COMMUNICATIONS BRIEFING: August 2019

INSTITUTION IN THE NEWS

Head of Engineering Jenifer Baxter was interviewed on a Channel 5 documentary, Eaten By An Escalator, which tracked down survivors of some of the world's most shocking - and deadliest - escalator accidents. Ninety billion escalator journeys take place every year and Jen discussed the potential dangers and inner workings of escalators. Her comments on the programme were also picked up in a story in the Sun about escalator accidents. You can read it here - https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9682733/escalator-horror-stories-swallowed-alive/

August was an important month in Scottish engineering history – 25 August 2019 was the 200^th anniversary of the death of engineering genius James Watt. This year is also the 250^th anniversary of James Watt filing the patent for his invention of a separate steam condenser which revolutionised steam engine technology and kick-started the Industrial Revolution.

The Institution awarded two Engineering Heritage Awards in August to two machines linked to James Watt – the first was on 19 August to the Newcomen model steam engine, which inspired his invention, and is in Glasgow University’s Hunterian Museum. On the date of the anniversary itself, the Boulton & Watt engine which is looked after by the Dundee Heritage Trust received an award to recognise its importance as the only surviving Watt engine to have worked in Scotland and to remain close to its original workplace.

Here are pictures of the award (Newcomen model on the left and Boulton & Watt engine on the right) and some of the press coverage of the awards:

http://www.dpaonthenet.net/article/172431/
Steam-engine-which-inspired-James-Watt-receives-Engineering-Heritage-Award.aspx

http://www.machinery-market.co.uk/news/24724/Steam-engine-receives-heritage-award

The Institution issued a press release in response to the news the Government had ordered a review of the HS2 railway project. In her comment, Jenifer Baxter said that the Institution supports the project but welcomes the review as an opportunity to look at how the delivery of major rail infrastructure can be improved.

https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/87441/uk-government-to-launch-independent-and-rigorous-hs2-review/

https://www.pesmedia.com/hs2-review-institution-of-mechanical-engineers/