The IET celebrates its 150th anniversary

As one of the world’s oldest professional engineering institutions, the IET drives the sector across the globe to deliver solutions to advance all areas of society. Its heritage however is firmly rooted in electrical engineering and the foundation of the Society of Telegraph Engineers, which held its first meeting in London back in May 1871.

The Institution is made up from over forty predecessor organisations that can trace their history as far back as 1854 with the Society of Engineers (SoE). In 2005, the SoE was absorbed into the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) and then later in 2006 the IIE merged with the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) to form the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Today, the IET is uniquely placed to inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community and its impact to society. Through its extensive professional networks, the IET provides independent and impartial advice to help shape future policy, grow industry standards and professionalism, as well as promote the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) to younger audiences, helping to develop the next pipeline of talent and show the diverse and creative nature of jobs in the field.

Professor Danielle George MBE, the IET’s 139th President, said: “Although the world has changed since our foundation in the 1800s, one thing that still connects us with our history is that engineers continue to solve many of the challenges facing communities across the globe - making an ongoing difference to the world around us.

“Engineers throughout the ages have shaped the way we live today, from innovators and forward-thinkers to influencers you wouldn’t typically think of. Our profession is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, and we’re proud to play a pivotal role in uniting forces from across the industry to engineer a better world, together.”

During its 150th anniversary year, the IET is sharing the magic of STEM with the wider society and highlighting how truly crucial it is to the world around us. It is also using this year to engage and inspire young people so that engineering and technology are seen as a force for good and key to solving many of the biggest challenges facing our world.