AN ESTEEMED electrical engineer from Winchester has been presented with an Honorary Fellowship from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Gordon Dixon worked for IBM where his projects included computer aided design systems, technology assurance and managing a multidisciplinary team to select, develop and implement a state-of-the-art disk file technology in a product which won a Queen’s Award for Technological Innovation.

Since leaving IBM, he became the inaugural chairman of the Southern Professional Engineering Institutions Committee.

Gordon said: “In recent years the world has become increasingly dependent on the products of engineering endeavours.

"We have now reached the point at which it is becoming clear to a growing proportion of the population that advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence will determine many of the ways in which we will work, play and, indeed, survive.

"The engineering profession is already critically examining the way it works to deliver the ideas and products. It is changing to become one of the most exciting career environments young people can experience."

He added: "This applies at all levels and encompasses opportunities which are for both men and women. I know that achievement comparable with mine, and more, awaits those who want to go for it."

Gordon was later elected deputy chairman of the IET's centre’s board, leading the restructuring of UK networks in 2000.

He was a member of a multi-institution group which led to the creation of a joint British Institutions Group in Egypt.