstered in the sector. Entries and nominations for the 2026 YWE of the Year Awards close on 19 June. 

To find out more, please visit The Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards 

Shining a light on National Apprenticeship Week 

In February, during National Apprenticeship Week, we highlighted case studies from our network to emphasise the importance and variety of apprenticeships and bust the myths that surround them.  

Our campaign generated strong traction on social media, with media coverage from the Derry Journal and BBC Radio Foyle spotlighting apprentice and YWE alumna Rachel Donaghey. 

Electrical safety in focus 

In March, our head of technical regulations, Mark Coles, secured expert commentary on the electrical safety risks associated with plug-in solar panels. His commentary appeared in a strong mix of national, trade and broadcast media outlets, including National Technology News, BBC Online and BBC Radio 5 Live.  

In April, we launched a media campaign on electrical safety, in conjunction with the launch of Amendment 4 (2026) to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations.  

Visit our ‘Switched on to Safety’ campaign page at Safer homes start with being switched on 

FIRST® LEGO® League makes a splash 

Every year, we proudly deliver FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) in the UK as part of our mission to inspire young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  

Young innovators from around the world joined UK finalists to take part in the robot game missions and celebrations. FLL activity fuelled considerable momentum, with 39 pieces of coverage across hyperlocal and national outlets. 

IET experts are front and centre  

Our experts remain highly visible and trusted across national and trade media. Our cyber expertise remained in high demand, with Dr Junade Ali, IET fellow, appearing on the BBC’s The One Show. Investigating how scammers can easily exploit the use of AI to commit cyber crimes, he demonstrated in real-time just how easy it is to copy people using a voice-cloning tool. Junade provided further commentary to ITV Online, exploring AI-driven cyber scams.  

We were also featured on the cover of the trade publication Digital Construction Today, with Anni Feng, chair of the IET’s Digital Futures Policy Centre, looking at why digital solutions in the built environment fall short, and the myths holding them back.