Section News

First Slate of Candidates for Secretary and Treasurer Positions | Call for Petition Candidates

The United Kingdom and Ireland Section Election Committee has approved the slate of candidates for the IEEE United Kingdom and Ireland Section annual election.

Secretary

  • Yu, Hui, Senior Member
  • Jaber, Mona, Senior Member
  • LI, Ying, Member

Treasurer

  • Ng, Wai Pang, Senior Member
  • Le Minh, Hoa, Member

Candidates are active IEEE members of the United Kingdom and Ireland Section and of Graduate Student Member, Member, Senior Member, Life Member, or Fellow grade.  Their credentials can be viewed below.

You may petition for a candidate position. Petition nominees must be active IEEE members of the United Kingdom and Ireland Section and of Graduate Student Member, Member, Senior Member, or Fellow grade. The petition deadline is 06 November 2024 11:59 PM London.

Go to https://nominations.vtools.ieee.org/tego_/nominate_or_petition/R80015 using your IEEE account credentials to nominate yourself.

In accordance with IEEE Bylaw I-307.17, the number of signatures required on a petition shall be determined as follows. For all positions where the electorate is less than 30,000 voting members, signatures shall be required from 2% of the eligible voters. For all positions where the electorate is more than 30,000 voting members, 600 signatures plus 1% of the difference between the number of eligible voters and 30,000 shall be required.

Contact the Election Committee Chair Mona Ghassemian for additional questions.

Secretary Candidates

Name: Yu,  Hui
Member Number: 93187218
Grade: Senior Member

Biography

Hui Yu is a Chair Professor of Visual and Cognitive Computing at the University of Glasgow, UK. He leads the Visual Computing and Social Robot Group (VCSR) at the university.

Professor Yu’ research interests include visual and cognitive computing, social vision, social robot and machine learning. His research particularly focuses on multidimensional facial reconstruction and processing, image and video analysis for human-machine and social interaction as well as intelligent vehicle applications. He has been awarded the Industrial Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK. He has published over 230 peer-reviewed papers.

Prof Hui Yu is active in participating in IEEE activities with various responsibilities for some IEEE societies and committees. He serves as the Associate Vice President of the IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society. He is also the Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee (TC) on Social Computing and Social Intelligence. He has been awarded the most active TC by IEEE in 2021. He has also been the General Chair for over 10 IEEE international conferences (fully or technically sponsored by IEEE United Kingdom & Ireland Section or IEEE societies).

He serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles, and IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems journal. He is also the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Network Dynamics and Intelligence journal.

Statement of Plan

As the Secretary of the IEEE United Kingdom & Ireland Section, I will fully engage in the Section’s activities, events and meetings, fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the role. I will aim to engage with both the related Section and Executive Committee members as an advocate for organizing activities and meetings.

I have been participating in or organising many activities and events of IEEE societies and IEEE UK & Ireland Section. This provides with wealth of experience of related issues of IEEE activities and business meetings. I served at the Secretary and President of the Chinese Automation and Computing Society in the UK during 2019-2021, so I have the experience and is familiar with the tasks and duties of being a secretary of the Executive Committee. Effectively dealing with meeting agenda distribution, notices, reports and maintain the records as well as correspondence are very important for the smooth running of the Section activities and events. I am willing to contribute to IEEE UK & Ireland Section and its members.

Name: Jaber, Mona
Member Number: 93225626
Grade: Senior Member

Biography

Mona Jaber is Senior Lecturer in IoT at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London. Her research interests include zero-touch networks, the intersection of ML and IoT in the context of sustainable development goals, and IoT-driven digital twins. She has published over 25 articles in the areas of ML for intelligent wireless communication, sustainable energy, smart mobility, and privacy-preserving e-health in flagship IEEE journals including IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communication, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, and IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials.

As part of her industry research collaboration efforts, Mona established a ground-breaking project that uses optical fibre systems for the detection and classification of active travel – a robust, scalable, and privacy-preserving method that informs smart city and transportation planning. Additionally, she is the founder and director of the ‘Digital Twins for Sustainable Development Goals’ research lab at QMUL. So far, Mona authored four industrial patents on wireless communication and mobility. She was awarded the title of ‘N2Women Rising Star in Computer Networking and Communications in 2022’ and is member of the executive committee of the IEEE UK and Ireland Women in Engineering Affinity Group and the IEEE Communication Society Coordinator for the IEEE Women in Engineering Global.

Mona is a Transportation Committee member of the IEEE Public Safety Technology Initiative, and Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Machine Learning in Communications and Networking.

Statement of Plan

My career journey did not follow the ordinary path of bachelor degree to PhD and then into research. Instead, I took a turn after my bachelor into the industry and consultancy where I spent 20 years before going back to university and obtaining my PhD. Returning to university was challenging at first; yet it quickly became an enjoyable experience owing to the IEEE community that welcomed and represented me. Since then, it has been my mission to return this service to the IEEE by supporting, mentoring, and guiding others to find their way in this community.

Joining the IEEE UK and Ireland Women in Engineering Affinity Group in 2021 gave me the framework to channel this mission and implement my initiatives effectively. I started a series of technical workshops organised by the AG that aimed at promoting careers of women and underrepresented groups in engineering and, as such, upholding diversity and inclusivity in the field. With the support of the relevant IEEE society, each workshop is centred on a prime area in engineering. They all feature distinguished scholars and industry representatives who discuss their cutting-edge research and career journeys thus inspiring students and early career researchers. Moreover, we host poster competitions to encourage them to present and discuss their work and win, as prize, a free registration to an IEEE conference sponsored by the society.  I continuously leverage my links within the industry and IEEE societies to sponsor these events and motivate early career researchers to join IEEE and attend IEEE conferences to further their careers. Similarly, I harness the IEEE WIE network and different affinity groups to co-organise joint events across continents and promote the discussion and knowledge transfer between us.

As secretary of IEEE UK and Ireland, I aim to consolidate the lessons learnt from my experience in supporting early career researchers and promote diversity and inclusions and will, furthermore, train new members of IEEE UK and Ireland to progress and improve further. Similarly, I intend to continue my support for initiatives such as the newly formed IEEE UK and Ireland Intelligent Transportation Systems Society Chapter and encourage the Section’s community to spotlight our capabilities and strengthen our position in attracting IEEE conferences. I had the pleasure of working closely with members of the current executive committee of IEEE UK and Ireland in various activities including organising the IEEE networking event in London, which was hosted and sponsored by QMUL, and participating as member of the election committee in different local chapters. Lastly, I have an ongoing collaboration with existing local chapters, including the IEEE ComSoc and IEEE Sensors Council and in the formation of the new IEEE ITSS local chapter.

I strongly believe that my strong communication, professional and collegial approach to network, along with my solid organisational and management experience would be instrumental for Section’s secretary role and would allow me to better deliver my mission towards the IEEE community in general.

Name: LI,  Ying
Member Number: 93511102
Grade: Member

Biography

Dr Ying Li is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Nottingham. She received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2020. Dr. Ying Li has authored and co-authored over 20 research papers in highly rated international journals and conferences. Since beginning her academic career in 2023, she has built a research team consisting of 3 Ph.D. students and 2 research associates, focusing on developing decarbonized propulsion systems.

Dr Ying Li actively participates in organising IEEE conferences and workshops. She is a steering committee member of the IEEE UK&I Women in Engineering (WIE) Affinity Group and has also served as the Media Team Leader for the same group. More details can be found below:

IEEE Accomplishments

  • 2024: Topic Chair in Electrified Transportation at the IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE 2024)
  • 2024: Organizing Committee member for the International Conference on Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD)
  • 2023: Chair of the IEEE 2nd Career Development Day
  • 2022-2024: Co-host of the IEEE WIE UK&I Ambassadors’ Programme: “Early Career Talks” Series
  • 2022: Presenter at the IEEE WIE UK&I Ambassadors’ Programme, 7th event of “Early Career Talks” Series
  • 2021: Member of the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) Technical Committee on Aerospace Power
  • 2020: Session Chair for IEEE International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference – ECCE ASIA

Past IEEE Positions

  • 2024: Social Media & Publicity Lead for the IEEE UK and Ireland Women in Engineering Affinity Group
  • 2022-2024: Steering Committee member for the IEEE UK and Ireland Women in Engineering Affinity Group
  • 2017-2020: Chairman of the NUAA Student Branch in the IEEE Power Electronics Society

Awards and Recognitions

  • 2022: Winner of CIGRE UK Next Generation Networks (NGN) Young Members Showcase
  • 2022: Nominee for Best Doctoral Dissertation Award by the China Power Supply Society
  • 2022: Best Doctoral Dissertation Award, NUAA
  • 2022: IEEE Women in Engineering UK and Ireland Ambassador
  • 2020: Distinguished Reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
  • 2019: Science and Technology Innovation Award for Ph.D. Candidates
  • 2017: Best Paper Award at the Symposium on Power Electronics and Electrical Drivers

Statement of Plan

Dr Ying Li aims to contribute as Secretary to the smooth functioning of the IEEE UK&I Section by focusing on the following:

  • Efficient Meeting Coordination and Communication: Ensuring the timely distribution of agendas and meeting notices, establishing a consistent schedule for sending out communication materials well in advance.
  • Accurate Recording and Distribution of Minutes: Maintaining a high standard of accuracy and professionalism in recording meeting minutes, ensuring that all key points, decisions, and actions are clearly documented.
  • Maintenance of Records and Correspondence: Keeping all records, meeting minutes, and correspondence organized and accessible, ensuring the Section’s data and information are properly archived. I will leverage digital tools to facilitate efficient record-keeping and retrieval, ensuring compliance with IEEE guidelines.

Capacity to Support ExCom

As Secretary, Dr Ying Li will take a proactive role in supporting the Executive Committee (ExCom) by organising, directing, and guiding operations efficiently. With extensive experience in organizing workshops and conferences, she can provide comprehensive logistical and administrative support to ensure that all meetings, events, and initiatives are executed smoothly and professionally.

With her experience in working with the IEEE WIE Affinity Group, Dr Ying Li is well-equipped to assist in identifying and addressing the administrative needs of the committee and its organizational units. She will also ensure that essential tasks, such as submitting Section Bylaws to the IEEE Regional Activities Department and overseeing necessary revisions, are handled promptly and accurately. Her focus will be on ensuring that ExCom members have the resources and support needed to operate effectively, allowing the committee to function at its highest capacity.

By serving as Secretary, Dr Ying Li will gain deeper insights into the actions and activities across various IEEE societies. This knowledge will enable her to effectively support the ExCom in developing collaborative initiatives within the IEEE framework, fostering greater cooperation and synergy between different societies.

Treasurer Candidates

Name: Le Minh,  Hoa
Member Number: 93511102
Grade: Member

Biography

Professor Hoa Le Minh is currently a Professor of Optical Communications and the Deputy Head of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Prior to this role, he served as a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, UK (2007-2010), a Research Assistant at Siemens AG, Munich, Germany (2002-2004), and a Lecturer in Telecommunications at Ho Chi Minh University of Technology, Vietnam (1999-2001).

He has made contributions to the research community, serving as a grant reviewer and prioritisation panel member for the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC ICT) and other international funding bodies. He has published over 200 research articles in journals, conferences, and book chapters, and has secured grants from EPSRC, Innovate UK, the European Union, and industry partners.

As an active IEEE member since 2008, Professor Le Minh has consistently supported the IEEE and the Communications Society (ComSoc). He has held various leadership roles within the IEEE ComSoc UK and Ireland Chapter, serving as Secretary, Vice-Chair, and most recently as Chapter Chair (2017-2020). Under his leadership, the UK and Ireland ComSoc Chapter saw steady growth, reaching approximately 1,000 members, fostering a strong network of student branches, and playing a key role in bidding for IEEE flagship conferences such as ICC and GLOBECOM.

The UK and Ireland ComSoc Chapter has been integral to the success of major IEEE Section events, including the IEEE Members Open Day in London (2017), cross-sectional activities, Future Network talks, the IEEE HISTELCON history event, and Young Professional postgraduate STEM events. The Chapter also collaborated closely with the IEEE UK and Ireland Section to promote IEEE initiatives, notably through participation in the annual SET for BRITAIN event at the UK House of Parliament.

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has working with Chapter team and IEEE ComSoc colleagues to ensure that the UK and Ireland ComSoc Chapter became the first Chapter to successfully organize an IEEE virtual Summer School in 2020. This initiative became an exemplar for subsequent ComSoc Summer Schools.

Since 2022, Professor Le Minh has served as Treasurer of the IEEE UK and Ireland ComSoc Chapter. In this capacity, he manages the Chapter’s financial sustainability, develop strategy for growing the fund, ensures efficient use of funds, and supports the smooth execution of Chapter activities. He has extensive experience working with key stakeholders, including the IEEE UK and Ireland Section’s senior management team, the Section Treasurer, IEEE Region 8, the IEEE ComSoc Finance and Business Operations, IEEE conference planners, sponsors, and others, to ensure the successful implementation of IEEE initiatives.

Statement of Plan

I am applying for the position of IEEE UK and Ireland Section Treasurer as a volunteer to contribute my expertise to the growth and success of the IEEE.

As an individual with experience in financial budgeting, resource management, and compliance with governance documents through my University senior management work, IEEE Chapter treasurer role and my recent MBA in senior management, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the financial health and operational efficiency of the IEEE Section. Here are some of my key plans for the Section Treasurer role.

  1. Budgeting and Financial Oversight

A key component of my plan as Section Treasurer is to ensure the development and maintenance of a well-structured, transparent, and sustainable budget. My work will involve gathering input from all stakeholders within the Section, including Chapters, Student Branches, and Affinity Groups, to create a budget and its longer-term projection that reflects the collective needs and goals of the Section. I will also regularly monitor expenditures and income, ensuring alignment with the approved budget and taking proactive steps to address any discrepancies or unforeseen financial challenges.

  1. Financial Compliance and Reporting

As financial policies and governance structures are important for the Section, I will ensure full adherence to the IEEE MGA Operational Policies. My goal is to ensure that all required reports, both internal and external are submitted on time and in full compliance with IEEE standards.

  1. Transparency and Accountability

My focus will be on transparency, ensuring that all disbursements and expenditures are tracked accurately and shared with relevant stakeholders.

  1. Collaboration

I plan to work closely with other members of the Section Executive Committee, providing financial advice and ensuring that our financial resources are being used optimally to achieve our strategic goals. Additionally, I will coordinate with various groups within our Section and IEEE central to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Name: Ng, Wai Pang
Member Number: 40330615
Grade: Senior Member

Biography

Wai Pang Ng (S99-M01-SM08) received his BEng (Hons) in Communications and Electronic Engineering, from the University of Northumbria, UK and his PhD in Electronic Engineering from University of Wales, Swansea.

He is currently Professor and Head of Department (HoD) in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, Northumbria University, U.K. and before that he was an Associate Professor, Reader and Senior Lecturer. He has also worked as Senior Networking Software Engineer at Intel Corporation. As HoD of a £10M+ department, Prof. Ng has the experience in managing an effective budget with the focus on growth.

Prof Ng was the Chair of IEEE UK&I Communications Chapter (2011-2015) and the Publicity Chair of IEEE ICC2015 and ICC2016. He has also served as Guest Editor for IET Communications. He was Symposium Co-Chair of Signal Processing for Communications Symposium at ICC 2009, Technical Chair of CSNDSP 2010, Technical Chair of NOC/OC&I 2011, and TPC members for numerous international conferences including GLOBECOM and ICC since 2006. He is also a member of SPCE TC, TCGCC, ONTC and FiWi Sub-TC.

Statement of Plan

  • Deliver the key duties and responsibilities as a Treasurer for the Section.
  • Membership growth and engagement – support a budget to increase the visibility of all the chapters to the professionally diverse communities in UK and Ireland.
  • Membership networking – support a budget to create Sandpit/Hub to foster closer tangible collaboration between academia and non-academia.
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) – to support Section’s EDI strategy across the chapters and STEM subjects.
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