Taking advantage of his attendance at an international conference held in Melbourne, Australia, Professor Derek O. Northwood of the Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering at the University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada, and the Inaugural President of the International Academic Advisory Committee (IAAC) of the World Institute for Engineering and Technology Education (WIETE), a Distinguished Professor and highly reputable engineering academic and engineering educator, met the WIETE Directors, Professor Zenon J. Pudlowski and Mrs Dorota I. Pudlowski, for a working lunch at the famous Cloe’s lounge and restaurant in central Melbourne.

The parties discussed a wide range of issues of common interest concerning the further internationalisation of engineering and technology education and the impact of new technologies on the education process. The WIETE Directors also briefed the visitor on the WIETE present activities and operation, including the forthcoming 11th WIETE Annual Conference on Engineering and Technology Education to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in February 2020.The conversation also touched on the WIETE publications including the two international journals and their impact on the engineering and technology education community. Also discussed were future plans of the WIETE, such as the 2020 Conference on Engineering and Architecture Design Education (EADE-2020) and the 8th Mediterranean Seminar on Engineering and Technology Education.

Professor Northwood is a well-known international figure in the WIETE network for his research, development, publication and promotion of education. His association with our activities goes back to the then UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education (UICEE) and with the WIETE for more than 18 years now. His achievements have been widely recognised by the international engineering community for his outstanding record in engineering research, as well as for his exceptional contribution to research and international promotion of engineering and technology education. His awards in engineering education include the UICEE’s Order for Excellence in Engineering Education and the UICEE’s Silver Badge of Honour for Distinguished Contributions to Engineering Education. Back in February 2013, Prof. Northwood was elected a Fellow of the WIETE, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to engineering and technology education, outstanding achievements in the globalisation of engineering and technology education through the activities of the WIETE, and, in particular, for exceptional service to the WIETE.

It is anticipated the Professor Northwood will continue his involvement in the life and activities of the WIETE in the years to come and will further contribute to the process of strengthening our global position in engineering and technology education. We wish to thank Prof. Northwood for finding time in his busy schedule to meet with the WIETE Directors.