News
Archive of: 2026
Strathclyde researchers demonstrate 100kW fully superconducting aviation motor
29 June 2026
Researchers at a Scottish university have demonstrated a 100kW fully superconducting aviation motor that could help pave the way for an electric aircraft.
Cornish Tin & Lithium finds new critical minerals supplies
27 June 2026
It has announced a major lithium field extension and new tin discovery in Tregonning, Cornwall, UK.
Gravitational wave detectors can now ‘autotune’ signals to harmonise the heavens
25 June 2026
Gravitational wave researchers working on the world’s most sensitive scientific instruments have found a way to tune their detectors using a process akin to the pitch-correction used in music production.
Government urged to move faster on digitalisation of electricity system or face serious risks
23 June 2026
National Engineering Policy Centre report warns that we do not have the coordination and oversight needed to deliver effective digitalisation of the electricity system.
Astrophysicists strike black gold with treasure trove of gravitational wave detections
22 June 2026
Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s Institute for Gravitational Research are celebrating the publication of a vast new treasure trove of gravitational wave detections, hailed as a milestone marking the coming of age of gravitational astronomy.
New framework could turn mining waste into low carbon building material
20 June 2026
Researchers have developed a new framework that could help transform one of the world’s largest waste streams into a valuable resource for the construction industry.
Mine tailings, the leftover material from mining, are produced in vast quantities every year and are typically stored in large facilities with limited long-term use.
Funding for UK geothermal and lithium production and battery recycling
19 June 2026
Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL) announces bank backing of £10mln, while battery consortium secures government funding.
Vector Photonics celebrates milestone demonstration of its laser technology
17 June 2026
A champion spin-out company from the University of Glasgow has successfully demonstrated leading-edge laser technology outside the laboratory for the first time.
Vector Photonics, which is pioneering the use of photonic crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSEL) in secure communications, successfully transmitted data across the River Clyde from the Glasgow Science Centre to the Clydeside Distillery, using a system designed and built by Fraunhofer UK.
Ultra-high temperature materials pilot brings hypersonic and nuclear capabilities to UK
16 June 2026
The UK has taken a significant step towards reducing its reliance on overseas suppliers for ceramic matrix composites (CMC) – advanced materials expected to play a key role in future defence systems, hypersonic flight (speeds exceeding Mach 5) and nuclear power.
Congratulations to Professor Sir Jim McDonald!
15 June 2026
All at IES were thrilled to hear of IES Honorary Fellow, Professor Sir Jim McDonald's recent elevation to the Order of the Thistle, the highest chivalric honour associated with Scotland.
It is wonderful to see such an accolade being awarded to such a prominent member of the Scottish engineering field and an inductee of our Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame.
We believe that Sir Jim is the first Engineer to have been given such an honour.
NMIS and Renewable Parts strengthen collaboration through senior engineering appointment
14 June 2026
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has announced that its Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Remi Zante, will undertake a long-term secondment with Renewable Parts in the role of Chief Engineer, supporting the company’s continued growth through parts remanufacture.
UK Infinity Fusion Consortium launches
12 June 2026
Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy and AECOM collectively pursue the first private-sector-led fusion power plant in the UK.
