On behalf of the Institute of Corrosion, Izabela Gajewska, MICorr, and Eilidh MacDonald, MICorr, had the privilege of attending the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers’ Discussion Dinner on 27th November 2024 at the iconic One Great George Street, headquarters of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
This marked the first time in history that younger members of ICorr participated in the Smeatonian Discussion Dinner. It is hoped that this will be the beginning of a lasting relationship between the Institute of Corrosion and the Smeatonian Society.
Founded in 1771, the Smeatonian Society remains a key hub for regular insightful engineering discussions, generally over a meal.
These discussions take the form of an introductory presentation followed by group discussions which are summarised to the gathering by rapporteurs. Traditionally, meetings take place on the last Wednesday of January, March, April, October, and November, with adjustments to avoid holiday conflicts. The October meeting is normally a lunch; all other meetings are dinners with a variety of formats.
At Discussion Dinner, a member or guest is invited to speak on a topical subject and lead a discussion under the Chatham House Rule. The Society’s meetings do not seek to replicate meetings of the Royal Academy of Engineering or those of the engineering institutions. Topics for discussions are normally on matters of general engineering interest or wider societal subjects.
The recent discussion evening focused on the challenges and opportunities facing engineering today, with a strong emphasis on Materials Engineering, a topic less familiar to many Smeatonians, introduced by Stephen Shapcott, the recipient of this year’s prestigious Smeaton Medal.
The discussions highlighted how materials engineering plays a vital but often underappreciated role in solving today’s pressing issues. A key takeaway was the need to move beyond simply sharing ideas across disciplines and industries, and instead fully integrate them to create more cohesive and impactful solutions. There was also a significant focus on inspiring future engineers through modernised education, including updates to programmes that incorporate cutting-edge materials science and sustainability topics to better reflect current industry needs, and promoting sustainability through smarter, more efficient materials.
Lastly, the discussion focused on how industries can better leverage advances in materials science, particularly in the context of urgent climate action. This includes investing in innovative corrosion resistant materials like graphene for energy storage and fostering stronger collaboration with research institutions to stay at the forefront of developments. However, even commonly used materials require continuous innovation, especially in areas like reuse and recycling, to create a more sustainable future.
Rod Muttram, Honorary Treasurer of The Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers, expressed his gratitude to Stephen Shapcott for expanding and sharing knowledge, a tradition that has been central to the Society for over 250 years!
For more information about the Smeatonian Society, you can watch the YouTube video they commissioned for the 300th anniversary of Smeaton at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhfzCcPuofY and visit their official website at www.smeatonians.org
Photo: Izabela Gajewska (Left) and Eilidh MacDonald (Right) Pictured at the Dinner in the Smeaton Room of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), One Great George Street, Westminster, London.
Photo: The Entrance to Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), One Great George Street, Westminster, London.
ICorr is a member of the Science Council, which means we can offer you the opportunity to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci). In this article, they explain what they do and what 2025 has in store.
The Science Council was established by Royal Charter just over 20 years ago and registered as a charity in 2009. Its official purpose is ‘to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge of and education in science, pure and applied.’
It does that by being a membership organisation for professional bodies and learnt societies across the breadth of science and by providing professional registration. This interdisciplinary community of over 30 organisations is mutually supportive and can amplify the achievements and concerns of the scientific disciplines where there is common interest.
The Science Council holds four professional registers: Registered Science Technician (RSciTech), Registered Scientist (RSci), Chartered Scientists (CSci) and Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach).
In order to join a register, you need to be a member of ICorr or another of its Licensed Members, hold a relevant qualification or demonstrate equivalent achievement, meet the standards of competence for the relevant register, and agree to follow the code of conduct and undertake continuing professional development (CPD).
They help potential Registrants by holding a free online Introduction to Professional Registration workshop every month. Last year they also introduced Application Sprint: A Masterclass in Professional Registration. This intensive one-day workshop supports you to prepare a first draft of your competence report, the main part of your application. Dates for this year will be announced soon.
The Science Council is run by a small but effective team, led and supported by chief executive Professor Della Freeth. Della took up the role in August 2023, bringing significant experience of education, training and leadership developed in secondary school teaching, several senior roles in universities and the Royal College of Physicians.
Over the past 18 months, Della has worked with the team to make sure the Science Council is focused on bringing its members together and supporting its current and future Registrants. Key work has included making sure professional registration is accessible, continuing the technical education project in partnership with the Gatsby Foundation, and championing equity, diversity and inclusion through its Progression Framework in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Last year, Della worked with Science Council Members, staff and the Board of Trustees to develop the organisation’s strategy for 2025-2028. It will be published in spring this year, but Della was happy to give us a taste of what is to come.
“We are excited about working with our Members, Registrants and partners on the next stage of our journey,” she said. “We always start with our vision and purpose, as they remind us why we are here in the first place. We aim for a diverse and growing science profession that is trusted, respected, innovative and equipped to meet regional, national and global challenges. And our role in that is to connect the science professions and offer professional recognition for scientists, science technicians and science teachers.
“Over the next three years, we will focus on delivering our core business as effectively as possible. We’ll keep reviewing our standards to make sure they inspire current and future Registrants. We’ll bring our members together, amplifying their achievements and views in areas of common interest. We’ll work to increase the number and diversity of Registrants and volunteers, and to enhance their sense of belonging to our community.
“We’re also going to develop relationships with more employers, supporting them to invest in and support their staff. We’ll make sure our work on apprenticeships, T Levels and other technical qualifications is embedded in what we do for the long term. And we’re going to make sure that our website and other elements of our digital architecture are fit for purpose.”
Interested?
Read more information about professional registration with the Science Council and applying via ICorr or visit the Science Council website:
www.sciencecouncil.org
Photo: An example of the Science Council website homepage.
On 17th January 2025, following a successful handover meeting led by Dr Danny Burkle and Izabela Gajewska, we are thrilled to introduce Kathy as the new Young ICorr Chair.
Both Danny and Izabela have dedicated significant effort to advancing Young ICorr initiatives, and while they now step back from the leadership role, they will remain supportive members of the new committee. This collaborative approach promises a seamless transition and continued progress for the group. Kathy brings an impressive background and lots of enthusiasm to this role. Here’s a bit about her in her own words:
“Hi, I’m Kathy, and I’ve been in the corrosion field for several years now. After completing a Master’s in Chemistry at the University of Hull, I worked as a Technical Service Manager at Teal and Mackrill, a specialist coatings manufacturer, while also working as an ICorr-qualified Coating Inspector. After several years in this role, I pursued a PhD in Corrosion at The University of Manchester, where I became more involved in ICorr activities, joining the Northwest Committee and initiating a student lecture series. I now work at the University of Leeds as a research fellow in Corrosion. I’m excited and looking forward to developing more opportunities and activities for the Young Members of ICorr, and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Kathy’s vision for Young ICorr focuses on fostering engagement and creating opportunities that empower young professionals in the field of corrosion. Her leadership is guided by enthusiasm, collaboration, and a strong commitment to developing initiatives that support career development.
The Young ICorr Committee is actively seeking further proactive and enthusiastic individuals to join and contribute to the future of ICorr’s young members. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference, now is the perfect time to get involved!
Let’s all join in welcoming Kathy to her new role and look forward to the exciting journey ahead for Young ICorr!
Please contact Kathy on youngicorrchair@icorr.org to register your interest in joining the Young ICorr committee.
Kathy brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role. Her background includes:
A MSc in Chemistry, from the University of Hull.
Industry experience as a Technical Service Manager at Teal & Mackrill, specialising in protective coatings.
Becoming an ICorr qualified Coating Inspector.
Completing a PhD in Corrosion at The University of Manchester, where she initiated a student lecture series.
Currently working as a Research Fellow in Corrosion at the University of Leeds.
In 2024, the Institute of Corrosion took a significant step toward expanding its reach and promoting the importance of corrosion prevention in the Wales and South-West region of the UK.
With the establishment of the Wales and South-West Regional Branch, ICorr aims to foster greater collaboration and knowledge sharing within this vital area of engineering.
The formation of this regional branch reflects a growing need to address corrosion-related challenges in industries such as petrochemical, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and marine, which are particularly prevalent in the coastal and industrial regions of Wales and the South-West. The new branch will provide a platform for professionals to gather, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of corrosion issues, as well as cutting-edge strategies for prevention.
Key Events Held in 2024
Throughout 2024, the Wales and South-West Regional Branch hosted a series of events in cities such as Bristol, Port Talbot, Swansea, and Southampton. These gatherings served as key opportunities for local industry leaders, engineers, and academics to meet, learn, and discuss the latest advancements in corrosion science and technologies. Topics covered included innovative corrosion prevention methods, case studies, and industry best practices aimed at enhancing durability and reducing costs.
In addition to technical presentations and workshops, these events featured networking opportunities, allowing members to connect with peers and potential collaborators. This helped foster a sense of community within the region, strengthening relationships among professionals working in similar fields.
Looking Ahead: Events in 2025
Building on the success of 2024, the Wales and South-West Regional Branch will continue its mission to promote the understanding and prevention of corrosion. With events planned across the region in locations such as Pembroke, Cardiff, Plymouth, Southampton, and Swansea, the branch will ensure its activities are accessible to a wide range of professionals. By rotating event locations, ICORR hopes to reach even more individuals and organisations that may benefit from greater awareness and understanding of corrosion issues and prevention techniques.
These upcoming events will also offer valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration, featuring expert speakers and interactive sessions. The regional branch is committed to addressing the diverse needs of the region.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The Wales and South-West Regional Branch of ICORR also aims to work alongside other professional organisations in the region, such as the Southern Joint Branch of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
By working together with these groups, ICORR seeks to broaden the scope of its events and initiatives, offering a more interdisciplinary approach to corrosion prevention and management. This collaboration will help facilitate knowledge transfer across industries, bringing together professionals from different sectors who may face similar corrosion-related challenges. Additionally, these partnerships will support the development of innovative solutions to complex problems, ultimately advancing the field as a whole.
For more information, contact swchair@icorr.org You can also keep up to date on events by visiting our LinkedIn page; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12992293/ and our Website page www.icorr.org/wales-and-south-west-branch/please scroll down to Local Technical Programme for Past presentations.
Photo: Delegates at the 2024 Bristol Event.
Photo: Delegates at the 2024 Port Talbot Event that launched the Branch.
The North-West Branch continues to go from strength to strength under the skilful chairmanship of Greg Brown, recruiting new committee members and planning several exciting events for 2025.
Young Engineer Event – 19th February 2025
The Young Engineer Programme is run by ICorr every two years and serves as a great opportunity for early-career engineers/students to gain valuable experience and problem-solving skills. Our 2024 programme has just been completed in London, and our YEP 24 winners will be off to AMPP25 in Nashville very soon: https://ace.ampp.org/home
Last year’s participants dealt with a power plant corrosion-related issue. The winning team designed a solution to the problem. Roger Francis, of RF Materials, implemented the real-life solution.
Our Young Engineer leadership team of Danny Burkle and Izabela Gajewska has confirmed the date of 19th February 2025 for a ‘Follow-up’ event at the University of Manchester to showcase presentations from the winning team and Roger Francis. As in previous North-West Branch events, it’s also proposed that the event will showcase students’ university research presentations. The event will also promote the next intake for YEP in Q4 2025.
The event will take place from 12:30 for lunch. The event is open to all ICorr members, not just Young ICorr participants.
For further information or to confirm your place, please contact nwchair@Icorr.org
Asset Management Joint Event
The North-West Branch was approached to host a joint event with the Institute of Asset Management (IAM). A further meeting of the planning committee is taking place. The date and final arrangements are yet to be confirmed but will be available and circulated in due course, also being posted to the North-West Branch homepage: North-West Branch – Institute of Corrosion.
UK-China Corrosion Summit Dates Confirmed as 3rd-4th September 2025
In a tremendously exciting development for the North-West Branch, ICorr and our Chinese counterpart, CSCP (Chinese Society for Corrosion Protection), are planning to hold the inaugural UK-China Corrosion Summit in Manchester in 2025, following the signing-off of our MoU in China in October 2024 and the successful ICorr (UK) – CSCP (China) Joint Webinar Week in November 2024.
The proposed format is as follows:
The Summit will be a two-day event, consisting of: Day 1: Conference with evening dinner; Day 2: University and industrial visits.
The size of China delegation will be approximately 20-30.
The Technical Programme will be hosted by Manchester University, with an accompanying industrial visit also taking place to Intertek CAPCIS.
ICorr North-West Branch will organising the venue and associated facilities.
North-West Branch will continue to update Corrosion Management and all relevant communication channels. Anyone wishing to express an interest in attending the conference can contact nwchair@icorr.org or president@icorr.org
Committee Meetings
The NW Branch committee normally meets on the 2nd Tuesday on alternate months, at 18:00 (either in person or online, as advised by Chair: nwchair@icorr.org)
Upcoming dates are:
8th April 2025
10th June 2025
12th August 2025
14th October 2025
Branch New Year Get Together
The Committee met in Turtle Bay, NW Manchester, to celebrate their successful 2024 and share a lovely meal before getting down to the work for what promises to be a busy 2025!
Upcoming Events
For more details of upcoming events please visit: www.icorr.org/events/
If you wish to present, please contact: nwchair@icorr.org
Photo: North-West Committee, January 2025 at Turtle Bay, Manchester.
ICorr NE Branch supporting Annual CED Day and Corrosion Awareness Event in Teesside, 24th April 2025
ICorr NE Branch is currently in discussions with Danny Burkle to assist in the running of this event. The assistance might come in the form of helping recommend local presenters to cover relevant subject matter and also providing in-person assistance to help run the day.
The NE Branch aims to provide a very full technical programme of both in-person and online events. Abstracts of potential papers for the North-East Technical Programme are always welcome for consideration, and anyone wishing to present should correspond soonest with the 2024/2025 Chair and Technical Programme Co-ordinator: Matt Fletcher at nechair@icorr.org
To join the NE Branch Event mailing list, please also contact: nechair@icorr.org
Further information about the NE Branch and its past presentations may be found on their website page: North-East Branch – Institute of Corrosion www.icorr.org/northeast/ under Local Technical Programme.
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