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.
Just announced - James Watt Dinner 2026 details!
Our 2026-2027 programme will be launched soon!
IES Events
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James Watt Dinner 2026!
2nd October 2026 6:15 pm
Other Institutions’ Events
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IStructE - Architectural innovation through base isolation and exposed concrete
25th August 2026 6:00 pm -
IStructE - Architectural innovation through base isolation and exposed concrete
25th August 2026 6:00 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
4th September 2026 4:00 pm
The International Ayr Show Festival of Flight
The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight will return to Ayr shorefront on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September 2026. The festival will be held at the Low Green, Ayr and will feature impressive and daring flying…
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Scottish Engineering - What the New Data Protection Complaints Regime Means for Employers
19 August 2026 -
Self-levelling railway sleepers could cut disruption and maintenance costs
18 August 2026 -
Rapid DNA sequencing breakthrough enabling treatment in hours wins top UK innovation prize
16 August 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.
