EngFest introduces schools to modern engineering Over 800 students and their teachers got a taste of modern engineering at our third EngFest event at IET London: Savoy Place in April. The event gave secondary school children an insight into the projects and technologies that engineers are working on, which have the potential to change our lives. There were talks from leading engineers and technologists, exhibits – such as HYPED’s Hyperloop prototype – and hands- on workshops from The Royal Navy, Bloodhound, Transport for London, IBM, Cyber First, Glasgow Science Centre and RS Components. Two streams catered for different age groups. EngVentures opened 11-15 year olds’ eyes to the breadth of engineering, covering topics such as how to harness the power of a man-made sun, the astounding facts and figures behind CrossRail – Europe’s largest infrastructure project, and how to engineer the perfect gaming experience. Fast Forward, for those aged 16-18, shared specific technologies that have the potential to improve people’s lives and invited students to consider how they could play a part. Talks included how swarm robotics are revolutionising medicine, will we ever get to Mars and whether the Hyperloop is the latest mode of transport. “Everything was so well- organised, or shall I say well- engineered!” said one teacher who attended. Our students enjoyed the day and I have never been to a better similar event.” More information on EngFest is available at engfest.org. You can also watch talks from the day at tv.theiet.org/?event=4757 Engineer a Better World 2019 goes to space The IET’s flagship campaign aimed at engaging youngsters and their biggest influencers has launched for another year – this time with a mission to Mars. Inspiring future engineers Member News July 2019 Secondary school students at the IET’s EngFest, IET London: Savoy Place New space-themed competition To drive intrigue in engineering and technology careers, we’ve launched a new competition for 6-13 year-olds with iconic comic, Beano. It invites young people to adapt and engineer an everyday product that they love to make it suitable for life on Mars, should they one day live there. We will then put the winner’s product to the ultimate test, by making a prototype and sending it to the edge of space. The winner will get to attend the launch and even get turned into a comic book character for an upcoming issue of Beano! Our Engineer a Better World campaign will build upon the success of the Faraday and FIRST® LEGO® League 18/19 seasons which focused on space- themed challenges (see page 29). Not only will it complement our work in the aerospace sector; it will open up young people’s minds to the world of space exploration. Research to kick off the campaign showed that young people are excited by the possibilities of exploring and visiting other planets, with nearly half of 6-16 year-olds saying that they believe a human colony will be established on Mars in their lifetime. The research also uncovered young people’s concerns around environmental impacts on Earth, the contribution of engineering to space exploration and how STEM subject interest is improving year on year. To find out more about our Engineer a Better World campaign, including how to enter the competition, please visit engineer-a-better-world.org Competition closes on Wednesday, 3 July, 23.59pm BST 28