On Friday 16th September, Institution President, Professor Roderick Smith, went on a visit to East Anglia, accompanied by the chair of the Eastern region, Richard Folkson. He started his tour at the University of Hertford's (UOH) Digital Technology, Telecommunications & Electronic Engineering Laboratories, before visiting the Formula Student laboratory and the Cruden simulator and workshops and flight simulators.
Vice Chancellor, Quintin McKellar, welcomed the party on arrival before taking them to see the facilities available to students on UOH’s mechanical engineering courses and introducing them to members of their Formula Student team. The UH Racing team was recently announced as the top UK team, placed third overall at the UK race day at Silverstone in July, which is the highest placing ever for a UK university, and came seventh in Formula Student Germany (FSG).
After the tour of the university’s facilities, there was a general discussion on the educational issues that engineering is facing, and how the university can engage with the Institution going forward for science, engineering and technology. This was followed by a brief talk from Professor Sotudeh, Head of School of Engineering and Technology, and a lunch with staff and placement students.
Following on from the UOH visit, the tour moved on to the Millbrook Proving Ground, which is one of Europe's leading locations for the development and demonstration of every type of land vehicle. Rod was delighted to present certificates to several new members at the grounds and to welcome them into the Institution, he said: “I am delighted to congratulate you all and welcome you to our great Institution and hope your lifelong membership will be both as enjoyable and fruitful as mine has been.”
The day’s activities ended with the Eastern Regional Dinner, which was held at Cambridge University’s Jesus College Porter’s Lodge. The after dinner speaker was Mr Adrian Miller, Assistant Principal & Director of Engineering Specialism, Samuel Whitbread Community College. The theme of his talk ‘Engineering – the catalyst for innovation and creativity’ focused on the importance of engineering in shaping the young people of the future and providing them with the skills needed to move on into employment.
Find out more about the UH Racing team : www.racing.herts.ac.uk
Find out more about Formula Student : www.imeche.org/formula-student