NEWS 10 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS October 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk AI technology leader to take over as IET President Artificial Intelligence expert Dr. Gopichand Katragadda has been appointed as the 142nd President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). He will be the first Indian in the history of the IET to assume this role, including the first Indian to assume the presidency of a global engineering body. A seasoned technologist and executive leader, Dr. Gopichand is the Founder of Myelin Foundry – an AI company with a vision to transform human experiences and industry outcomes. He is also an Independent Director of Bosch India Limited and ICICI Securities and a member of the NASSCOM governing council for the Centre of Excellence for Data Science and AI. He took office on the 1 October 2023, taking over from Professor Bob Cryan CBE, Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Huddersfield. Past IET Presidents to lead the global engineering institution include a range of prominent leaders in the industry, such as Sir Robin Saxby, Founder and Ex-CEO, ARM Holdings and Naomi Climer CBE, former Vice-President of Sony Professional Solutions Europe and coFounder and co-Chair of the Institute of Work. Dr. Gopichand said: “I’m deeply honoured and excited to take on the role of the IET’s 142nd President. The role is a natural continuum to my volunteering for the IET and I am looking forward to working with the trustees to give advice and support as the IET ramps up its digitalisation strategy.” With his upcoming President’s Address focusing on the role Engineers have with AI, he continued: “We are at a point in time for AI similar to what the early 1990s were to the internet. Everything around us will be reinvented and engineers can lead the way in delivering a resilient future by embracing innovation and technical advancements and dispelling myths about AI. Engineers must also lead the way in understanding AI’s positive and negative impacts and work with policymakers to define guardrails and frameworks for Ethical data and Ethical AI.” In his presidential year, Dr. Gopichand will work closely with the IET to shape the organisation’s directives and strategise the advancement of engineering and technology in society. He will represent the IET at various events and conferences, advocating for its interests in society. Dr Gopichand will also play a pivotal role in supporting the continuous professional development of IET members and participate in initiatives aimed at advancing innovation and research in the engineering community, especially in the AI space. Dr. Gopichand’s inaugural address, ‘Engineers and AI: The key to delivering a resilient future’, will take place on Tuesday 21 November at 18:30 GMT at IET London: Savoy Place and will broadcast live via the IET’s YouTube channel. In his address, Dr Gopichand will explore the themes of AI as a transformative force critical in achieving a sustainable and progressive future. EngineeringUK launches new 5-year strategy to enable engineering and technology to thrive Not-for-profit EngineeringUK has announced it’s entering a new strategy period – which will set the direction of the organisation over the next 5 years. With a core purpose of driving change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers, EngineeringUK’s refreshed vision is for the UK to have the diverse workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive and to drive economic prosperity, improve sustainability and achieve net zero. Engineering and tech are critically important for the UK, with huge opportunities and responsibilities over the coming years, but the sector continues to face significant workforce challenges. Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, explained: “For engineering and technology to really thrive, we urgently need more people and more diversity in our workforce. Our new strategy provides us, and importantly all of our partners, with a renewed focus on what we’re trying to achieve, and clarity on how we’re going to get there. “We’re determined to achieve our mission of enabling more young people from all backgrounds to be inspired, informed and progress into engineering and technology. But this will only be possible by working in partnership - we all have a part to play in this.” Dr Alice Bunn, Chief Executive of the Institution for Mechanical Engineers and EngineeringUK Trustee, added: “Engineering is an exciting, rewarding career and engineers have a key role in solving many of the complex global challenges we face today. We need to encourage many more young people into the profession, and it is vitally important we work together to drive change and ensure that young people have the right skills to make a difference. EngineeringUK’s new strategy will engage more young people with engineering and technology, helping to inspire a new generation of innovators.”
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