IET announces its Honorary Fellows line-up for this year
Three outstanding figures within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) have been elected as Honorary Fellows of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
The three IET Honorary Fellows for 2024 are:
- Dame Margaret Aderin-Pocock DBE BSc PhD in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the public understanding of STEM.
- Eur Ing Professor Amanda L Dowd BSc PhD in recognition of her outstanding service to the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
- Dr Dave Smith BSc PhD in recognition of his outstanding service to the engineering profession.
Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock DBE, best known for presenting BBC One’s educational space and universe series The Sky at Night, is an award-winning space scientist, broadcaster and author who has worked with several academic institutions to promote the study of STEM subjects and spoken to hundreds of thousands of school children to inspire the next generation.
In receiving this accolade, Maggie said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this esteemed award from the Institution of Engineering and Technology – and to join a collective of inspirational engineers and technologists. Working in the space industry hasn’t felt like work; it feels like magic. It’s provided me with an exciting and rewarding career and a range of fantastic opportunities – some of which I have been able to share with audiences across the UK.
“It’s important that everyone, regardless of background, feels that they too can enjoy opportunities within science, technology, engineering and maths. As they say, you must see it to be it, so we must keep highlighting and promoting role models. I will continue to promote the space industry and astronomy, and I hope that I can inspire others to reach for the stars.”
Professor Amanda Dowd began her career as an Electronic Design Engineer / Software Development Engineer. Now Emeritus Professor at the University of Warwick, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), she previously held roles as Academic Director of the Graduate School for the University and was Academic Director of Graduate Studies for WMG. A volunteer with the IET since her student days, Amanda has been engaged with membership, professional review interviews, mentoring, the Benevolent Fund, Boards and Council, plus STEM outreach.
Amanda said: “I was extremely flattered to be contacted by the IET with an invitation to join the August list of Honorary Fellows, going back to 1873. I understand that my award has been made to recognise my service as a volunteer in supporting the Institution’s ambitions, which I wholeheartedly endorse.”
A technologist and industrial expert by background, Dr Dave Smith is the UK National Technology Advisor who advises the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet on the best approach to building and enhancing the UK’s technology strengths. His role includes working across government to champion the science and tech industries and building networks across industries to draw the best minds into policymaking.
Before taking up his role as the NTA, Dave accumulated decades of experience working across the technology industry – most recently as Director of Central Technology at Rolls-Royce. His career has otherwise seen him sit as the Managing Director of a British tech firm working across cyber-security, networking and more before taking up key leadership roles in renowned public sector and technology consultancies.
Dave said: “Throughout my career, I've witnessed extraordinary engineers develop world-class solutions to some of the world's most complex problems. Being in those rooms, some brilliance inevitably rubbed off, and I’ve contributed modestly. But engineering, at its heart, is a team sport. While individual breakthroughs matter, true progress comes from collective effort. That’s why receiving any personal accolade, like this one, feels humbling—because behind every success I’ve been part of, there has been a legion of brilliant colleagues.”
On awarding the Honorary Fellowships, IET President Warren East, added: “On behalf of the IET, I’m delighted that we are marking the outstanding achievements of these distinguished individuals with one of our highest honours of Honorary Fellow. They each have excelled in their disciplines, made truly great contributions across our profession and inspired others through their expertise, knowledge, and service.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
Quotes in full
Professor Amanda Dowd said: “I was extremely flattered to be contacted by the IET with an invitation to join the august list of Honorary Fellows, going back to 1873. I understand that my award has been made in recognition of my service as a volunteer in supporting the Institution’s ambitions, which I whole-heartedly endorse.
“I have been interested in engineering since I was a young child – going back to when my father – also an engineer – gave me a transistor radio kit; I built that radio and used it for many years before going on to study engineering at university. It was there, as a student, that I commenced my volunteering for the Institution, my supervisor suggesting that I could become secretary to our local Younger Members’ committee – of course I had to join the Institution first!!
“I have never regretted that decision, having benefitted both professionally and personally from my 50-odd years of engagement with various aspects of the Institution. I wish to express my profound thanks to the Institution for the support – and recognition – that I have received from it.”
Dr Dave Smith said: “Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of witnessing extraordinary engineers develop world-class solutions to some of the world's most complex problems. Being in those rooms, some of that brilliance inevitably rubbed off, and I’ve contributed in my own modest way. But engineering, at its heart, is a team sport. While individual breakthroughs matter, true progress comes from collective effort. That’s why receiving any personal accolade, like this one, feels humbling—because behind every success I’ve been part of, there has been a legion of brilliant colleagues.
“I felt that same gratitude when we received the Queen’s Award for Innovation, and I feel it now, deeply. This honour belongs just as much to every collaborator I’ve had, for their intelligence, dedication, and good humour. It is extraordinary to even be mentioned alongside great names like Kelvin or Marconi.
“Today, we face more daunting global challenges than ever before, yet for engineers, these are exhilarating opportunities. It’s a truly exciting era to embark on a career in engineering. As for me, being a mentor or role model has become a significant joy, more fulfilling than any personal recognition. Still, being celebrated by my peers—and making my mother proud – is a wonderful feeling I won’t take for granted."
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