E+T Podcast

The IET’s Wiring Regulations BS 7671, colloquially known as the wiring regs, are a constantly evolving body of work and its latest iteration was launched in April 2026. It contains substantive changes in areas such as batteries, medical environments and power over Ethernet. E+T asked Mark Coles, head of technical regulations at the IET, to both explain the background to the update and summarise the key changes in the latest revision, and what practical changes they will make to the world of the electrical designer, installer and maintainer of electrical installations.This article also touches on the evolution of the wiring regs and the need for regular revisions to ensure the electrical world is a safe world.The print version of this article appeared in the May/June issue of E+T.

What does it mean to map the future? In this episode, E+T regulars Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran are joined by Tom Gray from Ordnance Survey to explore how mapping has evolved into a critical layer of modern technology.Now largely digital, Ordnance Survey’s data is constantly updated - capturing everything from major infrastructure projects to small, everyday changes - and powering systems far beyond traditional navigation. The conversation looks at how tools like AI and machine vision are enhancing mapping, and how geospatial data is being used to plan EV charging networks, support autonomous vehicles, and optimise infrastructure like data centres.They also dig into the National Underground Asset Register and the challenges of mapping what lies beneath our feet, before touching on the future of fully digitised road networks and national-scale digital twins.A concise look at how mapping underpins the technologies shaping modern Britain - and what comes next. 

Artificial intelligence has already transformed how we watch, listen and scroll — but is it about to reshape how entertainment is actually made?In this episode, E+T regulars Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran are joined by Sarah Atkinson, professor of screen media at King’s College London, to explore how AI is filtering into storytelling, production and performance. From Netflix algorithms and virtual actors to deepfakes, holograms and interactive cinema experiments, they examine whether AI is a creative partner, a cost-cutting disruptor, or a threat to already fragile creative careers.The conversation ranges from the legacy of early interactive film experiments to modern tools like generative video, asking whether audiences really want adaptive narratives — or simply better stories. As AI promises faster post-production and lower barriers to entry, could it democratise filmmaking and diversify voices, or will it accelerate job losses and homogenise culture? And in an industry built on illusion, does it matter if the magic is human-made?With Hollywood strikes, ethical concerns and education systems struggling to keep pace, the episode asks a bigger question: is AI the next evolutionary step in entertainment — or just another cinematic gimmick that will fade when the novelty wears off?“On one side, there’s very much a fear narrative. But then on the opposite scale, you have experimentation and eagerness to use this new tool to actually improve and enhance creativity.”

Venezuela sits on some of the largest oil reserves on the planet — but after years of nationalisation, sanctions, brain drain and crumbling infrastructure, is that oil actually worth the trouble?In this episode, we step away from the politics and dig into the realities of reviving Venezuela’s oil industry. What would it take to get production back online? Who would invest, who would take the risk, and how long would it really take to make a difference to global oil markets?Joining the discussion alongside E+T regulars Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran is Alan Gelder, senior vice president of refining, chemicals and oil markets at Wood Mackenzie, who brings a clear-eyed view of the technical, financial and geopolitical hurdles — from heavy crude and broken refineries to sanctions, emissions, and investor confidence.Is Venezuela a future energy powerhouse waiting to be unlocked — or an uninvestable headache in a world already awash with oil?"Resources that are in unstable regimes that look like they’re very costly to develop and also have a very high emissions intensity, don’t go to the top of the list.”

What difference can a President make in a year at the helm of the IET? How do individual agendas fit in with the overall strategy of the IET? And how do you measure success? These are some of the issues E+T's editor Tim Fryer put to the new President of the IET Dawn Ohlson. The conversation highlighted the importance to the IET of volunteering and why this is core to Dawn's objectives for the year.

Electric Vehicles are seen as part of a sustainable future, but irrespective of affordability and appeal, are there more fundamental issues facing the electrification of the car fleet? Have we optimised the technology and, more specifically, do we have the resources to fulfil future requirements? Essential materials are not always abundant. E+T’s Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran discussed the issues with Louis Piper, Professor of Electrochemical Materials at WMG, University of Warwick.

Join ABB and E&T Magazine as we explore how ABB Large Motors and Generators are helping industries reach new levels of energy efficiency and performance. Learn more about ABB’s Top Industrial Efficiency (TIE) campaign and how our technology solutions can help optimise your operations.Explore the full TIE story: https://new.abb.com/motors-generators/top-industrial-efficiencyFor more information contact ABB. Follow ABB for more insights visit:https://www.abb.com/motors-generatorshttps://www.youtube.com/ABBhttps://www.linkedin.com/showcase/abb-motion/

In this episode of E+T of the Page, Tim Fry, Jack Loughran, Tanya Weaver, and guest Oliver Deed, co-founder of communications consultancy ECF, explore why public opinion and the built environment are often at odds—and how better communication could help bridge the gap. The discussion ranges from the challenges of planning major infrastructure and housing projects to the role of developers in ensuring local communities are happy with their projects. From HS2 to local housing schemes, the conversation highlights how trust, transparency, and genuine dialogue can turn conflict into solutions and help ease Britain’s housing shortage.

From the first pacemakers of the 1950s to cutting-edge brain and spinal cord stimulation, implantable medical devices have come a long way – but the real breakthroughs might still be ahead. In this episode of Off The Page, E&T’s Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran speak with Professor Nick Donaldson of University College London about the science, engineering, and ethics behind modern implants.We explore how bioelectronic medicine could transform treatment for spinal injuries, chronic pain, mental illness, and inflammatory diseases – and why regulation, cost, and complexity still stand in the way. From restoring lost movement to the possibility of “programmable” implants for a range of conditions, we discuss what’s real, what’s next, and what it will take to bring these innovations to patients.

The pace of gaming innovation between the years 1990 and 2010 saw a drastic shift from 2d sprites moving linearly across flat landscapes to fully-realised 3D worlds presenting an almost limitless array of gameplay options. But as development costs skyrocket and physical hardware reaches its limits, the question becomes: where does gaming go from here? Have we now entered an era of diminishing returns where AAA games cost more than your average Hollywood film only to deliver a set of experiences that are long familiar to seasoned gamers? Or do promising technologies like AI, virtual reality, 5G and ray tracing offer a glimpse into a future of possibilities that gamers can only imagine? These are the topics discussed in this podcast with our special guest, Dr Mariza Dima. If you want to hear more from Mariza, she has her own podcast, Mixed Reality in Culture, that can be found here:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7m4PtmI26UaeabUUMLh8ph

The Smart City movement began when the enabling digital technology allowed a level of communication that made lives better for those living in the urban environment. But some of the impetus was lost as the technology was taken for granted. However, recent developments appear to be allowing more tangible progress now - our cities could be getting smarter again!

While most of us agree that it is not, there are issues causing increasing  concern.Rocket launches, space debris and obsolete space equipment burning up on re-entry all have environmental consequences down here as well as up there. Should we be more careful with our space endeavours?

In this episode of E+T: Off the Page, the team explores the growing landmine crisis in Ukraine, now the most heavily mined country in the world after three years of war with Russia. Host Tim Fryerspeaks with Michael Nevard, director of capability at the Halo Trust, about the devastating impact of landmines on civilians and the long-term challenges of de-mining. The discussion focuses on how Halo employs local Ukrainians to safely clearmines to help communities reclaim their land. Nevard also explains how land mine technology has evolved, which can make detection and removal increasingly complex. The conversation also highlights the broader, global issue of landmine contamination, referencing Cambodia, Syria,and Afghanistan, where decades-old mines still maim civilians. In addition, the team explores the financial and logistical hurdles of de-mining, while stressing its humanitarian and economic benefits. 

Hosted by: Tim Fryer and Tanya WeaverSpecial Guest: Stephanie Metzger, Policy Advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry.Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - better known as PFAS or Forever Chemicals, are incredibly useful. They are so good at repelling water, oil and heat that they are used in a multitude of everyday applications. However, there is evidence linking them to serious health issues including cancers and, as the name Forever Chemicals suggests, they are very difficult to get rid of. So how are we going to engineer our way out of this problem?Regulars Tim Fryer and Tanya Weaver are joined by guest Stephanie Metzger,  Policy Advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Hosted by: Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya WeaverSpecial Guest: Simon Swales, Senior Consultant, Mindset PracticeEngineers don’t have it easy. Barely manageable workloads, zero tolerance towards making mistakes, frequently morphing into roles that go beyond their engineering roots - like management, finances, logistics etc - excessive travel and yet solitary nature of the task - all are contributorary factors in making engineering a mentally tough occupation. It is no surprise then that engineer burnout is not just a recognisable condition, but a growing problem. In this podcast we discuss why it is problem that can no longer be ignored.Regulars Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by guest Simon Swales, Senior Consultant, Mindset Practice

While Artificial Intelligence is on everyone's lips as the key to the development of just about everything, more practical issues are resulting in a re-evaluation of where the technology might take us. Public uptake and trepidation on the user side are added to by energy consumption, LLM limitations and profitability on the technology development side. All this and more is discussed in the latest E+T Off The Page podcast. Regulars Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by guest Julie Wall, Professor of AI & Advanced Computing, University of West London.

Few modern day politicians are as divisive as Donald Trump - but what does his forthcoming presidency mean for the tech sector, both in the US and around the world? Will import tariffs kill trade and result in hyper inflation? Or will they stimulate the tech manufacturing sector within the USA? Will removing red tape help innovation, particularly in areas such as AI, where a tech race is on with China? And will the climate change process take a hit if Trump pulls America out of the Paris Agreement.Regulars Tim Fryer and Tanya Weaver form the E+T editorial team discussed all this with Paul Dempsey, long-time American correspondent and geopolitical expert on the technology and engineering sector.

This episode of E+T: Off the Page looks into the divisive world of space tourism. Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by Dr Simon Foster from Imperial College London to discuss whether space tourism has a sustainable, meaningful future, or if it’s just an extravagant venture for the wealthy. The engages in thoughtful debate on whether space tourism can inspire a new generation toward STEM or if its environmental impact and exclusivity overshadow any potential benefits.The conversation also weaves through the evolution of rocket technology, from Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic flights to Elon Musk's reusable rockets at SpaceX and explores the current ticket prices, environmental consequences, and regulatory complexities surrounding private space flights.

Are you curious about the future of biotechnology? Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by expert guest Professor Karen Polizzi from Imperial College London, as they explore the strides and setbacks in biotechnology – an industry often touted as transformative but still misunderstood. From bioengineering breakthroughs to the ethical puzzles posed by genetically modified crops and lab-grown meat, this episode offers a down-to-earth view on whether biotechnology is living up to the hype. Professor Polizzi shares first-hand knowledge of industry shifts in health, agriculture, and even energy, shedding light on what's driving these changes and what hurdles remain.Why aren't we all eating lab-grown burgers yet? Will biotechnology one day replace petrochemicals or conventional farming? With a blend of humour, film references, and deep scientific insights, this episode tackles the fascinating potential of biotechnology, balancing promise with reality.

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. Inspiration Will all companies invest in outreach programmes to inspire the young?Special Guest: Fran Scott

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. Future Mobility Will we be able to cross the Atlantic in an electric airliner?Special Guest: Prof Sven Schimpf

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. Trust and Truth Can we bring more decency and responsibility into  the online world?Special Guest: Coral James O’Connor

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. Global Family Could water poverty become a thing of the past?Special Guest - Dr Claire Malone

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. Alternative Energy Fossil fuels - is it really possible to confine them to history?Special Guest: James Bamborough

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. Sustainability Should biodiversity be sacrosanct and underpin everything we do?Special Guest: Yewande Akinola

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. Diversity Can the make-up of the engineering sector broadly reflect that of society?Special Guest: Dr Shini Somara

In this episode of E+T: Off the Page, we dive into the challenges and progress in the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs). Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by EV advisor and expert Claire Miller to discuss the factors shaping the EV journey, from infrastructure needs to consumer perceptions. Miller brings her expertise on policy, technology, and market dynamics to assess the impact of the growing number of EVs globally and the gaps in infrastructure and charging technology. The discussion also covers barriers such as upfront costs, range anxiety, and inconsistent charging support, with insights into how policies, like the Zero Emission Vehicles mandate, aim to ease this transition.The conversation touches on consumer concerns about EV accessibility, price, and convenience as well as the need for educational outreach to help drivers understand options like salary sacrifice and charging alternatives, which can lower costs. The panel also addresses global discrepancies in EV adoption and how countries with diverse energy sources will impact the environmental benefit of EVs.

In this episode of E+T: Off the Page, the team delves into the often-overlooked topic of global population growth and its significant impact on sustainability and resource use. Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by special guests Chris Edwards and Dr Joe Strong to explore how population trends affect energy, food production, and environmental pressures worldwide. The conversation opens with reflections on COP28's discussions around fossil fuel reduction and financial support for low-income countries, setting the stage for a debate on whether global population growth is the unspoken factor in climate change solutions. Together, they question whether humanity can balance family size preferences with sustainable resource consumption.Edwards and Dr Strong also share insights from their respective work, unpacking the complex dynamics between population growth and sustainable development. The episode includes discussions of how population projections are not as extreme as once feared, noting a likely peak around 10 billion by mid-century, with Africa contributing significantly to that growth. Dr Strong also challenges the concept of "overpopulation," arguing that population issues are often political and related to resource distribution rather than sheer numbers.

In this episode of the E+T: Off the Page podcast, regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by special guest Coral James O’Connor from City University London to dicuss social media and its potential to disrupt the democratic process. The discussion delves into the impact of social media on political communication, particularly its potential to spread misinformation and challenge established communication practices within political campaigns. As governments globally grapple with these issues, the conversation shifts to whether traditional journalistic standards can keep up with the rapid evolution of media technologies like deepfakes, especially in an election year when over half the world’s population will be voting.A core part of the conversation also focuses on deepfake technology, with the team discussing how such media can blur the lines between reality and fabrication, making it increasingly difficult for viewers to trust what they see. The panel also highlights the challenge of self-regulation on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, noting how these networks often lack editorial oversight, leading to rapid misinformation spread. Ultimately, the discussion circles back to whether the responsibility of sifting truth from falsehood falls on the individual or if tech companies and governments must adopt more rigorous controls.

With special guests:Chris EdwardsPaul DempseyThe Digital Silk Road is China’s technological arm of its belt and road initiative. While the country has been known as the world’s biggest manufacturer, the Communist Party under President Xi Jinping has increasingly pivoted towards sectors that are expected to define future economic success, such as AI, chipmaking and 5G.The Digital Silk Road also allows China to expand its soft power influence beyond domestic borders. It uses foreign investments – often from developing countries in Latin America and Africa – to provide jobs for its glut of engineers. It also gives Chinese companies such as Huawei the opportunity to become technology leaders on a global scale in a sector previously dominated by US firms such as Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook.E+T editors Jack Loughran and Tim Fryer discuss how successful the initiative has been with regular contributors Paul Dempsey, and Chris Edwards who wrote this issue’s lead feature on the topic.

The E+T editorial team explore whether life imitates art when it comes to sci-fi.From Doctor Who to Star Wars, Alien, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and more: the E+T editorial team take a look at how technology has played a role in entertainment and how entertainment – specifically science-fiction – has inspired technology.