IET Lancashire and Cumbria Events

Upcoming events - reserve your place now!

In-Person

The Rise and Rise of the Cameraphone

More and more photographs are taken each year yet the vast majority of those are snapped using a smartphone and not a traditional dedicated camera. It is amazing how the camera has become such an essential feature of the mobile phone.
Speaker:
Professor Emeritus Nigel Linge
Date/Time:
Thursday 8th October 2026 @ 6:30 PM
Location:
Engineering Inovation Centre - University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2XS
Hosted By:
IET Lancashire and Cumbria
In-Person

The Mosquito Reconstruction

Mosquitos were an essential part of Britain's Air Force in WW2 but, being made of wood, none had survived. This project was to build a new one and regain its 'Airworthiness Certificate'
Speaker:
Ross Sharp
Date/Time:
Wednesday 14th October 2026 @ 7:30 PM
Location:
Town Hall, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1HH
Hosted By:
IET Lancashire and Cumbria
In-Person

Bellringing

The talk will include a brief history of English Bell ringing with a particular emphasis on its development at the time of the Reformation, We will use explanation, a few practical activities, pictures, very short films, stories, artifacts, models, diagrams and discussion etc
Speaker:
Adrian Page
Date/Time:
Thursday 15th October 2026 @ 11:00 AM
Location:
Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green, PR4 2PR
Hosted By:
IET Lancashire and Cumbria
In-Person

The Edwardian Steamboat: SL Shamrock - Messing about in boats or Working under pressure?

The Edwardian Gentleman's Launch was the Rolls Royce of steamboat luxury. This is the story of the SL Shamrock, where she came from and where she is now, and the issues of restoring, maintaining and operating her. We also follow the various propulsion systems she has had over the years.
Speaker:
Roger Calvert
Date/Time:
Thursday 15th October 2026 @ 7:15 PM
Location:
Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, LA9 6RG
Hosted By:
IET Lancashire and Cumbria
In-Person

Sustainable Manufacturing, Ethics and Challenges for a Circular Economy

Sustainability is often associated with reducing carbon emissions and adopting circular economy principles, but true sustainability extends far beyond environmental performance. This talk explores the ethical challenges that underpin modern manufacturing and global supply chains, including resource depletion, waste generation, child and forced labour, critical minerals, fast fashion, food waste, and end-of-life product management. Through real-world case studies, the presentation examines the difficult balance between profitability, environmental responsibility, and social justice, while discussing how engineers, manufacturers, researchers, policymakers and consumers can contribute to a more transparent, ethical and truly circular economy. The session aims to encourage reflection on the responsibilities of engineering in shaping a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
Speaker:
Dr. Ashwath Pazhani
Date/Time:
Thursday 22nd October 2026 @ 7:30 PM
Location:
Town Hall, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1HH
Hosted By:
IET Lancashire and Cumbria
In-Person

Wings Over Windermere - A Story of Two Seaplanes at Windermere

This illustrated talk will detail the technical development of the Waterbird 'hydro-aeroplane' which first flew at Windermere in 1911 and of the replica which first flew at Windermere in 2022.
Speaker:
Ian Gee
Date/Time:
Thursday 3rd December 2026 @ 11:00 AM
Location:
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa, Grange-over-Sands
Hosted By:
IET Lancashire and Cumbria

Recommended events from around The IET

Online

Where Digital Meets Nuclear: Leading Transformational Change

Discover how digital transformation drives change in asset-intensive organisations, combining technology, expertise, collaboration and effective change management to deliver safe, compliant outcomes.
Speaker:
Amy Geir
Date/Time:
Wednesday 28th October 2026 @ 12:00 PM
Venue:
Online via Zoom
Hosted By:
Nuclear Engineering TN
Online

Automation & the Future of Manufacturing: A 25-Year Outlook

As automation technologies evolve at breakneck speed, the manufacturing sector stands on the brink of a transformative era. This forward-looking webinar explores how robotics, AI, machine learning, and smart systems will reshape manufacturing over the next quarter-century from factory floors to global supply chains.
Speaker:
Various
Date/Time:
Wednesday 30th September 2026 @ 12:30 PM Local time (BST/CET/ UTC +1 hours)
Venue:
Online via Zoom
Hosted By:
Manufacturing TN
In-Person

The Rise of Intelligent Construction: Robotics, AI and Digital Twins

Construction is transforming through robotics, automation, AI, Digital Twins and real-time data. Traditional methods are being enhanced or replaced by intelligent systems that monitor and optimise activity. This event outlines how robotic inspection, e.g. the Boston Dynamics Robotic Dog, drones, 3D laser scanning, VR/AR and BIM-linked Digital Twins enable safer, faster, data-driven delivery, predictive maintenance, risk reduction and decision-making. It addresses challenges such as cost, interoperability and skills, and the move towards autonomous, smart construction ecosystems.
Speaker:
Dr Layth Kraidi
Date/Time:
Wednesday 4th November 2026 @ 6:00 PM Local time (BST/CET/ UTC +1 hours)
Location:
Liverpool John Moores University - James Parsons Building, Liverpool, L3 3AF
Hosted By:
IET Mersey and Western Cheshire
In-Person

MTC - The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Liverpool

This technical Visit to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Liverpool provides an opportunity to explore how advanced manufacturing technologies are driving innovation and competitiveness in UK industry. MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and works with manufacturers, universities and industry partners to develop cutting-edge solutions. Attendees will learn about MTC's capabilities in automation and robotics, additive manufacturing, digital manufacturing, materials engineering, simulation and industrial transformation. Expert presentations will highlight current projects, emerging technologies and their practical application in modern manufacturing. The visit will also showcase the Digital Manufacturing Accelerator (DMA), a £45m facility that enables businesses to test and adopt new digital and automation technologies. The event includes technical discussion and networking opportunities with MTC specialists and fellow engineering professionals.
Speaker:
Simon Montgomery
Date/Time:
Wednesday 25th November 2026 @ 2:00 PM
Location:
ic1 Liverpool Science Park, Liverpool, L3 5TF
Hosted By:
IET Mersey and Western Cheshire