Introduction from the Chairman

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was set up over 150 years ago to bring together a new breed of people.  People who used the new tools, technology, and science to make the world a better and more productive place.  These people found new solutions to some of the problems of their time.  The Institution's aim was to be the natural home of Mechanical Engineers.  Today, there are a new set of tools, and a whole new set of technologies and scientific methods, but the same breed of people are still here to pit their own ingenuity and skill against a new set of problems.

In Benelux we have our own part to play in this new era.  The Internet has changed the social and industrial landscape beyond recognition.  We are only half way through the second decade of this new world.  From our age profile in the graph above, it is clear that the majority of our members have only known this new world, have grown up with information overload and life moving at hyper speed.  As a branch, our goal should be to find out how to re-build, re-style and re-programme the Institution to make if still the natural home of Mechanical Engineers for the future as well as the past.

The communication revolution has brought us closer to the rest of the world, and made contact to partner organisations so much quicker and easier.  As a branch with so few members spread over three different countries, it is vital that we build and enhance the contact to these other organisations, both local to our host countries, and expatriate institutions in other branches of Engineering.

The Institution is a membership organisation, by the members, for the members, paid for by the members.  I encourage you to get involved.  There is scope for everyone to get involved and have a voice in what we do and how we use your fees to serve you the best.  Just like our ancestors 150 years ago, we have a problem that is unique to our time.  We need an innovative solution, we need Engineers.  Be part of it.

If you would like to know more about the Benelux Branch or becoming a member of the IMechE, please contact our Branch Chairman.