Welcome from the editor
Welcome to the May-June issue of Member News. This is the halfway point of the year, a natural time to pause, look back at what’s been achieved so far, and look ahead at what’s still to come.
This edition is focused on progress, recognition and the achievements of our members and volunteers. We also bring you a special mid-year update from our President, Dawn Ohlson.
In this issue, you will be incredibly inspired by two of our remarkable members who were recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List: Julie Fest OBE for her services to young people in STEM, and Dhruv Patel, appointed CBE for his contributions to charity and civic leadership.
We also showcase creativity within our community, including a feature on Muna Daud, whose work in femtech (female technology) is breaking new ground.
This issue takes you to the University of Glasgow too, where we share a thoughtful conversation with Mamta Singhal, reflecting on 575 years of engineering heritage. This feature reminds us how deeply engineering is woven into our academic histories.
Also, we explore the findings of our Disability Report and, for Volunteers’ Week, we spotlight one of our long-standing volunteers, John Lorimor. Lastly, as International Women in Engineering Day 2026 approaches, we’re delighted to share an archives feature on Gertrude Entwistle.
Thank you, as always, for reading, for contributing, and for being part of a community that never stops thriving for better.
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. And, of course, keep the conversation going on EngX and across our social media channels at @InstitutionofEngineeringandTechnology on LinkedIn and @TheIET on Instagram.
Megan Stearn
Member News Editor
Keep up to date with member notices online
Member News now brings you more regular articles, insights, and case studies directly from our members.
We still publish obituaries, gifts and legacies, member suspensions and expulsions, and further member updates in-between issues – all of which can be found on our website.
Head to theiet.org and use the search bar to find content relevant to you.