IGEM Explores: Curiosity, creativity and collaboration
IGEM’s Scottish Section has recently set up a new initiative, designed to inform, explore and debate
The IGEM Explores series, offers monthly interactive webinars that delve into pivotal topics shaping the sector. Launched by the Scottish Section, these sessions occur every second Tuesday of the month, fostering collaboration, learning, and networking among industry experts.
The new initiative fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration which feature an expert speaker, followed by breakout discussions to dive deeper into these key topics in an engaging and collaborative format. Ending with a key takeaways discussion.
As our industry faces significant challenges and opportunities, the way forward requires bold, innovative thinking. Which won’t be solved by one body or by some select individuals it requires a combination of all our efforts. IGEM explores is a chance to learn from industry experts, engage in dynamic discussions with your peers, and explore different perspectives that you can take on and develop back into your day-to-day work.
No matter your experience or role, your input matters. Together, we can develop our curiosity, collaboration and creativity skills and we are thrilled to welcome members to explore the topic of development.
The inaugural sessions commenced with a focus on Innovation featuring Simon Langdale, Synthotech’s Engineering Director, who leads the development of innovative, locally manufactured robotics. Simon shared insights into cutting-edge technologies and practices poised to revolutionise the gas industry, emphasising the integration of green technology and advancements in utility services.The subsequent session centered on human factors safety. Harvey McIntosh, a Human Factors Specialist at SGN with extensive experience across multiple safety-critical industries, led this webinar. Harvey discussed the integration of human factors into major infrastructure and future energy projects, highlighting the importance of user-centered design to enhance safety, efficiency, and usability in gas operations.
To close out 2024, the next session shifted focus to development in the energy sector. The session featured Nicola Evans, Managing Director of Energy Transition & Regulation. A Chartered Gas Engineer with over three decades of experience, Nicola shared her journey through various operational, strategic, and leadership roles. She provided valuable insights into professional growth, importance of mentorship, skill cultivation, and navigating the evolving energy landscape, offering guidance on managing substantial investment budgets and leading large teams.
Our most recent session in explored innovation through Artificial Intelligence (AI). Shelley Copsey, CEO and Co-Founder of FYLD, delivered a compelling presentation on empowering data-led, AI-driven organisations to scale innovation and transform field operations. Under Shelley’s leadership, FYLD has emerged as a trailblazer in AI-driven solutions, revolutionising fieldwork in the infrastructure sector by providing real-time situational awareness and deploying advanced AI to enhance workforce safety and operational efficiency. Key lessons on how to scale and sustain innovation were explored and the audience were able to take tangible learning back to their day to day.
Reflecting on the series’ impact, Gordon McMillan, Chair of IGEM’s Scottish Section, said: “The IGEM Explores webinars have become an invaluable platform for our community, bringing together thought leaders to share knowledge and drive progress in our industry. The sessions aim to be the kick off for networks to grow that hopefully later down the line could make a difference to our industry today and tomorrow.”
Audience feedback has also been overwhelmingly positive; attendee Jo Tunney who has been at every session thus far said: “Each session offers practical insights that I can apply directly to my work. For someone relatively new to the industry, I have found it a fantastic resource for staying current with industry trends and growing my network.”
Further IGEM Explores sessions are planned for 8 April where attendees will hear from Mark Simon, CEO at Bruton Group and 13 May which will be led by Dave Horrocks, Director of Research and Development at Peak4.