IEEE officially announces inaugural Global Engineering the Future Day

PISCATAWAY, USA: IEEE, the world's largest technical professional society, announced Global Engineering the Future Day in commemoration of its 125th anniversary this year.

IEEE Engineering the Future Day on 13 May 2009, IEEE's official anniversary date, recognizes the contributions and impact that IEEE, its members and the world's engineering and technology professionals have made for the benefit of humanity and is designed to raise public awareness of the diverse opportunities in different technology fields.

The IEEE saw the need to increase awareness of technological advancement and its impact due to a global decrease of students entering engineering, computing and technology fields.

For example, the number of engineering specialties in Chinese universities has decreased by more than half from 1997 to 2006, according to the Chinese Ministry of Education. In the US, although university enrollments are at an all-time high, the number of students in science, technology, engineering and math programs has remained stagnant for the past 25 years. This lack of growth can lead to a shortage of trained professionals in fields that fuel tomorrow's innovations in healthcare, alternative energy and communications.

Imagine having created a key technological milestone such as the first transmission of intelligible speech over electrical wires, wireless Internet or the world's first electronic, monochrome-compatible, color television system. Careers in engineering, computing and technology offer the opportunity to develop innovations that may rewrite the history books -- from cancer detection and prosthetic development to smart grid systems and energy-efficient devices.

IEEE Engineering the Future Day activities have been planned by IEEE members and student members around the world to honor IEEE's heritage and focus on ways to advance technology to make the world a better place. Grass roots events are scheduled in nearly two dozen countries including Ecuador, Nigeria, Portugal and Russia. Join the celebration at ieee125.org or use the day to plan an activity that will inspire innovation for another 125 years.

Here are some suggestions:

* Starting today (May 13) through 7 August 2009, participate in the IEEE Engineering Your World Competition, which invites contestants to submit videos of their inventions. To learn more and for participation guidelines visit www.ieee125.org/engineering-your-world. The contest is open to everyone.

* Read about 15 student projects that have the potential to change the world or a community for the benefit of humanity and cast your vote for your favorite in the IEEE Presidents' Change the world competition at www.ieee125.org/change-the-world

* Invite local engineers and technologists to speak to children at local schools and provide hands-on experiments.

* Encourage teachers in your local area to spend a day helping kids learn about technology-related careers. Lesson plans are available on www.tryengineering.org.

* Learning fun facts about computing, technology and engineering by visiting www.ieee125.org