Associate Professor and Head of Design & Engineering at BU, Dr Tania Humphries-Smith, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Institute of Engineering Designers (IED)
The IED is the UK’s only professional body representing those working in the many fields of engineering and product design.
Dr Humphries-Smith said: “I’m honoured to accept the position of Chair of the IED. I have been an active member of the organisation since joining as a student and am looking forward to having the opportunity to support and shape the development of the Institution as we head into our next decade.
"I am also of course delighted that the leadership of the IED now reflects the growing diversity within the industry – something that I, and the rest of the Council, is committed to promoting and supporting.”
Her appointment means that, for the first time in its history, the three most senior positions at the IED are held by women.
Dr Humphries-Smith joins broadcaster Maggie Philbin, who became President in 2014, and Libby Meyrick who has been CEO of the Institution since 2001.
She will be Chair of the IED for a two year tenure and in January this year she became one of the first four Chartered Technological Product Designers - a new route to professional qualifications, approved by the Privy Council.
The creation of the new Chartership reflects and acknowledges the vast numbers of professionals working in the growing field of technology, and was announced as the IED celebrated its 70th anniversary with a reception at St James Palace, hosted by IED patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Libby Meyrick said: “The launch of the Chartership for Technological Product Designers illustrates our ongoing commitment to supporting all those working in the field of engineering and product design. This is the fastest growing sector within our industry and it is only right that there is a professional qualification that recognises the achievements of those working within it."
The IED currently has 4000 members, of whom 1200 are students, 250 graduates and the rest Members and Fellows.
