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.
Have you thought about joining?
Have a look at our 2025-2026 programme!
IES Events
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IES - Shaky Foundations: The Fragility of Cybersecurity in the Modern Age
10th March 2026 6:30 pm -
IES - AGM and presentation by FemEng
7th April 2026 6:30 pm
Other Institutions’ Events
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IChemE - Keeping The Lights On - How to Deal with Wind and Solar Energy Intermittency
4th March 2026 12:00 pm -
AFBE - Fireside Chat With An Exemplary Leader: GIVE TO GAIN
4th March 2026 6:00 pm
Opinion
Glasgow's famous Tall Ship waves a temporary goodbye to her masts for the first time in three decades
14 January 2026
UNIVERSALLY known in Glasgow as The Tall Ship Glenlee, its distinctive masts are a familiar and much-loved sight, reminding people of the time when the River Clyde was bustling with traffic on its water.
Now, this week, for the first time in 30 years, the floating museum’s famous masts are being removed for essential conservation work.
Two of her three masts will travel south of the border, bound for a specialist workshop in Maldon, Essex.
Featured Event
10th March 2026 6:30 pm
IES - Shaky Foundations: The Fragility of Cybersecurity in the Modern Age
In an era where cyber-attacks are growing in sophistication, why does IT security still seem so fragile?
This talk will explore cybersecurity weaknesses in modern systems and through real-world examples, demonstrate how…
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UK Government urged to step up maintenance to safeguard ageing infrastructure
25 February 2026 -
‘Disappointing doesn’t come close’: UK rocket firm Orbex enters administration before making first launch
24 February 2026 -
Scottish pupil’s invention to assist individuals with learning difficulties awarded Bronze Medal in London
21 February 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.
