The reception followed on from the technical seminar at the IMechE headquarters, which our Community Manager Rob Allen reported on, and at which Rob and I represented the IET Tribology Network together with fellow committee member Rich Baker. That event combined a rich technical overview given by leaders in the field, and a moving acknowledgement to the team of committee members and civil servants who created it - most notably with eloquent contributions by Professor Jost and Professor Dowson. The many contributions both placed the Jost Report in its historical context, at a time when British industry in particular needed to catch up with emergent world leaders, and gave an encouraging view forward to the second 50 years of Tribology. The large number of early-career researchers in the audience was inspiring. It was also fitting that the IMechE hosted the event, as that institution played a significant role in the establishment of Tribology for many years and we continue to work together under the UK Tribology umbrella.
Some of the attendees at the afternoon event then proceeded along Birdcage Walk. Nigel Fine, Chief Executive, and I represented the IET at the reception. We were joined by a large number of leaders in Tribology and the engineering profession. It was great to speak with several of these people and listen to their perspectives. I met the heads of Tribology societies and other senior figures in the field from Japan, India, Germany, Russia and the USA. Everyone I asked said they had come to London especially for that event, which confirmed to me the global recognition of Tribology and Professor Jost's achievement as the initiator and leader of the field for more than 50 years.
The event took place in the Picture Gallery - a truly stunning venue. A string quartet played and refreshments were readily replenished. Conversation flowed. Surrounded by the work of Rembrandt, Canaletto and other Old Masters, an original, pristine print of the Jost Report was on display together with the minutes of the committee's meetings - a symbolic juxtaposition. The Duke of Edinburgh and Professor Jost made short addresses to the 150 or so attendees. The Duke then circulated among the guests and must have spoken with everyone. It was a very enjoyable experience.
I left Buckingham Palace with strong feelings of good fortune and gratitude. Firstly, for this voluntary role which enables me to play a small part in an exciting world that is filled with people people who have a rare combination of intellectual power, openness of mind and a friendly, welcoming attitude. For me, it is those people who make Tribology an enjoyable professional adventure. Secondly, for being able to celebrate the achievement of Professor Jost and his team, who overcame many obstacles to get to the heart of issues deep-rooted in technology, management and culture, then provided the leadership which has directed decades of investment of collective mental effort through the subsequent decades. That effort, by countless engineers and researchers inspired and enabled by the Jost Report, has made the world we know into a much better place and promises to do the same into the future. That achievement, I believe, is one that we can reflect on and carry with us as an example in our daily professional lives.
I am grateful to my employer, MacTaggart Scott, for allowing me the day off to attend the IMechE seminar and the Buckingham Palace reception. The company also enables much of my core work as chair of the IET Tribology Network.