06.10.2026

Perhaps like us, after an unusually hot Summer, you’re thinking ahead to the Winter months. The idea of cosying up in front of the fire is rather appealing. In this issue of the The Source we review what’s been on our minds over the last three months. The Summer has put climate change firmly at the forefront of our thoughts along with developments in AI. As ever, we encourage you to join in the conversation at the IAP. Student members and IAP fellows alike are welcome to attend the IAP’s monthly online Dev Café meeting. By connecting, we learn from each other and can share our understanding of the technical world we live in. If you have specialist knowledge, could you run a webinar for IAP members? However you wish to be involved, your enquiries are welcome. Please email admin@iap.org. The next issue of The Source will see in the new year so, until then, enjoy the rest of 2026 and all that it brings.

Blogs: On Our Radar

Every week we publish a blog on the IAP website, usually linking back to our social media channels too. We look into relevant news and content that we feel our members will find interesting and informative. Click on this link to visit our blog page. The most popular articles from the last three months were:

Can AI Help with Climate Change

We look at how AI can help us use energy in a smarter way, how we can improve and increase renewable energy systems, at ways we can protect nature and reduce emissions and finally, despite its potential, how we can use AI as a tool to help us fight climate change but admit that it isn’t the solution. AI systems can analyse enormous amounts of data, identify patterns and make predictions that would be difficult for humans to produce alone. It can help us monitor the health of forests, oceans and other ecosystems. Satellites combined with AI can analyse images to detect deforestation, wildfires, changes in land use and other environmental problems. Powered by renewable energy and used responsibly, AI could help governments, businesses and communities make better decisions and accelerate the transition towards a lower-carbon future. Read the blog: www.iap.org.uk/quantum-computing-in-2026

Strengthening Cyber Security

The UK Government Cyber Resilience Pledge is a voluntary initiative, designed to encourage organisations to improve their cyber security and resilience against growing digital threats. As cyber attacks continue to target businesses, charities, and public sector organisations, the pledge promotes practical steps that help reduce risks and strengthen overall security. It supports organisations of all sizes in developing a culture where cyber security is recognised as a shared responsibility rather than solely an IT issue. In this blog we lok at why it matters, the key benefits of the the pledge and about building a more resilient future. Read the blog: www.iap.org.uk/strengthening-cyber-security

The Evolution of Robots

We explore the evolution of robots and robotics over a three part series. Does science fiction follow science fact? In our first blog of this series we look at our fascination with robots and who the most popular film and TV robots are. We are reminded that imagination often becomes innovation. In part two we look at how robots currently help us in factories, warehouses, hospitals, farms and homes and, in the last in the series, we ask about the potential of robots and robotics in the future. Read the blogs: Part One – www.iap.org.uk/the-evolution-of-robots-part-one. Part Two – www.iap.org.uk/the-evolution-of-robots-part-two. Part Three – www.iap.org.uk/the-evolution-of-robots-part-3.

Recent Events: Webinars

September 2026: ENTERPRISE AI

Webinar Outline: Enterprise AI is moving beyond individual chatbots and isolated machine-learning tools. Organisations are increasingly developing AI architectures that connect models, data, applications and business processes into a secure, scalable environment. A modern enterprise AI architecture typically combines cloud or on-premise infrastructure, data platforms, AI models, APIs, security controls and governance. The aim is to make AI available across the organisation while ensuring that sensitive information remains protected and systems can be monitored and managed effectively. The future of enterprise AI is therefore likely to be less about one all-purpose AI and more about connected ecosystems of models, agents, data and applications working together under human supervision. To watch the webinar click on this link: www.youtube.com/iap-channel/Enterprise-AI

July 2026: ZERO TRUST FOR THE AI ERA

Webinar Outline: Presenter, Prashant Vajpayee, explores how the principle of “never trust, always verify” must be extended to AI systems, ensuring every model action, data request, and tool interaction is continuously authenticated and risk‑evaluated. As AI becomes increasingly autonomous, Zero Trust provides the essential safety layer that prevents hallucinations, misuse, and unauthorized access from causing real‑world harm. This approach transforms AI workflows from static approvals into continuous, real‑time trust assessment, enabling safer and more resilient AI adoption across modern enterprises. To watch the webinar click on this link: www.youtube.com/iap-channel/zero-trust

Upcoming Events: Dev Café

Every first Thursday, once a month, we gather online for a Dev Café Rendezvous. The meeting is open to all members. It starts at 2pm and takes place virtually on Microsoft Teams. During the roughly 90 minute meeting members can share news, ideas or concerns or can ask for advice or inspiration. A Teams link is sent to members by email prior to each meeting. Here are the next few dates for your diary:

Thursday 5th 2026, Thursday 3rd December 2026, Thursday 7th January 2027, Thursday 4th February 2027

Stay Connected: Blogs & Social Media

Keep up with IAP news by following us on any one of the four social media platforms we are active on. Click on the links below to find our profile pages and please do follow us, like, share and comment:

Facebook: @InstitutionOfAnalystsAndProgrammers

LinkedIn: @the-institution-of-analysts-and-programmers

Instagram: @iap_org_uk

X: @IAP_ORG_UK

Be Supported: IAP Benefits

Here’s a reminder of some of the benefits that come with your IAP membership:

– Looking for work in the IT field? Go to our live Totaljobs board on the CAREERS IN IT page

– For insurance and pension scheme offers go to the BUSINESS SUPPORT page

– Discounted computer supplies, books and hotel stays are listed on the MEMBER BENEFITS page

– You have an opportunity to discuss news, ideas and concerns with fellow members at our monthly online DEV CAFE meeting

 

Did You Know: Quirky Computer Facts

– The first webcam was set up in 1991 at Cambridge University, to watch a coffee pot and know when it was empty.

– The first mouse, built in 1964, was made of wood. Two perpendicular metal wheels were housed in a wooden shell.

– You blink less than normal when looking at a digital device or screen. Normal blinking rate drops from 15 blinks per minute to 5-7. Hence that dry eye feeling. Take a break!

– CAPTCHA stands for ‘Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart’.