IES is a multi-disciplinary engineering body, founded in Scotland in 1857, that provides a forum in which individuals from all engineering and related disciplines can discuss and exchange information, generate ideas and encourage young engineers. IES works with kindred bodies to promote a wider understanding of the role of the professional engineer in society.
James Watt Dinner 2026 - there's still time to buy tickets.
Just launched - our 2026-2027 programme!
Tonight - The Presidential Address!
IES Events
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IES - Biomedical Engineering:- Digital Integration of Medical Diagnostics into Connected Healthcare
20th October 2026 6:30 pm -
IES - The Rankine Memorial Lecture - Joint lecture with IMechE - The Challenges and Opportunites at Scotrail Engineering
10th November 2026 6:30 pm
Other Institutions’ Events
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Special Events David Elder Lecture - Prof Catherine Heymans
23rd September 2026 7:00 pm -
IStructE - Engineering above the tracks
24th September 2026 2:00 pm
Opinion
Nuclear production lines: How will SMR factories work?
23 July 2026
The case for small modular reactors (SMRs) is compelling. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants that take years – or even decades – to build, SMRs will largely be made inside factories. Identical reactors will roll off the production line, ready to be shipped to site, fixed together and switched on. Once the production line is up and running, the companies selling SMRs will – in theory – be able to predictably churn out multiple units a year.
Featured Event
20th October 2026 6:30 pm
IES - Biomedical Engineering:- Digital Integration of Medical Diagnostics into Connected Healthcare
Prof Cooper and his team are developing new digital health platforms that combine rapid, low-cost diagnostic testing with blockchain-secured communication, deep-learning analytics, and AI-driven diagnostic decision support or after…
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Mary Doll Returns to the Bow as Glenlee Restoration Reaches New Milestone
22 September 2026 -
Funding boost for trio of net zero projects
20 September 2026 -
Research could guide the future design of social robots
18 September 2026
Publication of the Month
Great ships, solitary waves, and solitons
John Mellis
John Scott Russell was one of the foremost naval architects of his time. Born near Glasgow in 1808, he became a noted and popular lecturer, before moving away from academia to focus on industrial engineering. Among his many achievements, two stand out. First, the design and construction of the SS Great Eastern in collaboration with Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Second, the discovery and study of a strange wave phenomenon he acutely observed on the Union Canal near Edinburgh. Scott Russell’s ‘Wave of Translation’, now known as Solitary Waves or solitons, turned out to have significance and application in many fields, including optical telecommunications.
