Vol 21 No 3 September 2018

r8news.ieeer8.org Published quarterly and distributed to more than 70,000 IEEE members across Region 8 Going mad for Porto: SYP Congress, p13 It’s election time: R8 Director, IEEE President IN THIS ISSUE Region news...... 1–9 ELECTIONS to appoint our IEEE Region received their election materials by post 8 Director for 2021-22, as well as global and/or email. elections for the future IEEE President, If you haven’t yet voted, take a few Board of Directors and Divisional repre- minutes to read the candidates’ official sentatives, are already under way as you statements and visit their websites. The read this. Polling began on 15 August and Director makes a huge impact on how IEEE contacts...... 2 will remain open throughout September. Region 8 is run and how it is seen exter- Two candidates are standing for the Antonio Luque Rafal Sliz nally by the engineering profession and REG-8’s prize draw...... 6 position of Region 8 Director: Rafal Sliz the public at large, as well as representing (sliz.online) of Finland Section and An- current incumbent Margaretha Eriksson the Region’s interests at global IEEE level. tonio Luque (antonioluque.org) from next year. Choosing the next Region 8 Director re- Spain. The winner of this election will All IEEE members within any Region ally matters, so don’t miss your oppor- hold the post of Region 8 Director-elect 8 Section (that is, within Europe, Mid- tunity to vote. for the next two years 2019-20, during dle East and Africa) whose membership Also taking place is the annual elec- Section and which our Director will be Magdalena subscription was active on 30 June are tion for the next IEEE President, chosen Chapter news...... 10–13 Salazar-Palma, who takes over from the eligible to vote, and should already have ...continued on page 3

YP news...... 13–14

Student news...... 15–16

Africa Council secures approval and gets down to work in Tunis

THE inaugural meeting of IEEE Af- Section chair, for making all the ar- ments and listed Algeria, Ghana, rica Council was held in Tunis at the rangements for a very successful In- Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Ramada Plaza Hotel on 29 June. In novation Summit the previous day. Africa, Tunisia and Zambia as foun- What are your plans her opening remarks Region 8 IEEE President Jim Jefferies af- dation members of the Council. She Director Margaretha Eriksson ex- firmed his support for the Council thanked Section chairs who had for IEEE Day 2018? pressed happiness that the proposal and presented IEEE’s Strategy for signed the petition for the Council to establish an Africa Council had Africa 2017-2019. The three strategy for their commitment and also her been approved by IEEE’s Member goals are to support engineering ed- gratitude to Vincent Kaabunga, chair TO mark IEEE’s origins and celebrate its worldwide and Geographic Activities (MGA) ucation, build a sustainable commu- of Region 8’s ad-hoc Committee on membership, IEEE Day is held on the first Tuesday Board. She said that this would be nity of IEEE members and support Activities in Africa, Kathleen Weeks every October. It was in this month, back in 1884, an opportunity for African Sections government policy development. and all IEEE staff who assisted with that the newly formed American Institute of Electrical and Sub-Sections to achieve more, He enumerated the achievements documentation. Engineers (AIEE) came together in Philadelphia, USA, working together. in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda A series of highly informative for its first technical meeting. Almost 80 years later, Ms Eriksson advised Council and Zambia – the five countries in presentations on Section activities AIEE merged with the Institute of Radio Engineers, to take ownership by leveraging the present scope. and challenges were delivered by adopting the name IEEE. on many IEEE opportunities to ad- Gloria Chukwudebe, IEEE Africa the Section and Sub-Section chairs This year’s IEEE Day is on 2 October. Its recurrent vance technology in Africa. She also Area chair, presented an overview of who were attending the meeting. theme, however, is resolutely forward-looking: ‘Lev- thanked Habib Kammoun, Tunisia the Area activities and accomplish- ...continued on page 3 ...continued on page 3 comment If no-one else is doing it, Vol 21 No 3 it’s time to do it yourself September 2018 IEEE Region 8 News is published quarterly by the Region 8 Committee of the IEEE, and “WHY do you never write about us?” This is a frequent distributed free with IEEE Spectrum to more than 70,000 IEEE members. This edition and question thrown my way as I rub shoulders with fel- back issues can be read online and downloaded from the Region 8 website. Opinions low members at IEEE events. Everyone appears to be expressed in IEEE Region 8 News are the authors’ own and do not necessarily represent baffled at how to ensure their Section, Chapter, Affin- the policies of their employers or IEEE Board or Region 8 Committee. ity Group, Student Branch, special-interest commit- IEEE Region 8 Delivery problems? tee, social event or IEEE-sponsored conference enjoys website Please notify all problems regarding membership, publications delivery adequate coverage in member-focused newsletters ieeer8.org and change of address directly to IEEE member services. See website www.ieee.org and email [email protected]. such as IEEE Region 8 News. IEEE Region 8 News I confess to doing this myself with respect to other Extra copies? download page If you would like extra copies of IEEE Region 8 News for distribution at IEEE publications, grumbling away that they all seem r8news.ieeer8.org your IEEE events, please email a request to [email protected] before the to be overly US-centric. Reading some of them, any- deadlines below, specifying quantity and delivery address. Please type Send us your news ‘R8 News Extra Copies’ in your email subject line. one might assume that IEEE was a uniquely American and articles institute, given that vast geographical units with huge [email protected] Submitting articles We welcome news, event reports, articles and letters from any member of memberships such as Region 8 receive scant recog- Editors IEEE. You can email these to the editor at [email protected], either putting nition in IEEE’s various magazines and newsletters. Alistair Dabbs your text directly in the body of the email or in an attached document, It’s an easy question to answer: if they are not yet as you wish. We gratefully accept any photos or graphics accompanying [email protected] your articles but please make sure they are undoctored high-resolution writing about you, it’s because there are unaware of Bojan Nikolic image files. You can read our full guide to writing and submitting articles your activities. And it’s an easy problem to fix: tell [email protected] at https://goo.gl/hiiTpj them what you’re up to. There’s no need to wait for Printing & mailing Deadlines for upcoming issues local coverage to materialize by magic: instead, write Theresa Smith December 2018 issue...... deadline: 15 October 2018 it up yourself and send it in to the editors. I assure [email protected] March 2019 issue...... deadline: 15 January 2019 you they will be immensely grateful. I have long thought that every executive commit- REGION 8 OPERATING tee in IEEE should appoint a publicity officer who COMMITTEE OFFICERS deals with this kind of thing. But in fact anyone in 2017–2018 Region 8 can promote forthcoming events and Operating Committee (OpCom) Appointed Members publicise their success afterwards simply by writing Director Awards & Recognition Professional Activities about them and sharing your news – with us! Margaretha Eriksson (Sweden) Costas Stasopoulos (Cyprus) Jan Haase (Germany) Alistair Dabbs [email protected] awards.and.recognition.officer professional.activities.officer @ieeer8.org Director-elect @ieeer8.org Magdalena Salazar Palma (Spain) Chapters Region 8 News [email protected] Amara Amara (France) Alistair Dabbs and Bojan Nikolic (UK & Ireland) Past-director [email protected] [email protected] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Costas Stasopoulos (Cyprus) Conferences [email protected] Péter Nagy (Hungary) Sections Congress Coordinator Marko Delimar (Croatia) Secretary [email protected] sections.congress.coordinator Jan Verveckken (Benelux) Educational Activities @ieeer8.org Standing on (amorphous) [email protected] Sohaib Qamar Sheikh Standards Coordinator Treasurer (UK and Ireland) David Law (UK & Ireland) Ralph Kennel (Germany) educational.activities.officer standards.coordinator [email protected] @ieeer8.org shoulders of giants @ieeer8.org Vice-chair, Member Activities Action for Industry Student Representative Antonio Luque (Spain) Marios Antoniou (Cyprus) Ines Inacio (Benelux) I APPLAUD the recognition of the tion by the Glow Discharge meth- vc.member.activities action.for.industry.officer student.representative @ieeer8.org @ieeer8.org work at Dundee on the doping od which allowed significantly @ieeer8.org Vice-chair, Student Activities Membership Development of amorphous silicon to realise lower reaction temperatures ena- Young Professionals Efthymia Arvaniti (Austria) Andrejs Romanovs (Latvia) Sara Barros (Benelux) transistors (‘Milestone celebrates bling many new and subsequent vc.student.activities membership.development.officer young.professionals.officer @ieeer8.org @ieeer8.org the invention of TFT flat panel applications which are embedded @ieeer8.org Vice-chair, Technical Activities Ad-hoc Members displays at Dundee University’ in modern electronics. Christopher James IEEE Region 8 News Vol 21 No 2, The account of this work is (UK and Ireland) Electronic Communications Women in Engineering June 2018). chronicled on the IEEE History vc.technical.activities George Michael (Cyprus) Youmna El-Bitar (Lebanon) @ieeer8.org electronic.communications women.in.engineering.officer I would like to point out, how- website http://ethw.org/First- @ieeer8.org @ieeer8.org ever, that the amorphous silicon Hand:The_Birth_of_Glow_ Assistant Secretary, Social Media Region Vitality Coordinator which enabled this work was made Discharge_Chemistry_(aka_ and Web pages Aleksandar Szabo (Croatia) Dora Fourou (Greece) region.vitality.coordinator possible by the invention by Ster- PECVD). [email protected] @ieeer8.org ling and Swann at the Standard This work was acknowledged History Activities Voluntary Contribution Fund Tele­communication Labs in Har- by the late Walter Spear of Dundee Tony Davies (UK & Ireland) Andreas Koltes (Germany) history.activities.officer voluntary.contribution.fund. low, Essex, United Kingdom. University in his 1988 Bakerian lec- @ieeer8.org [email protected] This work, also a British inven- ture to The Royal Society. Africa Area Chair Life Members Gloria Chukwudebe (Nigeria) tion, was granted both British and Richard Swann Charles Turner (UK & Ireland) [email protected] [email protected] American patents for the deposi- IEEE Life Member, MIET CEng The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers OOWe welcome letters from readers in response to articles or on 3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York 10016, USA any topic relating to IEEE in Region 8. Note that letters may be IEEE prohibits discrimination in its activities. For more information, visit www.ieee.org/web/aboutus/ abridged for reasons of space. Write to us at [email protected] whatis/policies/p9-26.html

2 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 region news It’s election time: New ways to share your local R8 Director... successes with the Region continued from page 1... Region 8 Director Margaretha Eriksson by all IEEE members worldwide. For the first time, all three President-elect candidates originate from outside the US, two of them from Region 8. Few WHAT holds our diverse Region regarding IEEE, global technologi- to: ieeer8.org/news/the-new- members will have failed to spot their promotional together? Is it possible that many cal breakthroughs and initiatives initiative-ieee-region-8-news- messages over recent months prior to the opening sorts of communication – by are often not shared widely. digital-calls-for-contributors of polling, and many will have seen or heard them in mail, phone, newsletters and so- In response to your requests, How does this complement person at various international IEEE meetings and con- cial media – is the answer? I have we have created IEEE Region 8 IEEE Region 8 News? Well, short ferences during 2017 and 2018. heard from many of you that we Today, a digital news portal with articles and future-oriented infor- Just in case you missed out need better and more frequent feeds from you, as well as inter- mation such as information on on all this, the President-elect communication in our Region. esting content from IEEE Spec- events to come and news flashes candidates are: Vincenzo Piuri Whether you consider yourself trum and other IEEE sources. about interesting topics fit into (vincenzopiuri.org) from Italy, “just a member”, a local leader, One could describe IEEE Region IEEE Region 8 Today, whereas Jacek Zurada (jacekzurada. a student or a professional engi- 8 Today as a moderated online longer articles and reports from org) based in Kentucky, US, neer, timely and transparent com- newsletter, with the latest news past events goes into the printed but originally from Poland, and munication is most important. and achievements, future events, quarterly newsletter. Vincenzo Piuri Toshio Fukuda (toshiofukuda. I’m sure you are familiar with and information science and in- What goes into IEEE Region 8 org) from Japan. the publication in your hands, the novation you want to share with Today is what you would like to And there’s more: depend- quarterly printed Region 8 news- members in Europe, Middle East see and share there, so when you ing upon your membership and letter, as well as our Region 8 web and Africa. have something to share, share it location, you may be eligible to site and numerous IEEE-related It is very easy to contribute: with IEEE Region 8 Today. vote in a number of additional pages on social media. However, just send your write-up, invita- You will find the publication elections for IEEE posts at the news from Sections, Societies tion or news to the editors of at region8today.ieeer8.org and same time – Division directors, and Affinity Groups stays mostly IEEE Region 8 Today, and they on Facebook at facebook.com/ IEEE vice-presidents and so on. Jacek Zurada local since there is a lack of means will publish it for you! ieeeregion8today. See also the It can seem daunting for first- for immediate sharing. At the To enquire about becoming article in this issue on page 5. time voters but rest assured same time very interesting news a regular contributor, go online Enjoy! that you don’t need to do it all at once. Online polling allows you the freedom to pick specific elections to participate in and What are your plans for IEEE Day 2018? revisit to complete your vot- ing in others later on. You will continued from page 1... barbecues have been involved. photo and video contests, offering need to use the election web Toshio Fukuda eraging Technology for a Better To- Most IEEE Day events are or- prizes to those sending in the best links and personal voting cre- morrow’. Or in other words, while ganized at local grassroots level by media captured on the big day. You dentials that have been sent to you directly, and you the world benefits from what’s volunteers from Student Branches can also follow what everyone else can read more about IEEE’s election process at ieee. new, IEEE focuses on what’s next. and Young Professionals Affinity is up to via social media: org/about/corporate/election. Events taking place around Groups, so if you want to be part OOTwitter: contact @IEEEDay Just make sure you cast your votes before all poll- the world range from technical of it, contact your local IEEE rep- and share your updates using ing for this round of elections closes on 1 October. symposia to public engagement resentatives. It’s only a few weeks the hashtag #IEEEDay2018 Results will be published by IEEE head office a few with local communities, and from away, so don’t leave it too late. OOFacebook: facebook.com/ days later, and of course we will provide a roundup interactive demos to general fam- Keep your eye on the website IEEEDay of the winning candidates in the next issue of IEEE ily fun. In previous years, weather- (ieeeday.org) because the IEEE OOInstagram: instagram.com/ Region 8 News. permitting, even street parties and Day 2018 team will be running ieeeday

continued from page 1... ficers were nominated and approved: These included Abdelouahab Mekhaldi Africa Council secures approval Gloria Chukwudebe as pro-tem chair, (Algeria), Eric Kuada (Ghana), Charles Habib Kammoun as secretary and Shaun Onyango (Kenya), Nasser Assem (Mo- and gets down to work in Tunis Kaplan as treasurer. To prepare for the rocco vice-chair), Raphael Onoshakpor election of Council officers, Raphael On- (Nigeria), Darryn Cornish (South Africa oshakpor will serve as the Nominating vice-chair), Habib Kammoun (Tunisia), Further presentations on how Africa Other key participants at the meeting Committee chair, with all constituent Simon Muwowo (Zambia), Shedden Sections can leverage available opportu- included former Region 8 Director Jean Sections having a representative on the Masupe (Botswana) and Lwanga Her- nities in their organizations were given by Gabriel Remy, IEEE chief information Nominating Committee. bert (Uganda). IEEE Educational Activities Board (EAB) officer Cherif Amirat, Africa Area Com- The deadline for conclusion of the Two IEEE volunteers from Burkina Committee member Sohaib Sheikh, mittee member Shaun Kaplan, Tunisia election is September, while the next Faso – Guinko Ferdinand and Yacouba Jamil Dimassi (IBM University Relations Section chair-elect Adel Alimi and Poland Africa Council meeting is scheduled to Ouattara – attended the meeting and leader in North-West Africa), Jelel Ezzine Section Student Activities chair Maciej be held during the Region 8 Committee shared their ideas about how to increase (UNESCO chair on Science, Technology Borówka. Meeting in October. IEEE activities in French-speaking African and Innovation Policy) and Bilel Jamoussi In accordance with Africa Council Gloria Chukwudebe countries. (ITU-T Study Groups Department chief). bylaws, the following provisional of- [email protected]

IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 3 region news

FIVE IEEE members within Region 8 were awarded with prestigious GSM pioneers top the list of Region 8 achievement medals at this year’s IEEE Honors Ceremony, which took place at the The Palace Hotel in San Francisco, recipients at IEEE Honors Ceremony California, USA, on 11 May. The full list of those honoured with medals, field awards, honorary membership and Fel-

low elevation was released just after we influence on the teaching and practice Photography Doak Gary courtesy Photos went to press with our June issue, so of systems engineering. here follows a run-down of the recipi- ents within our Region. Technical Field Awards Another four members from Region OOThomas Haug (Sweden) and 8 were recognized by the Institute for Philippe Dupuis (France) of the Euro- their work in specific technical fields: pean Telecommunications Standards Siegfried Selberherr Institute (ETSI) are co-recipients of the (Austria) of the Vien- IEEE/RSE Jame Clerk Maxwell Medal for na University Of their leadership in the development of Technology was re- IEEE President Jim Jefferies (left) the first international mobile com- cipient of the IEEE reads the citation for Philippe munications standard – GSM – with Cledo Brunetti Award Dupuis (centre) and Thomas Haug. subsequent evolution into worldwide for his pioneering contributions to Tech- smartphone data communication. They nology Computer Aided Design. received their medals at a ceremony in Peter Stoica (Swe- Edinburgh, UK (see panel on this page). Maxwell medals: a royal occasion den) of Uppsala Uni- Jerome Faist (Swit- versity received the UNABLE to attend the Honors Cer- Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2006 to zerland) of ETH Zu- IEEE Fourier Award emony in San Francisco, this year’s recognize groundbreaking contribu- rich is a co-recipient, for Signal Processing co-recipients of the IEEE/RSE James tions that have had an exceptional with Frank Tittle of for his broad contri- Clerk Maxwell medal, Thomas Haug impact on the development of elec- Rice University in butions to research and education in and Philippe Dupuis, accepted their tronics and electrical engineering or Houston, USA, of the statistical signal processing and its ap- awards in Edinburgh, UK, on 5 July. related fields. IEEE Medal for Environmental and plications. Making the presentations was His It is named in honour of the 19th Safety Technologies for their pioneering Rainer Marquardt Royal Highness, The Duke of Cam- century Scottish mathematician and contributions to the quantum cascade (Germany) of Bun- bridge – better known to those outside physicist James Clerk Maxwell, who laser (QCL) and optical chemical sen- deswehr University the UK as the Queen’s eldest grandson laid the foundations of electromag- sors for environmental sensing. Munich received the Prince William. netic wave theory, radio propagation, Erdal Arikan (Turkey) IEEE William E Newell The James Clerk Maxwell medal is microwave techniques and radio com- of Bilkent University Power Electronics a joint award created by IEEE and the munications. in Ankara receives Award for the development of the the IEEE Richard W modular multilevel converter applica- Hamming Medal for tion in medium drives and high-voltage his contributions to DC transmission systems. information and communications the- Ursula Keller (Swit- ory, especially the discovery of polar zerland) of ETH Zu- The delighted codes and polarization techniques. recipients are rich received the IEEE presented with Heinz Stoewer (Ger- Photonics Award for their prestigious many) of Space As- her seminal contribu- awards by sociates in Munich tions to ultrafast laser Prince William receives the IEEE Si- technology enabling important indus- mon Ramo Medal for trial applications and novel scientific Emerging Technology Award was pre- future of quantum technologies, includ- his pioneering ac- breakthroughs. sented to ASML Holding NV (Benelux) ing quantum communications which complishments in and technical leader- in the Netherlands for the company’s will play an increasingly important role ship of space systems engineering at Further to these individual Techni- development of a complete, working in protecting information channels ESA and NASA, and for his profound cal Field Awards, the IEEE Spectrum Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) lithography against eavesdropping through the ap- system for the commercial production plication of quantum cryptography. of integrated circuits. Additionally, more than 60 IEEE Seeking nominations for 2020 members in Region 8 were awarded Membership and Fellows recognition this year by having their IEEE’s Awards Program is always on these nominations is 15 January 2019. Honorary IEEE mem- institute membership grade upgraded the lookout for deserving members to Details of each Technical Field bership was awarded to that of ‘Fellow’. whom recognition is due. If you know Award, along with nomination guide- to Anton Zeilinger IEEE Fellowship is an honour con- of an IEEE colleague who might qual- lines, are at: ieee.org/about/awards/ (Austria) of the Aus- ferred by the Board of Directors to ac- ify for a future Technical Field Award, technical-field-awards trian Academy of Sci- knowledge a member’s extraordinary nominations are being solicited right Nominations are closed for IEEE ences in Vienna. A record of accomplishments in any of the now for the awards ceremony set to Medals and Honorary Membership; visionary quantum physicist and a pio- IEEE’s fields of interest. More informa- take place in 2020. The deadline for these will re-open in November. neer of quantum information science, tion on the IEEE Fellow grade can be Zeilinger was cited for helping shape the found at ieee.org/fellows.

4 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 region news

Andrejs Romanovs leads the MD Read the latest from around workshop at SYP 2018 in Portugal Region 8 at our news portal

NEWS portal IEEE Region 8 Today portal and the Section or Affinity was launched in May to bring you Group, acting as our reporters in the latest updates from active the field. The content is managed members within Region 8 along by a team of editors in collabora- with technology stories from IEEE. tion with contributors. A wide variety of tech news, IEEE As well as sharing online the volunteer articles, interviews with great work being done in our Re- people who have contributed to gion, IEEE Region 8 Today aims to our Region and many more inter- give an opportunity to people who esting articles can be found at the are not familiar with IEEE to meet portal, featuring Opinions, Achieve- and understand what the IEEE is by ments, Innovation and Events. its members’ actions. Every Region 8 Section or Af- If you want to join the team, MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT finity Group can share its news to send an e-mail to region8today@ the feed via its own contributor. gmail.com with your CV and sam- The role of contributors is very ples of articles you have written, Porto workshop identifies IEEE important since they represent the along with an endorsement letter point of contact between the news from your Section. benefits for YPs and students

MEMBERSHIP Development (MD) nity, grants (travels, study) and Subcommittee continues to inform academic resources (IEEEXplore, and educate IEEE volunteers and IEEE.tv). These were followed by: members of our Region, this sum- competitions (SPC, IEEEXtreme), mer sharing the most current sta- funding technology projects, educa- tistical data to Section MD officers tion programs (webinars, sessions, and organizing virtual discussion courses), volunteering (organizing platforms including our twice-yearly conferences, building competences/ teleconference. leadership), communities member- The core Region 8 MD team – ship, communication with profes- SECTION VITALITY Andrejs Romanovs, Matej Pacha, sionals (STEP events, AG), and tech- Ievgen Pichkalov and Region 8 nical and professional mentorship. vice-chair for Member Activities For Young Professionals, the Could free open-source accounts Antonio Luque – organized a work- top three benefits were found to shop at the Region 8 Student and be not too dissimilar to those for software help Section treasurers? Young Professional Congress (SYP) students: IEEEXplore, networking held in Porto, Portugal, from 25-29 and collaboration, and grants and July. Two hours were devoted to key funding. Just below these in the list FOLLOWING my article in IEEE Region 8 is that GnuCash handles internationalized membership activities questions, in- were: mentorship, ResumeLab and News June issue, I received an interesting dates and currencies, and the application’s teractively discussing the value and JobSite, Collabratec, magazines and email from IEEE Senior Member Roger menus and pop-ups have been translated benefits of IEEE membership for IEEE.tv, eLearning courses and Af- Brooks. Based on his experience, Roger sug- into 50 languages. Online banking opera- students and Young Professionals. finity Group membership (such as gested that “IEEE’s heterogeneous financial tions can be set up for transferring money Everyone participated to the Women in Engineering). accounting and reporting requirements” and paying the bills. Extensive budgeting fullest and succeeding in learning Identifying benefits like this including multiple currencies could be met and reporting facilities are available, so from each other. By the end, the helps us to engage better with by the open-source software GnuCash Section treasurers can easily manage the workshop had identified a list of students and Young Professionals, (gnucash.org). financial health of the Section and provide IEEE Membership benefits specifi- thus developing more a valuable It is an excellent idea. The GNU Project, reports to the Section executive committee. cally relevant to students and Young community around the benefits founded in 1984 by Richard Stallman (gnu. What about exporting the data into Professionals separately. of IEEE, technology and humanity org), has produced more than 450 open- NetSuite for annual financial reporting to The top three benefits for worldwide. source software packages, including GNU/ make the job of a Section treasurer easier? students were: building commu- Andrejs Romanovs Linux and GIMP. Richard Stallman’s philoso- This would require some development work phy of developing free software as “technical but the main mechanism on how to do it is means to social end” is very close to IEEE’s described in the GnuCash documentation. of “advancing technology for the benefit Surely we have plenty of capable software of humanity”. The beauty of GNU is that it engineers within our members to develop guarantees freedom of access to the source such a translation module. If you would like code to improve the program and to release to participate in this project, or have any improvements to the public. comments or other ideas, let me know. In experimenting with GnuCash recently Adam Jastrzebski I found it quite easy to use, at least no more Region 8 Section Vitality coordinator difficult than IEEE’s NetSuite. The difference [email protected]

IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 5 region news

LIFE MEMBERS HISTORY ACTIVITIES MGA backs plan to help Sections Scotland to host re-engage with Life Members HISTELCON 2019 HISTELCON 2019 will be held on 18-19 September AT its mid-summer meeting on 23 benefit in remaining as members. teer leadership, to deal with que- in the Technology and Innovation Centre of Strath- June, the Member and Geographic The Task Force recommended ries related to membership issues. clyde University, in the centre of Glasgow. Activities Board (MGAB) endorsed that Sections need to take the The launch of this new policy It will be the sixth HISTELCON, and the first to the recommendations of a special primary responsibility to address has already begun in Region 8 with be held in UK and Ireland Section. Scotland is a par- Task Force set up in 2017 by the this problem by improving the sta- a pilot project aimed to dramatical- ticularly relevant location given the many historical IEEE Life Member Committee tus of, and the services provided, ly increase the active involvement innovations in technology that took place there and (LMC). This Task Force had been for older members. Demographic of older members. Its success will its founding role in the Industrial Revolution during asked to find ways of improving indicators show that the cohort of depend on the recruitment of a the 18th and 19th centuries. the membership experience of members approaching the end of new generation of volunteers to HISTELCON aims to bring together those profes- Life Members and other groups their professional career is expect- raise the profile of older members, sionally involved in technology history (including of older members such as retir- ed to grow significantly in the next who have a great deal to offer from science and technical museum curators and aca- ees, and to help them get more decade. IEEE needs to take action their experiences drawn from a demics in History of Science departments) as well engaged in IEEE. if it wishes to retain the loyalty of career in engineering, industry, as practising engineers from industry, government, Life Member Affinity Groups this group. government service or academia. military establishments and academia for whom (LMAGs) are the administrative fo- The first step would be the Life Members in Sections with- technology history is of interest and relevance but cal point of Life Member activities appointment of a coordinator to out an LMAG should work together not a part of their job or research. The intention is in a Section but only 13 Sections look after their interests, and who to submit a petition for the forma- to keep the cost of attendance very low, and also out of the 57 in the Region have ac- would also be an ex-officio mem- tion of a new LMAG. Details and to attract engineering students and young profes- tually formed one. This means that ber of the Section executive com- the petition form can be found sional engineers whose target may be to ‘invent the the resources provided by IEEE for mittee. Secondly, the awareness at: www.ieee.org/communities/ future’ but who cannot be expected to do that well LMAG activities are not available to among fellow members of their forms_petitions.html without an awareness and understanding of past members in the other 44 Sections. activities and achievements needs Just one Life Member (as achievements, inventions and ideas. The irony is that many Sections al- to be increased by a dedicated web designated organiser) and five A conference organizing committee is being ready have sufficient Life Members page on the Section website. This other higher grade members are assembled in the conventional manner to include to form a viable LMAG, especially would be specifically designed to needed to sign the initial petition, international representation. Offers to help with the if long-serving non-Life Members inform older members of meet- together with an outline plan of the technical program and the reviewing of papers are are included. ings and events, and other items activities proposed. The process is invited, and the Call For Papers will provide details There is an underlying concern of interest. Thirdly, it should be quite simple and further assistance on the main theme and structure of the conference. that older members will leave un- made easier for Life Members to is available if required. Tony Davies less they can see some personal maintain contact with the volun- Charles Turner Euro robots Launching a startup? Apply some hailed by IERA disruptive thinking to your business GERMAN and Dutch companies were singled out for top honours at WIN this book in our FREE PRIZE DRAW! the IERA (Innovation and Entrepre- neurship in Robotics and Automa- “EVERY assumption the business world has previous- tion) Awards at the end of June. ly made about digital is wrong,” says Tom Goodwin. BONUS PRIZE for KUKA Deutschland’s LBR “Incremental change isn’t good enough!” IEEE volunteers! Med, a collaborative robot assis- In this book, published in April 2018, the author Have you ever been asked tant for medicine and research, shines a light into the future by exploring technology, society and lessons from the past, offering practical to “take the minutes” during and Netherlands-based Lely In- committee meetings but don’t ternational’s Discovery 120 Col- advice on building a digital strategy for your business. REG-8 says: To have a chance of winning a free copy of Digital know where to start? This little lector, a robot that cleans solid book explains how to do it “Build a digital Darwinism, send us an email at [email protected] floors in the dairy industry, were strategy and turn like an expert. For a chance with the subject line Digital Darwinism, giving described as “world-class prod- your company into to win a free copy, a market leader” your name and IEEE Section – nothing else! ucts” by International Federation email your name The final date for receipt of entries will be of Robotics (IFR) president Juni and IEEE Section to 31 October. If you are the lucky winner, we Tsuda. A third winner was US- [email protected] will contact you directly to request your postal based Perception Robots’ Indus- CONGRATULATIONS to Matsiko with the subject trial Self-Cleaning Gecko Gripper. Joshua (Uganda Section) who won address so we can send you the prize. last issue’s free prize draw and will line Taking The IERA Awards are jointly OO RULES: This is a free prize draw. No purchase is neces- already be reading his personal sary. Names and email addresses of entrants will be stored Minutes of sponsored by IEEE Robotics and copy of The Singularity, a book securely for the purpose of this prize draw only and removed Meetings by from our system as soon as the prize has been accepted by the Automation Society (IEEE/RAS) of technical essays on the human 31 October. implications of artificial intelligence. winner. Contact details will not be used for any other purpose and IFR. or shared within IEEE or with any other organization.

6 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 region news

Volunteers are the lifeblood of IEEE FOUNDATION IEEE and their hard work should be given public Philanthropic partner on recognition and celebrated by fellow members. track to hit $30m target

EARLIER this year Charles Turner, OOMore than a third of the world’s Life Member representative to the population do not have access to IEEE Foundation Board of Directors, adequate sanitation. convened a small gathering of cur- OOMore than one billion people rent and past Region 8 leadership have no access to reliable electrical AWARDS AND RECOGNITION volunteers. They hosted Stan Retif, power. chief development officer of IEEE Such challenges are daunting and the IEEE Foundation, to discuss but solvable, with the IEEE commit- the mission and work of the Founda- ted to playing a full role. IEEE has Give credit where it’s due tion, its exciting plans for the future, identified a number of strategically and its impact on Region 8. important initiatives that will help The Foundation has evolved meet the pressing global challenges (or put yourself forward) significantly over the last five years. cited above. It serves as the philanthropic part- IEEE Foundation is leading a WHY should anyone be giving an award to OORegion 8 Women in Engineering ner of IEEE and has adopted a more special campaign across IEEE’s ex- someone? As a nonprofit volunteer organi- Student Affinity Group of the Year Award proactive approach to Advancing pansive network to raise awareness, zation, IEEE recognizes in this way the efforts OORegion 8 Outstanding Women in Technology for Humanity. forge partnerships and generate the of its volunteers and the contributions of its Engineering Section Volunteer Award One of the hallmarks of that required financial resources, with a members within its fields of interest. OORegion 8 Outstanding Women in new approach is the first-ever major current $30m goal. To date, in ex- IEEE volunteers often give up their per- Engineering Student Volunteer Award fund-raising campaign undertaken cess of 52% of the goal has been sonal time to participate in activities, so it is ieeer8.org/category/member-activities/ by IEEE. Its objectives are outlined achieved. The objective is to meet important to thank them for the sacrifices women-in-engineering/awards-women- as follows. the goal by IEEE Day 2020. and show appreciation for their efforts. Usu- in-engineering/guidelines/region- Many of the world’s most press- Watch this space in subsequent ally award candidates do more than what 8-outstanding-women-in-engineering- ing challenges require innovations issues as we detail some of the is generally expected of them in whatever student-volunteer-award in engineering. Additionally, the specific programming designed to position they have worked in – candidates OORegion 8 Young Professionals need for engineers, STEM profes- impact Region 8, IEEE and society who in fact went the extra mile! And this is Exceptional Volunteer Award sionals and engineering students at large. It is only through your sup- the reason we believe they deserve to be OORegion 8 Outstanding Young is increasing globally as important port that we are able to meet these recognized and to be awarded. Professionals Affinity Group Award work for technologists increases. challenges. Applying for an award or asking to be OORegion 8 Student Paper Contest These challenges include: Stan Retif nominated brings a multitude of personal OOIEEE madC (Mobile Application OOMore than half of the world’s Chief development officer and career benefits. Putting together an Development Contest) population still cannot access the IEEE Foundation award application can help you reflect OOIEEE Student Branch Web Site (contest) internet. ieeefoundation.org on your skills and career progress. It may OOLarry K Wilson Student Volunteer push you to become more competitive OOExemplary Student Branch and productive by filling gaps in your work OOand many others… and increasing your visibility. Seeking out These awards run to an annual schedule senior colleagues who will nominate you with a typical submission deadline on 15 can help you build a strong support base February each year. Submissions must be for the future. Competing for awards also made using the Region 8 Award Portal at: creates an opportunity to receive useful ieee-r8.fluidreview.com. feedback about your work and how you are But these are not the only awards we perceived from those who nominated you have in IEEE. Every Section, Chapter, Student or the awards committees. Branch and Affinity group can establish their An award can be given to an individual own awards to honour, encourage and re- Teacher training event will or a group of people, or to a Section, Techni- ward worthy volunteers. IEEE as a whole has cal Chapter, Student Branch, Student Techni- many more awards from MGA, EAB and its spread across four continents cal Chapter or Affinity Group. Technical Societies, the most prestigious be- In Region 8 every year we give out many ing the IEEE Medal of Honor, given annually AFTER two successful years with more than 1,250 teachers having awards, the most important being: during the IEEE Honors Ceremony. been trained in 16 Region 8 Sections, TISP Week makes its return OORegion 8 Volunteer Award In order for IEEE to be able to iden- this October. For TISP Week 2018, Region 8 and Region 10 will join OORegion 8 Outstanding Section Award tify, evaluate and honour the people that forces to host a huge educational event which will spread across four (categories: Small, Medium and Large) have worked hard and rightfully deserve it, continents: Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. OORegion 8 Chapter of the Year Awards it needs the help of its volunteers. If you TISP Week is a Region 8 initiative focused on organizing multiple (categories: Small, Medium and Large) know someone that you believe deserves local Teacher In-Service Program workshops across Europe, Middle OORegion 8 Student Branch Chapter of the to be recognized for his or her hard work East and Africa, training school teachers to build innovative lesson Year Award and important contribution, please do not plans based on inquiry-based science education practices to their OOClementina Saduwa Award hesitate but do come forward and make a classrooms. For more information about this initiative, visit the web- OORegion 8 Women in Engineering Section nomination. site at tisp.ieeer8.org or email us at [email protected]. Affinity Group of the Year Award Costas Stasopoulos

IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 7 region news VIENNA CALLING! IEEE raises awareness of AI at top levels of decision-making

It has been a busy time at IEEE’s European Technology Centre in Vienna, Austria, as it contributes ethical strategies for artificial intelligence among other key areas of IEEE expertise to the European Commission Clara Neppel, senior director at IEEE’s Vienna office, speaks on a panel on the ‘Future of blockchain, AI and IoT’ at the Intercontinental Blockchain Conference, held at the European Parliament. Also on the panel was Ramesh Ramadoss from the IEEE Blockchain Initiative.

THE topic of Artificial Intelligence 2. The European Political Strategy OOSupport the Commission on (AI) is high on the EU political Centre (EPSC), which acts as the further engagement and outreach agenda. Earlier this year, the Euro- European Commission’s think mechanisms. pean Commission (EC) has pub- tank, has also positively men- OOPropose AI ethics guidelines to lished its “Artificial Intelligence for tioned IEEE in its note The Age of the Commission. Europe” Communication (europa. Artificial Intelligence (ec.europa. IEEE also contributed to the Clara Neppel (left) with Catelijne Mueller, European eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18- eu/epsc/sites/epsc/files/epsc_ Stakeholder Summit on Artificial Economic and Social Committee rapporteur on AI. 3362_en.htm) and 25 European strategicnote_ai.pdf): Intelligence in Brussels, organised countries signed a Declaration of On page 12, the EPSC notes by the European Economic and So- Cooperation on AI (ec.europa. IEEE’s work on ethical standards cial Committee (EESC), together eu/digital-single-market/en/ for AI, recognizing its “initiative to with the European Commission. news/eu-member-states-sign- recommend policy guidelines to The summit brought together cooperate-artificial-intelligence). foster an ethically aligned design 400 businesses representatives, The IEEE Vienna office is of Artificial Intelligence”, and more academia, workers, citizens, pol- also active in raising awareness specifically “to have an inclusive icy makers and NGOs to discuss on IEEE and its initiatives in this approach to cultures, for example the next steps to advance the EU area. Since the ethical aspects drawing insights from Buddhism strategy on AI. Jean-Luc Dormoy from IEEE’s European Public Policy ICT are an important part of the EU or Confucianism to address the Working Group speaks at a European Parliament event on AI strategy, these initiatives are risk of designing an ethical code ‘Intelligent Innovation and Society: Policy Implications of Decision makers AI and Big Data Analytics’. very much appreciated, IEEE be- resting only on Western values and With respect to working directly ing mentioned positively both in principles.” with the European Parliament, high level meetings, as well as in we were invited to participate at two EC documents: Gaining acceptance several events addressing this 1. The European Group on Ethics We applied to be part of the EC’s topic (see photos on the left of in Science and New Technologies High Level Expert Group on Ar- this page). The societal impact of (EGE), which is an independent tificial Intelligence on behalf of AI was also discussed during the advisory body of the President the European Public Policy Com- European Parliament Science and of the European Commission mittee and IEEE SA. There were Technology Options Assessment and is in charge to draft AI ethics more than 600 applications for 52 Committee’s visit to the IEEE NY guidelines for the Commission places. We are proud to announce HQ on 10 May. Raja Chatila (centre) from the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems after his by the end of the year, has cited that we were accepted and will be Another notable event was presentation on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Ethics’. To the IEEE in its Statement on Artificial represented by Raja Chatila, chair the invitation from MEP Brando left are MEP Pilar del Castillo and Lucilla Sioli, director of Intelligence, Robotics and ‘Au- of the IEEE Global Initiative on Eth- Benifei (Italy) for IEEE to partici- Digital Industry at DG CNECT. tonomous’ Systems (ec.europa. ics of Autonomous and Intelligent pate in ‘Data Driven Innovation & eu/research/ege/pdf/ege_ai_ Systems. AI: ePrivacy, Free Data Flow and statement_2018.pdf): The tasks of the Expert Group High Performing Computing’. This On page 13, it is mentioned will include: involved discussion with consum- that “Some of the most prominent OOSteering the direction of the ers’ associations, industry repre- initiatives towards the formulation European AI Alliance. sentatives, European Commission of ethical principles regarding AI OOAdvising the EC on AI-related officials and MEPs. and ‘autonomous’ systems have challenges and opportunities In conclusion, IEEE is well po- stemmed from industry, practi- through recommendations that sitioned to be a strategic partner tioners and professional associa- will feed into the policy devel- in the framework of the upcom- The Vienna Office also coorganized an interactive session tions, such as the IEEE’s (Institute opment process, the legislative ing European initiative on artificial ‘Incorporating Ethical Considerations in Autonomous & of Electrical and Electronics Engi- evaluation process and the de- intelligence, recognized for its con- Intelligent Systems (A/IS) – Policy & Industry Requirements in the Algorithmic Age’ with TU Delft Design for Values neers) policy paper on ‘Ethically velopment of a next-generation tributions both from the technical Institute and IEEE Standards Association in June. Aligned Design’.” digital strategy. as well as societal point of view.

8 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 region news

THE European Commission’s long-term goal of zero road fatalities by 2050 (“Vi- Making vehicles smarter Milestones: sion Zero”) is based on a Safe System Approach. One of the pillars is ‘Safe Ve- update in R8 hicles’. Vehicles, in particular cars, will be through integrated tech safer because they will be smarter. Their SEVERAL proposals for future smartness results from communication IEEE History Milestone plaques and cooperation with each other and the Workshop are active within the Region, infrastructure properly integrated with panellists: (from left) Yu each at different stages of their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Yuan, Anton official approval process. (ADAS). Fuchs, Bernd OOItaly Section: First Studies To begin with, Europe will deploy Datler, Stefan on Ring Armature for Direct- the initial package of Cooperative-ITS Poledna and the moderator Current Dynamos, 1860-1863. Services to enhance road safety in 2019. Robby Simpson. This proposal is nearing com- Road operators and OEMs rely on proven pletion having been approved IEEE 802.11p standardized technology for IEEE delegation and by the IEEE Board of Director short distance ad-hoc communication in TTTech employees in Vienna: (from left): during its June meeting in the 5.9GHz spectrum between vehicles Yu Yuan, Hermann New Brunswick. As we went and between vehicles and roadside in- Brand, Robby to press, a date for its dedica- frastructure. Fully automated driving will Simpson, Charlton tion ceremony had yet to be then be introduced step-by-step based Adams, Gerald Fritz, Marina Gutierrez announced. on the functional evolution of ADAS. Lopez, Gerhard Koza, OOBenelux Section: The birth Thomas Berndorfer of Wi-Fi, 1987. Now that it is Expert panel and John Kulick. at an advanced stage, it is In May, an IEEE workshop ‘Autonomous hoped that this proposal will Cars for Automated Driving’ gathered be accepted during the History experts and interested stakeholders and ‘Safety and Real-Time Challenges in quarters in Vienna. The highlight of the Committee meeting in Octo- from industry, academia, and standards Automated Driving’. A panel discussion visit was the demonstration of one of ber so that it can put forward organizations. IEEE-SA informed about highlighted technical challenges, the the largest Time Sensitive Networking for approval during the Board IEEE standards-related work for Intelligent value of standards and the need for fu- (TSN) networks worldwide, developed of Directors’ meeting the fol- Road Transportation and challenges re- ture standardization. The panellists also by TTTech together with B&R Industrial lowing month. lated to Ethically Aligned Autonomous exchanged views about the future role of Automation. TSN is based on IEEE 802.3. OOPoland and Germany Sec- Systems. road operators, mobile network operators The demonstration was followed by a tions: Czochralski Method of Distinguished guest speakers from ac- and map service providers. fruitful discussion about the importance Crystal Growth, 1916. This ademia and industry addressed hot topics of open, transparent, consensus based proposal for twin plaques to that included ‘Future Vehicle Control for Sensitive to time standardization and on how to improve be installed in Warsaw and Automated Driving’, ‘Digitization of Traf- TTTech hosted a delegation of the IEEE- the efficiency of standardization process- Berlin is also awaiting action fic Control, ‘The Role of Road Operators’ SA Board of Governors at TTTech’s head- es to meet time to market requirements. by the History Committee at its October meeting. OOSpain Section: Salva’s Elec- IEEE Standards Association sets out to tric Telegraph, 1804. Details of this proposal were recently passed to its designated ad- promote engagement across Region 8 vocate and are currently being examined. OOHungary Section: Budapest IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) held other institutions, and fuelled strong multi- technical domains, IEEE 802 and eHealth Metroline No.1, 1896. Await- its Board of Governors meeting in Vienna stakeholder dialogue at the event. standards. The Electronic Communications ing advocate approval before in May. This coincided with meetings and IEEE-SA also partnered with Turkey Standards Summit in Ankara was hosted moving on to the next stage. events to engage with the local technology Section on two events. The IEEE Stand- by BTK (Bilgi İletişim ve Teknolojileri Ku- OOGermany Section: Invention community focusing on the digital trans- ards Summit in Istanbul took place at rumu), the telecommunications authority, and First Demonstration of Ra- formation in the automotive, health and Medipol University and focused on two and covered wireless communications and dar, 1904. Submitted just as we manufacturing sectors (see above). A smart manufacturing. went to press and is now also team also went to Budapest for a uni- In July, the IEEE Standards Uni- awaiting advocate approval. versity event with the local Section. versity ‘Mars Space Colony: A Game OOUK and Ireland: The active In June, IEEE-SA held its Stand- of Standardization’ was run as part of shielding of Superconducting ards Board meetings in The Hague Young Professionals in Space, held in MRI Magnets, 1986. Proposal and held several events and meet- Barcelona. Also in July, IEEE-SA took ready for submitting to advo- ings in The Netherlands. One high- part in Region 8’s Student and Young cate for examination. light was the ‘Incorporating Ethical Professional Congress in Porto. OOUK and Ireland: Standardi- Considerations in Autonomous & For more about IEEE-SA’s global sation of the OHM as the unit Intelligent Systems (A/IS) – Policy engagement activities, go online to of electrical resistance, 1861- & Industry Requirements in the standards.ieee.org/develop/intl. 1867. Ready for submission Algorithmic Age’ workshop, jointly For more details on IEEE Standards pending appointment of an organized with TU Delft’s Delft De- University, see standardsuniversity. advocate. sign for Values (DDFV) Institute. org/game. Read more about IEEE Speakers came from the European David Law Milestones at: goo.gl/YQ8d56 Commission, industry, academia and Region 8 Standards coordinator

IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 9 section news Reflecting on achievements and making new plans

UNITED Arab Emirates Section members as volunteers in order held its annual Ramadan Iftar to promote IEEE objectives in gathering on 4 June. Section chair the UAE. It is the continued hard Essa Basaeed welcomed both ex- work of volunteers that makes a ecutive committees of 2017 and Section energetic and beneficial 2018 to the meeting, including to its members and attracts new Section vice-chair Fatma Taher adherents. It is important that IEEE SIGHT leads humanitarian and Balqees Al Daghar, chair of these dedicated volunteers are UAE Women In Engineering. encouraged to be recognized for The annual gathering is as their contributions. This acknow­ track on health and technology much a social occasion as a ledgement also serves to promote business one, presenting a great examples for others to follow. THE International Nurses Conference which and generally keep touch with a broad range chance for all members to meet To this end, Dr Basaeed took took place in Kitgum, Northern Uganda, from of experts to ensure they will employ best up in person as well as talk about the opportunity of the Ramadan 9-12 May featured a humanitarian track led practice when the time comes. the Section’s achievements and Iftar gathering to distribute Volun- by IEEE SIGHT (Special Interest Group on Hu- A plenary talk on how the community, plans. Members discussed what teer Recognition Awards, awarding manitarian Technology). During this event, engineers and health workers could work had been achieved in 2018 so far, members for their extraordinary a range of diverse topics were addressed by together to save lives at birth examined the and updated everyone on the sta- contributions to the Section and different speakers and as a result it was pos- importance for all players to put their heads tus of future initiatives and activi- their innovative ideas and initia- sible to supplement health and technological together in order to come up with technologi- ties. Volunteers also raised some tives. All members were thanked knowledge with relevant social-economic and cal solutions to promote sustainable develop- issues about enhanced collabora- for their continuous efforts and political inputs/presentations. ment. To do this successfully the presenters tion between members. encouraged to push for more Overall, the conference brought together observed that it is important for each stake- The Section recognizes and achievements this year. a gathering of experts of a mixed nature and holder to unpack their expertise and integrate values the important role of Soha Jawabreh these included nurses, clinical officers, phar- it with others to achieve all-round solutions macists, medical laboratory technicians, civil that respond to community needs. servants and policy makers. An example of this is Neopenda’s collabo- During the experience-sharing expert ses- ration with IEEE SIGHT to develop and utilize sion, one of the issues discussed was to “how vital signs monitor technology. This brought to utilize humanitarian approaches in identi- together IEEE engineers, health workers from fying and managing unforeseen epidemics Ugandan hospitals, community members and in communities’’. The presenter noted that the Neopenda team. Such collaboration en- epidemics are part of life and society and courages the development of solutions that therefore we should make preparations to can be sustained for the benefit of humanity face them. Communities should evaluate within communities in a long-lasting manner. and utilize humanitarian technologies and ap- Lwanga Herbert proaches, seek guidance from health workers Uganda Sub-Section chair

NIGERIA Section took its membership More than 100 visitors were recorded drive to the recent Digital Africa Confer- High profile for Section at at the booth, among whom were the ence 2018 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Nigeria minister of communication Center in Abuja, Nigeria. technology Adebayo Shittu, senator Running from 5-7 June, the annual Digital Africa Conference Ben Bruce (representing Bayelsa, Digital Africa Conference and Exhibi- East of Nigeria) and several director tion, now in its sixth year, is Africa’s An IEEE booth was set up in the Section is currently active, such as generals of agencies in the country. premier consumer technology show. exhibition area to showcase the institute capacity building, Action for Industry, New members were recruited and As such, DAC provided the perfect and the various projects in which the SIGHT and upcoming conferences. existing members were assisted with platform to showcase the IEEE brand their renewals. and spread the institute’s excellent work Over its three days, the conference in advancing technology for humanity, focused on the great achievements in while networking with top government science and technology in Africa as officials, entrepreneurs and industry well as charting a course for the future. experts. Africa has the world’s oldest record of The Section was active on stage at human technological achievement, the conference too. For the discussion after all, yet few seem to be aware of topic ‘Exponential Education for the these accomplishments because the Development of Africa Focus Area’, continent’s history, beyond that of the panel of experts included Nigeria ancient Egypt, seldom receives the Section’s vice-chair Oyewole John public exposure it deserves. Funso-Adebayo, representing IEEE Abdullateef Aliyu Africa Area chair Gloria Chukwudebe. Nigeria Section MD officer

10 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 section news HVDC and interconnectivity discussed over dinner

SAUDI Arabia Section in collaboration in 2007. The meeting was attended by grid, achieved through the installation with Saudi Scientific Society for Electri- more than 100 engineers from different of a state-of-the-art High Voltage Direct cal Engineers (SSSEE) hosted a technical affiliations. Current (HVDC). The presentation also dinner meeting in April on Energy Trading The presentation began with a brief included a brief on the application of Across MENA and Beyond. The meeting introduction and a background of the HVDC. was addressed by Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, establishment of GCCIA, followed by Having won the attention and total the CEO of the Gulf Cooperation Coun- the regulations and governing authority engagement of the audience, Ahmed cil Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), of the Gulf countries’ interconnections. Al-Ibrahim concluded by opening the and who has been affiliated with GCCIA Additionally, the presentation addressed floor for questions for ten minutes. This for more than ten years since joining as the major challenges of connecting a was followed by the formal dinner for Meeting the challenge of connecting director of operation and maintenance 50Hz electrical grid to a 60Hz electrical all attendees. grids: GCCIA’s Ahmed Al-Ibrahim. Quartz Milestone re-dedicated in French hopes to attract more public attention

SOME 16 years after the first IEEE Right: Rue Breguet Milestone in Switzerland was where CEH was founded. dedicated – celebrating the devel- opment of the quartz electronic Below: The Distinguished wristwatch – Switzerland Section Milestone was unveiled a companion French- unveiled by history lecture (from left) Mario language version of the 2002 El-Khoury of CSEM, plaque at the very location where Hugo Wyss and was always the pioneering work took place. Maria Alexandra The original plaque had been Paun of IEEE on the radar Switzerland Section, installed at the Astronomical Ob- and Jean-Nathanaël servatory of Neuchâtel on the oc- Karakash, Neuchâtel THE Aerospace and Electronic Sys- casion of Switzerland’s National Canton Councilor tem Chapter of Switzerland Section Exhibition Expo.02, as reported of State. organized a lecture at ETH Zürich in IEEE Region 8 News, February on 13 June on the history of radar 2003, pp6-7. 67 by two companies within the by IEEE Distinguished Lecturer On 22 February this year, Swiss Watch Industry (Ebauches Dr H Griffiths of University College the new bronze plaque was un- and Fédération Horlogère Suisse) London. veiled on the historical building which wanted to overcome the Well-attended by 60 partici- at Rue Breguet 2, where Centre leading technology of the time – pants, the talk looked at how radar Electronique Horloger (CEH) was Accutron wristwatches, owned and has developed over the years, a founded in 1962. It was here that controlled by Bulova Watch Inc of theme aided by access to wartime the first quartz wristwatches with New York. documents from the Public Records dedicated silicon integrated circuits Especially noteworthy is the Office in Kew, UK, which has pro- were developed and produced, achievement of Kurt Hübner, vided a rich source of new and more reaching worldwide recognition who joined CEH directly coming complete information. A selection of at the Chronometric Contest an- from the Shockley Semiconductor British and German contributions nouncement of 15 February 1968, Laboratory in Palo Alto, where in were presented, including the first exactly 50 years earlier. On this 1958 he had replaced the outgoing radar of Hülsmeyer in Germany date, it was publicly revealed that ‘Traitorous Eight’ engineers led by and the Chain Home (CH) as the the electronic quartz wristwatches Bob Noyce (who founded Fairchild first air defence system. Dr Griffiths submitted by CEH had broken all Semiconductor the previous year). described the Klein Heidelberg, a accuracy records, beating wrist- He and his team at CEH’s wafer fab German bistatic air defence system watches that had been submitted were able to produce continental that was decades ahead of its time. by challenger Seiko. Europe’s first silicon monolithic He explained the use of Chain The founder of CEH, Roger integrated circuit as early as July Home to detect V-2 rockets and Wellinger (later to become IEEE 1964, just four years after Fair­child today in Neuchâtel by its heirs hence the first ballistic missile de- Region 8 Director 1969-1970), Semi produced the first planar CSEM and EM Microelectronic- fence system radar, ‘Big Ben’. He succeeded in building up an out- silicon integrated circuit (with four Marin SA in the field of ultra low also investigated the impact of the standing staff of scientists and transistors on the same chip) in power chips for wearable devices. famous Bruneval raid and the sub- engineers by hiring a dozen or so Mountain View. Translated into French and sequent technological analysis of expatriate Swiss engineers working Thus the microelectronics situated more prominently, the the German equipment, including in the USA and experts in electron- revolution in Switzerland started new plaque is expected to attract the interrogation of the captured ics technology. The whole venture at CEH, securing for the country a attention from the wider public to radar operator. was funded with 25 million Swiss leading position in the field of very an important Swiss technological Freundliche Grüsse Francs over the five years 1962- low power CMOS chips, continued landmark .

IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 11 section news France Section roundup: 5G workshop, biomed awards and Sensors Chapter

TO follow up last year’s successful anniversary on 28 June, and since France Section chair ‘Data science and energy’ event, Remy had played important role Frédérique Vallée speaks at 5G workshop held at Nokia’s a second industry workshop was in its installation, he was invited to Paris-Saclay campus. organized 30 March, hosted by speak at the celebrations. The fol- Nokia in Paris and devoted to 5G. lowing day, he attended the first More than 130 people of various meeting of Africa Council, along backgrounds attended, represent- with IEEE President Jim Jefferies ing manufacturers, network pro- and Region 8 Director Margaretha viders universities, researchers and Ericsson. government agencies. During this one-day workshop, keynote speak- OOThe Section’s EMBS Chapter, ers from manufacturers providers the French Society of Biological as well as from infrastructure and Medical Engineering (SFGBM) design companies, discussed the and the Alliance for Biological and challenges presented by 5G. Medical Engineering (AGBM) held Two further workshops are their annual Biomedical Thesis ing technologies in sensors, elec- OOAt the beginning of June, we planned. A first one on ‘Blockchain Awards during the SFGBM General tronics and microelectronics, IoT, had the pleasure of welcoming and Energy’ is being organised for Assembly in Paris on 30 May. The materials and biomedical, building Signal Processing Society Distin- 11 October; the second will deal four finalists had earlier presented bridges between various research guished Lecturer Dr Wing-Kin with autonomic vehicles and will their work at an oral session at the fields. The 75+ participants in- to deliver three presentations to run by the end of the year. PARCC, at the European Hospital cluded students, researchers, uni- members of our Chapter. Topics Georges Pompidou. versity professors and companies covered included ‘Hyperspectral OOFrance Section was invited to working in the field of emerging Unmixing in Remote Sensing: participate in two events in Tunis, OOThe first IEEE France Sensors technologies in sensors, electron- Learn the Wisdom There and Go Tunisia, at the end of June. Jean Chapter workshop was held on 18- ics, materials, microelectronics and Beyond’ and ‘MIMO Transceiver Gabriel Remy participated in both 19 June in Nancy. The workshop communications. France Sensors Designs and Optimization: Beyond as representative of the Section. program reflected a wide spec- Chapter was established earlier Beamforming and Perfect Channel Tunisia Section celebrated its tenth trum of research topics on emerg- this year. Information’. Bahrain SIGHT smart home tech raises living standards

WORLDWIDE, there are an esti- into the state power network. mated 191 million people classed A solar thermal collector heats as immigrants. People migrate water passing through it which from one country to another for is stored in a tank to be used for a variety of reasons but it has be- the hatching of poultry, cooking, come obvious that immigration fermentation, yogurt industry, can put strain on a host country’s washing and showers, for instance. Sweden summer school throws infrastructure. Bahrain Section’s The greenhouse could be built SIGHT Group is taking the initiative on the roof of a house, potentially a light on signal processing hot topic to contribute in solving this deli- great source of food, and possibly cate issue and raise living standard income, in providing fresh fruit and IEEE Signal Society Sweden Chapter organ- the facilities and expert lecturers for training of poorer residents. vegetables. With respect to a fish ized a five-day training workshop on ‘Light internationally competitive researchers in The project involves changing farming tank, the Ministry of Ag- Field Data Representation, Interpretation and these fields. a traditional home into a smart one riculture and Fisheries can advise Compression’ at Mid Sweden University in the Sweden Section was represented by its to reduce expenses and even pro- in operation and management of beautiful city of Sundsvall, Sweden, from 28 chair, Samarth Deo, who spoke about IEEE vide some income. Installing solar finfish hatchery in an aquaculture May to 1 June. The event was co-sponsored and its benefits and activities in Sweden and panels, a thermal energy collector, farming tank, which can be situ- by the Signal Processing Society. globally. There were plenty of interesting a greenhouse and a fish farming ated in the back yard of the house. The training school was a post-graduate questions from attendees who came from all tank all fall into this remit. Through this project, the education event for engineers, computer sci- around the world. For the very poorest in society, SIGHT Group using technological entists, researchers, PhD students and other We congratulate Mårten Sjöström, profes- access to even a small amount of support to lessen the dependency interested individuals seeking to further their sor in Signal Processing, and Roger Olsson, electricity converted from sunlight by low-income families on finan- knowledge of the topic. The main purpose senior researcher (PhD) in Telecommunica- can reduce grid consumption and cial aid. was to create an innovative training environ- tions, for organizing the summer school and save money. Solar panels could Adel A H Abdulla ment to promote the learning of a interest- thank them for inviting the Section to give a provide modest funds too if sur- Bahrain Section chair ing element of signal processing, providing presentation at the event. plus energy is connected back ewh.ieee.org/r8/bahrain

12 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 section news student & yp news Distinguished lecturer looks at FTV ‘eye gaze correction’

IEEE Fellow Yo-Sung Ho, director which provides the viewer with a of Realistic Broadcasting Research free selection of the scene view Center Gwangju Institute of Sci- angle. He demonstrated the tech- ence and Technology (GIST), nique of eye gaze correction using Korea, visited Slovenia Section in 3D video processing techniques; July. At the invitation of Slovenia’s this solves the classic problem dur- Signal Processing and Circuits and ing video conferencing in which Systems Chapter, he delivered a the eyes of participating parties lecture at the Faculty of Electrical never quite connect because they SYP 2018 attracts 300 to Porto Engineering, University of Ljublja- are watching the screen instead of na, to give us an insight into the the camera situated adjacent to it. latest progress made at the 123rd The use of two cameras and for keynotes and workshops Moving Picture Experts Group clever image processing synthe- standardization meeting that was sizes a virtual view in which each FROM 25-29 July, University of night of the congress, a Multicultural being held in the city. person seems to be looking direct- Porto Student Branch hosted this Dinner involved each Section con- Prof Ho outlined what will ly at the camera. This eliminates year’s IEEE Region 8 Students and tributing something traditional and eventually become the H.266 the awkward feeling of lack of eye Young Professionals Congress in representative of its country. standard and centred his talk contact during video conferencing the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal. Overall, SYP 2018 was a re- around Free-viewpoint TV (FTV), session. Held every two years, SYP Con- sounding success, winning posi- gress is the largest student event in tive feedback from attendees for Yo-Sung Ho (second right) Region 8, gathering IEEE Student its challenging technical activities, gave an update and Young Professional members enjoyable social events and unfor- from the from all Sections throughout the Re- gettable venues. 123rd MPEG gion. Its primary goal is to enhance Vitor Minhoto and Inês Trigo standardization meeting and foster the engineering sense and capabilities through different activities, exchanging experience and knowledge, and encouraging international networking through lively social activities. WOMEN IN ENGINEERING The congress brought together 300 participants from 49 Sections Outstanding WIE volunteers and 55 countries. They had access to an extensive program featuring receive awards in Turkey keynote talks from key speakers such as Celso Martinho from Sapo, THIS year sees the launch of the IEEE Region 8 Women in Engineering Bev Bachmayer and Manuel Dias Awards. Winners of these inaugural awards were announced back from Intel and Microsoft, and Koen in February and were due to receive their awards in person at a Bertels from TU Delft; and sessions ceremony taking place as we went to press during the International with IEEE leaders including IEEE’s Leadership Summit – Tunisia (wiels.ieee.tn). This flagship event is CEO and President, the Region 8 one of the most important WIE events in Region 8, running from 10 Director, and both Student Activi- to 12 August. Here’s the list of winners: ties Committee (SAC) and YP rep- OORegion 8 Outstanding WIE Section Affinity Group of the Year: resentatives. WIE Tunisia AG The program offered a choice OORegion 8 Outstanding WIE Student Affinity Group of the Year: of 50 workshops across several WIE Yeditepe University AG, Turkey themes from soft skills to technical. OORegion 8 Outstanding WIE Section Volunteer of the Year: Attendees also had the opportu- Ilhem Kallel, Tunisia nity to visit major labs and factories OORegion 8 Outstanding WIE Student Volunteer of the Year: related to engineering in Portugal, Özgenur Sevgili, Turkey including Bosch. A number of par- Congratulations to the winners for being an inspiration to IEEE volun- ticipants presented their work in a teers in general and to WIE members in particular. We are proud of special Speed Talk session designed you! Congratulations to Tunisia and Turkey Sections as well. to increase members’ engagement The second edition of the Region 8 WIE Awards will take place throughout the congress. in 2019, so make it your time to shine! We look forward to your On the social side, the Porto nominations. team prepared a host of activities Stay tuned to our online channels: Facebook @R8WIE, Instagram for attendees, including network- @r8wie and our website wie.ieeer8.org. You can also drop us an ing by the beach while enjoying email at [email protected]. the sunset. A beautiful and elegant Keep shining, inspiring and leading! gala dinner was held in the Palácio Youmna El Bitar, Region 8 WIE co-ordinator da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) in Porto’s historical centre. On the final

IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 13 yp news Hands-on skills project turns YPs into full stack engineers

‘FULL Stack Engineer Project’ is a develop new skills which may help new program developed and pre- them in the next stage of their ca- pared by Bosnia and Herzegovina reers or to find the first job. These Young Professionals Affinity Group. workshops are also a great oppor- The main idea of this program is to tunity for networking. provide more activities and more The first workshop was held at benefits for young professionals in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, industry. University of Sarajevo on 14-15 July. The program consists of six More than 20 members of IEEE BiH technical workshops focusing on Young Professionals had a chance to the power and energy sector, where learn all about light designing and young professionals will have an op- Dialux, the world’s leading soft- portunity to learn new software or ware for planning, calculation and Virtual Martians achieve visualisation of indoor and outdoor lighting. Further workshops planned consensus on standards to take place this year include: AutoCAD electrical design, Revit SEVENTEEN young professional with roles to play that had conflict- BIM workshop, EPLAN Electric P8 engineers attending the 2018 ing goals. The team that argued workshop, power system protection Young Professionals in Space with passion eventually discovered workshop, and an electrical meas- conference at the Polytechnic a procedural trick – suspend the urements workshop (IRT, CCTT, University of Catalonia, Barcelona, rules – to enable them to make de- PQM, etc). Spain, on 17- 21 July took part in cisions where it was hard to reach Many young engineers are IEEE Standards University’s ‘Mars the required 75% approval. The already very interested to be part Space Colony: A Game of Stand- other team methodically debated of this project and that can be seen ardization’ workshop. and eliminated individual options in the YP membership increase in The purpose of the Mars Game until they reached 75% consensus. Bosnia and Herzegovina. A positive is to educate engineers about what Prizes were distributed by IEEE feedback from the first workshop standards are, and how consensus Standards University: mugs for has motivated the Bosnia and Her- can be reached in developing a everyone, pennants for individual zegovina YP AG to work even harder standard, given conflicting indi- contributions, and backpacks for to complete this exciting project. vidual goals. Participating is also a the chairs and (in the opinion of lot of fun and exposes attendees to the Games Master) the “coolest techniques of consensus-building participant”. Saudi YPs learn the refinery things that are useful life skills applicable The game was facilitated by in group decision contexts. Adrian Stephens, former chair of The two teams eventually IEEE 802.11 and IEEE Standards in life during three-part workshop reached a consensus on their four Association board member. standards development tasks, For more information about although they took very different IEEE Standards University includ- routes to get there. One team ar- ing the Mars Space Colony: A gued with passion; the other was Game of Standardization’, please almost clinical. In neither case was go to: www.standardsuniversity. it easy to reach a consensus be- org/game. cause the individuals were briefed Adrian Stephens { IN BRIEF } SAUDI Arabia YP organised a workshop the refinery; more specifically, on the ways for young engineers at Ras Tanura Refin- that electrical engineers can operate and OOYoung Professionals Affinity Group in Bahrain will host Middle East Stu- ery, owned by Saudi Aramco. The one-day maintain a reliable electrical system that dents and Young Professionals Congress (MESYP) in 2019, hoping to build event was led by highly experienced special- avoids any electrical disturbances. on its success last year in hosting the first IEEE Gulf Cooperation Council ists from the company who explained the The control and process engineering (GCC) SYP, which attracted more than 300 participants. electrical system at the refinery. The day was was discussed in the third session. The main split into three sessions. goal was to educate participants about the OOSerbia & Montenegro Young Professionals Affinity Group expects to During the first session, it was explained chemical processes in the refinery. continue its vigorous start to activities since its initial meeting at the Power how the electrical equipment at the refinery At the end of the workshop, the Saudi Electronics conference in October 2017. Encouraged by receiving its first (for generation, transmission and industrial Arabia YP chair thanked to the experts for guest from Wollongong University, Australia, the group will do its best to distribution) was designed, operated and their help and all attendees received certifi- maintain momentum throughout 2018 and reach out to other Young Profes- maintained. cates for their participation. sionals groups within Region 8 and beyond. The plan is to reach full capacity The second part of the workshop fo- Mashhour Alqahtani at EUROCON 2019, to be held in Novi Sad, while exploiting the fortunate cused on the engineering and operation of Saudi Arabia YP chair circumstance that Novi Sad has been named European youth capital in 2019.

14 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 student news

National Engineering School of Sfax (ENIS), Tunisia Training the techniques of offensive security

THE CyberSecurity Student Chap- theme, followed by talks by Sofien ter at ENIS, in collaboration with Maatallah and Walid Bensaid from Tunisia Section and the National the National Agency of Informa- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Agency for Computer Security tion Security (ANSI). (ANSI), organised its first I-Protect The workshops included a workshop at the Mathaba Royal preparation for the Offensive Se- Four cities, two countries: the Salem Hotel in Sousse, Tunisia, on curity certificate, taught by one of 18-20 March (cybersecurity-enis. the most qualified engineers who ultimate learning road trip ieee.tn/iprotect). explained in detail concepts such The three-day event attracted as ethical hacking, footprinting and more than 60 participants from 20 reconnaissance, enumeration, sys- AUTH Student Branch successfully Tunisian engineering schools. The tem hacking, sniffing, social engi- organised an international educa- attendees were a mix of graduate neering, denial-of-service, session tional trip to Belgium and the Neth- and undergraduate students along hijacking, hacking webservers, erlands on 19-26 April. We have with a few IEEE Young Profession- hacking web applications, SQL arranged similar educational visits als, who were all extremely inter- Injection and hacking wireless in the past – Geneva, Lausanne, ested in learning about offensive networks. Manchester, Leuven and Eindhoven security. The final day of training includ- – but this was the first trip on such Tunisia Section chair Habib ed the presentation of certificates a scale, encompassing four cities Kammoun opened the event with to attendees and closing remarks across two countries. a presentation on IEEE and its by Maha Charfedine. The main purpose of this eight- benefits (notably those of student We would like to express our day tour was to put students of the Technische Universiteit Delft (TU transition and elevation) and the gratitude to our IEEE partners university’s Electrical & Computer Delft) in Delft and, finally, Technis- principal IEEE activities organised Computer Society, IEEE Tunisia Engineering Department in contact che Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) on international, Region 8 and na- Chapters and WIE Affinity Groups; with the educational systems of and NXP Semiconductors, both in tional levels. Maha Charfeddine, and our main partners the National these countries and to interact with Eindhoven. They had the chance to IEEE Cyber Security counselor and Agency of Information Security their schools, universities, institutes, explore a number of laboratories a software engineering professor (ANSI), Primatec, and the venue organizations and companies. and two clean-rooms: one in IMEC at ENIS, introduced the workshop host Marhaba Royal Salem. The 19 participants, accompa- and the other in TU Delft. nied by Prof Alkiviadis Hatzopoulos, A special thanks goes to IEEE began with visits to the Interuniver- Greece CASS/SSCS Joint Chapter, sity MicroElectronics Center (IMEC) which partially funded the trip, and and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven to the Student Branch at KU Leuven (KUL), both in Leuven, Belgium. In for its generous hospitality. The Netherlands, they visited the Kosmas Tsiakas European Space Agency’s Euro- Student Branch chair pean Space Research and Technol- Periklis Karavangelis ogy Centre (ESA – ESTEC) in Leiden, Head organiser

Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria Conference topics promote professional awareness

‘TECHNOLOGY Today’ was the theme ‘The Role of Employable Skill-sets: A of FUTO Student Branch’s Student Pro- New Paradigm Shift’. These sessions fessional Awareness Conference 2018, were presented by the keynote and held at Federal University of Technol- guest speakers Kennedy Okafor, Sam- ogy Owerri on 7 April. The conference uel Okozie, Ihejirika Allwell Chinedum attracted 50 attendees, all from the and Osuala Nnamdi. university. A competition was held during Nnamani Valentine Kosisochukwu certificates for both, the winner gets to Conference topics included ‘Artifi- the conference by chair-elect Ezeogu- won the top prize with his paper ‘Fu- attend all FUTO Student Branch activi- cial Intelligence & Big Data Analytics: ine Chuka Dean, the winner being ture of Mobile Commerce’, while the ties for a year free of charge while the Benefits & Risks’, ‘Smart Grid Systems: Okpala Benedic. Also, the winners of runner-up spot was taken by Duru Levi runner-up gets a 50% discount. A New Grid Revolution’, ‘Leadership FUTO Student Branch’s Student Paper Odinakachukwu thanks to his work on Abdulmalik Osikena Abdullahi Competencies for a New Society’, and Competition 2018 were announced: the topic ‘Internet of Things’. Beside the Student Branch chair

IEEE Region 8 News September 2018 15 student news feature

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia ELECTRIC TOURIST Nanotech under Was Queen Elizabeth I’s the microscope physician the father of

THE new executive committee of the most active Student electrical engineering? Chapter in Saudi Arabia, KFUMP SB, organised several events during the first four months of this year. Colchester, United Kingdom A short course on Nanotechnology, held on 28 March, attracted more than 50 students. Topics cov- SOME 220 years before Hans Christian Left: Gilberd’s ered included an introduction to the main concepts in Ørsted’s discovery of electromagnetism, statue at the front nanotechnology, the principles of quantum mechanics an English medical doctor in the late 16th of Colchester’s town hall. and optical effects, the characteristics of nanomaterials century court of Queen Elizabeth was backed up with specific examples, an introduction to experimenting with magnets when he in- Dabbs Alistair Photo: Below: Gilberd’s low-dimensional materials, and the key 2D materials advertently identified electricity. He even home, situated (such as graphene and TMDCS) and their application in invented the name for it. just off one of the shopping streets sensing and electronics. The impact of nano-electronics William Gilberd (sometimes spelt ‘Gil- in the town centre, on our daily life was discussed, as well as an overview bert’) was born in England’s oldest Roman its Elizabethan of transistor fabrication (from sand to chips) and micro- town, Colchester, in 1544 and subsequently features still intact. electromechanical systems and their applications. studied medicine in Cambridge before beginning practice in London in the early 1570s. He rose in prominence to become personal physician to the Queen and briefly also to her successor James I before dying suddenly, possibly of plague, in 1603. crude electroscope and essentially the first When he was not treating ailing mon- electrical measuring instrument. archs, Gilberd regarded himself as an ac- It would be another half-century and the OOA seminar entitled ‘Arduino vs Raspberry Pi’ was held complished astronomer and spent his free scientific revolution before Thomas Browne on 4 April, attended by more than 20 participants, while time devising experiments in magnetism began using the term electricity, which he 12 students took advantage of the opportunity to visit to explain hitherto unexplained forces that derived from Gilberd’s book. the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority guided the planets and stars. Even 415 years after William Gilberd’s facilities on 22 March. His amateur master work on magnetism, death, Colchester remains boldly proud of published in 1600 as De Magnete, posited its otherwise unsung and unfamous son. groundbreaking theories such as the Earth Situated in Essex just 57 miles east of central itself being magnetic (at the time, no-one London, this market town honours Gilberd’s knew why a compass works), the Earth ro- existence and legacy with several historical tates once a day while the stars remained sites and memorials. fixed (rather than vice versa), and that some Not only was he born here, his remains substances carried a kind of fluid power of were interred here too in Holy Trinity attraction that was somehow related to but Church, a building that retains much of its not exactly the same as magnetism. original Saxon construction, along with a He referred to this power as having “at- marble monument to the man himself. tractive” properties akin to those in amber. Such is his local reputation, Colchester’s ‘Amber’ in Classical Greek is elektron, and current town hall, erected at the beginning in Classical Latin electrum, from which he of the 20th century, features a highly visible devised a New Latin expression to mean and larger-than-life statue of William Gilberd OOTwo other events were organised by the Student “like amber”: electricus. set into its ornate Victorian front fascia. Branch in the first quarter. A two-day course ran on The book outlines Gilberd’s experiments History buffs may also be interested to 13-14 March focusing on the topic of renewable energy, with amber to produce static electricity, note that his distinctive Elizabethan home attracting 175 students. Participants were able to find which he referred to as electrical charge, and also survives, well-preserved in a small but out more about solar photovoltaic energy and wind describes his invention of the versorium – a publically accessible courtyard in the town power technology. centre. Earlier in the month, on 7 March, 60 engineering Just think: if Gilberd students attended an IoT seminar. hadn’t written his book The interest generated by these events has become in Latin, we might all be viral and attracted many new student members. working today in amberi- cal and amberonic engi- neering.

Photo: Alistair Dabbs OOHave you visited somewhere off the beaten path within Region 8 that has historical or cultural significance to IEEE’s fields of interest? Let us know!

16 IEEE Region 8 News September 2018