The Institution of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Kerala Section is launching its latest chapter - Society on Social Implications of Technology (SSIT) on Saturday.
The SSIT Chapter aims at spearheading the fundamental objectives of sensitising young engineers on the ethical and sustainability aspects of their work. SSIT will pursue this mandate taking up activities including studies and research programmes in highlighting these aspects.
The scope of SSIT includes such issues as environmental, economic, health and safety implications of technology; engineering ethics and professional responsibility; engineering education in social implications of technology; history of electro technology; technical expertise and public policy; peace technology; and social issues related to energy, information technology and telecommunications.
During the launch, Muraleemohan Lal, an SSIT member for close to 15 years, would be presiding over the function, while Satish Babu, director, ICFOSS and founding chair of the SSIT Chapter, will introduce SSIT activities to the audience. IEEE Kerala Chapter has also planned a panel discussion on the theme ‘The Society-Technology interface: Emerging challenges for humanity.’
Panelists include Anthony Lobo from TCS Mumbai, Atul Negi from University of Hyderabad, Sarada Jayakrishnan of IEEE Women in Engineering and Ranjit Nair of the IEEE Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD).
The panel discussions will be moderated by Amarnath Raja, CEO, InApp Technologies and former Chair of IEEE Humanitarian Ad-hoc Committee.
“As technology permeates every aspect of human life, we felt a need to balance technology on the one hand with its sustainable use on the other. SSIT, a global society of IEEE - the world’s largest professional association of engineers, founded over 125 years ago in the US - has been mandated with examining the interface between technology and society,” said Srinivasan R, chair, IEEE Kerala Section.