Institution of Engineering and Technology
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a multidisciplinary professional engineering institution headquartered in London, United Kingdom, dedicated to advancing engineering and technology for societal benefit.[1] Formed in 2006 through the merger of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE), it traces its origins to 1871 with the founding of the Society of Telegraph Engineers, which evolved into the IEE.[2] As one of the world's largest such organizations, the IET boasts over 157,000 members across 148 countries, fostering a diverse community of professionals, educators, and students.[3] The IET's mission is to inspire, inform, and influence the global engineering and technology community to engineer a better world by sharing knowledge and tackling pressing challenges such as sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.[1] It operates as a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698), emphasizing ethical practice, lifelong learning, and public engagement in STEM fields.[3] Through its activities, the IET supports professional registration under the UK's Engineering Council, enabling members to achieve designations like Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and Engineering Technician (EngTech), with over 56,000 individuals holding such qualifications.[4][5] Beyond registration, the IET delivers a wide array of services, including technical events, conferences, and training courses to enhance skills and networking opportunities.[6] It publishes influential resources such as the journal Engineering & Technology and provides free STEM education materials for schools to inspire future engineers.[7] The organization also influences policy and standards in areas like energy, transport, and manufacturing, collaborating with industry, government, and academia to drive innovation and ethical engineering practices worldwide.[1]History
Formation and Merger
The merger discussions between the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) began in 2004, aiming to create a unified professional body for engineering and technology practitioners.[2] In September 2005, members of both institutions voted in favor of the merger, with 73.5% approval from IEE members and 95.7% from IIE members.[8] This paved the way for formal approval by the Privy Council, which granted royal assent on December 14, 2005, authorizing the establishment of the new entity under a supplemental charter.[9] The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) officially came into existence on March 31, 2006, through the amalgamation of the IEE and IIE, forming a single chartered institution with a combined membership of over 150,000 professionals worldwide.[2] This merger marked a significant consolidation in the UK's engineering sector, integrating the IEE's focus on electrical and electronic engineering with the IIE's emphasis on incorporated engineering across multiple disciplines.[9] The primary rationale for the merger was to unify diverse engineering disciplines under one roof, fostering greater collaboration and influence in an era of rapid technological convergence, such as the integration of electronics, software, and systems engineering.[8] By combining resources, the IET aimed to better serve members' professional development needs, support employers in accessing skilled talent, and address broader societal challenges through enhanced advocacy and standards-setting.[10] In the immediate aftermath of the merger, the IET undertook key operational consolidations, including the centralization of its headquarters at Savoy Place in London—formerly the IEE's primary site—and integration of IIE operations from London sites.[2] These efforts streamlined administration and symbolized the institution's commitment to a cohesive identity, enabling early initiatives in global outreach and professional accreditation.[9]Predecessor Institutions
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) traces its origins to the Society of Telegraph Engineers, founded on 17 May 1871 by Major Frank Bolton in London to address the growing needs of professionals in the burgeoning field of telegraphy and electrical communication.[2] This society quickly expanded its scope to encompass broader electrical technologies, leading to a rename on 22 December 1880 to the Society of Telegraph Engineers and of Electricians, reflecting advancements in electric lighting and power systems.[2] By 1 January 1889, it adopted its enduring name, the Institution of Electrical Engineers, under the presidency of figures like Charles William Siemens, who served as the first president of the original society in 1871 and championed early electrical innovations.[2][11] The IEE played a pivotal role in establishing early electrical standards, notably publishing the first edition of what became the Wiring Regulations in 1882 to mitigate fire risks from electrical installations, a document that evolved into the influential BS 7671 standard.[2] Over the decades, the IEE grew through strategic mergers, incorporating the Institution of Electronic and Radio Engineers in 1988 to integrate expertise in radio and electronics, and the Institution of Manufacturing Engineers in 1991 to broaden its manufacturing focus.[2] These unions enhanced the IEE's influence in professional development and technical standardization across electrical and related engineering disciplines. The Institution of Manufacturing Engineers (IMfgE), originally established as the Institution of Production Engineers on 26 February 1921, concentrated on advancing production engineering practices, including factory management techniques and knowledge exchange among manufacturers and engineers.[12] Incorporated by royal charter in 1931 and granted armorial bearings in 1937, it reached a peak membership of over 17,000 by 1969, underscoring its prominence in post-war industrial expansion.[12] In 1991, shortly before its merger with the IEE, it was renamed the Institution of Manufacturing Engineers to better align with evolving global manufacturing paradigms.[12] The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) originated from the Vulcanic Society, formed in 1884 by apprentices and junior engineers seeking recognition for practical skills in mechanical and related fields, later renamed the Junior Institution of Engineers in 1902.[13] It was formalized as the IIE in April 1998 through the merger of the Institution of Mechanical Incorporated Engineers, the Institution of Electronics and Electrical Incorporated Engineers, and the Institute of Engineers and Technicians, creating a multidisciplinary body with approximately 40,000 members at its peak.[13] The IIE emphasized practical engineering education, prioritizing apprenticeship-based routes and higher national certificates over purely academic degrees, as advocated by leaders like Alan Gingell, who in 1987 pushed for the "Incorporated Engineer" title to highlight competence in applied technology.[14] This focus supported technician engineers and hands-on professionals, distinguishing it from more theoretically oriented institutions.Governance
Presidents
The presidents of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) are elected annually by the membership from a slate of candidates, typically advancing through the roles of vice president and deputy president as part of the governance structure overseen by the Board of Trustees.[15] This one-year term allows presidents to lead with fresh perspectives while ensuring continuity in the institution's direction. The role involves guiding the IET's strategic priorities, such as advancing engineering standards and innovation; engaging in public advocacy to promote the profession's societal value; and representing the organization internationally through partnerships and events.[16] Since the IET's formation in March 2006 through the merger of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE), a sequence of distinguished engineers and technologists has served as president, each bringing expertise from diverse fields like electronics, energy, and AI. The transitional year featured two presidents to bridge the predecessor institutions. Subsequent presidents have emphasized themes ranging from technological integration to sustainability and professional development. The full chronological list, maintained in the IET Archives, includes their qualifications and terms.[17]| Year | President | Background and Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Sir John Chisholm MA FREng | Former IEE president; focused on merger integration and engineering policy during transition.[17] |
| 2006 | Sir Robin Saxby BEng FREng | Semiconductor pioneer and first full IET president; advocated for innovation in electronics and global collaboration.[17] |
| 2007 | John Neil Loughhead BSc(Eng) MSc DIC FCGI | Energy systems expert; advanced sustainable technologies and research policy.[17] |
| 2008 | Christopher Martin Earnshaw FREng BSc | Communications engineer; emphasized connected technologies in his presidential address on "Connected Lives."[17] |
| 2009 | Christopher Maxwell Snowden FREng DSc | Microwave engineering specialist; promoted interdisciplinary research and education.[17] |
| 2016 | Jeremy Daniel McK Watson CBE FREng | Power systems leader; highlighted energy resilience and infrastructure.[17] |
| 2017 | Nicholas Paul Winser CBE FREng BSc | Energy executive; focused on net-zero transitions and policy advocacy.[17] |
| 2018 | Michael Douglas Carr OBE FREng BSc(Eng) HonDTech | Automotive and rail engineer; advanced safety standards and diversity initiatives.[17] |
| 2021 | Air Marshal Sir Julian A Young KBE CB FREng | Aerospace and defense leader; stressed engineering in national security and international relations.[17] |
| 2022 | Robert Anthony Cryan CBE DL FREng DSc | University vice-chancellor and engineer; promoted engineering education and skills development.[17] |
| 2023–2024 | Gopichand Katragadda BE MS PhD | AI innovator and founder of Myelin Foundry; the first Indian-origin president, he focused on sustainability through AI applications in industry and environment, including roadshows on ethical tech deployment.[18][19] |
| 2024–2025 | Sir Warren East KBE CBE FREng FRS MA MBA CEng FIET | Former CEO of ARM and Rolls-Royce; knighted in 2025 for services to the economy and net-zero, his term addressed aligning engineering with economics for resilient futures, including climate and healthcare challenges.[20][21] |
| 2025–2026 | Dawn Ohlson MEng CEng FIET | Systems engineer and former Engineering Director at Thales Avionics UK; her address highlights the impacts of engineering volunteering on professional growth and societal contributions.[22][23] |