An Institute for the 21st Century

The Journal is republishing this strategy paper because of its fundamental importance for the future direction of the Institute. It was rushed out in condensed-print form at the end of 2007 to allow members the earliest possible sight of its conclusions and recommendations, but it is now being reprinted in full format to encourage a larger readership amongst members. Since the paper was completed in September 2007, the Institute has begun taking steps to develop its role as National Member Organisation of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that body. Meanwhile, in furtherance of its participation in the National Member Organisation of the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC), the Institute is hosting this year’s UKACC Lecture in April, where Professor Philip M’Pherson will be discussing the relevance of system science to industry and society. Furthermore, the Institute has established a working group at Presidential level with INCOSE UK in order to assess how best to develop system science in the UK and to consider what professional recognition we can achieve jointly for UK system scientists and engineers. Last, but by no means least, the Institute is looking for reactions from younger members on the formation of a YGEN Network. An advertisement follows the article, and we are hoping very much that younger members will respond positively.