Catalyst gives an overview of some of the work the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) has been doing recently to promote engineering and technology.

Click here for all our newsletters and websites

ETB unveils new business plan
Following the appointment of Sir Anthony Cleaver as Chairman last year, the ETB has revised its business plan, sharpening its focus on ETB's purpose of promoting the vital role of engineers, engineering and technology in our society and inspiring people to pursue careers at all levels in engineering and technology. We also agreed the following strategic goals for the next 4-6 years: To improve the perception of engineers and engineering; To improve the supply of engineers; and To raise awareness and credibility of the ETB with key stakeholders. Achievement of these goals will be driven by a range of activities which fall into three main categories: Promotion, Research, and Education and Skills.

For more information click here:

Back to top

scenta launches careers networking
The ETB's careers and news site scenta.co.uk has been successfully re-launched with web 2.0 networking tools (like those used on Facebook and Myspace) enabling users to keep each other enthused about careers in science, engineering and technology. It's a fact that our users are relying less on traditional communications and more on consulting peers for advice and recommendations. So, as well as finding authoritative news and careers content on the site, our users will now be able to join (and create) groups of their peers to discuss courses, careers and companies - plus any other hot topics they fancy.

For more information click here:

Back to top

Engineering increases presence at NSEW
Almost 700 engineering events took place at this year's National Science and Engineering Week, as coordinated by the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA) and the Engineering and Technology Board. (ETB) According to newly released figures, 689 engineering events were registered during this year's ten day celebration of science, engineering and technology in March. Prior to 2007, the event was primarily a celebration of science. However, following a concerted effort to widen its scope and increase the profile of engineering, this year's celebration saw the number of specific engineering events far exceed the stated target of 550.

For more information click here:

Back to top

ETB gives evidence to IUS Engineering Enquiry
In March and April this year, the ETB gave both written and oral evidence to the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee Inquiry into Engineering. The ETB's evidence included key information on the role of engineering in society, and the UK's innovation drive; the state of the UK's engineering skills base; and the relationship between engineering and R&D (research and development). We also acted as secretariat for the engineering community as a whole and submitted written evidence on behalf of the 36 Professional Engineering Institutions.

Both our individual evidence and that of the 36 Professional Engineering Institutions, and ECuk , can be viewed here:

Back to top

Magnets and Rollercoasters
The ETB recently supported the NESTA Planet SciCast competition, which challenged young people to make mini movies of exciting science and engineering experiments, and awarded prizes at a high profile ceremony hosted by TV scientist, Dr Laura Grant. Adrian Talbot, Director of Business Development, attended the ceremony on behalf of the ETB and presented the prize for Best Engineering Film to a group of sixth form students for their short film "Magnets and Rollercoasters".

For more information on the planet Sci Cast project and awards click here:

Back to top

mailto:unsub-catalyst@lyris.etechb.co.uk

To sign off this list, please click here or to send us comments, contact lmarsh@etechb.co.uk

Visit www.etechb.co.uk, the gateway to the best in science, engineering and technology.