Professional Engineering

News has just reached me affirming that the IMechE have once again turned down a request for financial support for a joint institution event in Europe (ITER Cadarache conference 27/9/2012), one of the most important projects in the history of the world.

The IET will provide financial support despite their annual subs being lower than those of the IMechE. This event, heavily subscribed by IMechE delegates but wholly organised and run by I.C.E. France, also provides support for young engineers and satisfies requirements for C.P.D.

It regrettably appears possible that such future events may not be open to IMechE members; worse, without financial support they may cease. Members here should be made aware that they may experience difficulty in continuing vital professional development.

We are being offered a unique possibility to effect closer relations with other engineering bodies in Europe. Is London too proud to associate itself formally with “those” electrical and civil engineers?

Recent publicity affirms that the IMechE is striving to become a strong international player, yet with IMechE activities in this region being rare and the absence of financial support, the feeling is of being largely abandoned.

I am personally aware of the immense voluntary effort given by the organisers of this joint event whom I suspect consider that the IMechE is operating a corporate policy of sponging.

Richard Chidley, Luberon, France

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