Representatives of more than 15 student branches of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have gathered at the University of Birmingham to plan the future of the prestigious association in the UK and Ireland.
The student arm of the IEEE is the largest student body in the field of electro and information technologies, with nearly 2,000 branches in 80 countries. The UK and Ireland section has a vibrant community of over 2,000 members and its recent activities and experiences were shared at the 8th Student Branch Chair Meeting held in Birmingham on Friday 12 September
Located in the heart of British power industry, the University of Birmingham continues to be an active participant in the IEEE community and plans to contribute further as it pledges to become one of the first ‘activity hubs’ in the UK and Ireland section. As an activity hub, the University will provide a permanent contact point and meeting venue for nearby groups, facilitating greater networking opportunities and knowledge transfer amongst student participants.
The 8th Student Branch Chair Meeting also featured lively talks from experts in the field of electronics and electrical engineering, including Professor Xin Yao, Professor of Computer Science and Dr Costas Constantinou, Director of Research of the School of Electronic, Electrical and System Engineering – both from the University of Birmingham.
Flavia Dinca from the University of Southampton introduced participants to the IEEE Young Professional Program (formerly known as GOLD) which gives newly qualified members the chance to evaluate their career goals, polish their professional image and create the building blocks of a lifelong and diverse professional network. Teresa Schofield, former Women in Engineering Chair for the IEEE UK and Ireland section discussed the Women in Engineering Affinity Group and how women in technical disciplines can achieve their ambitions in the workplace.
The IEEE University of Birmingham Student Branch was established in November 2013 with the approval of the IEEE, becoming the first branch of its kind in the Midlands. Suyang Zhou, a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, is the founding Chair and Professor Xiao-Ping Zhang, Professor of Electrical Power Systems, University of Birmingham, is the Student Branch Counsellor.
Speaking at the Chair Meeting, Professor Xiao-Ping Zhang said:
‘IEEE is considered to be the world's largest global technical organisation and its Student Branches provide an opportunity for learner members to begin networking in their areas of interest and future profession.
‘In partnership with the IEEE, the IEEE University of Birmingham Student Branch, which is the first of its kind amongst Midlands’ universities, will provide fantastic opportunities to our students through special projects, activities, meetings, tours and field trips. The student branch activities will also enhance our national and international profile.’
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world's largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community through IEEE's highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. More information can be found here.
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