THE managing director of one of the world's most respected technological institutes is to give a lecture in Swindon.

The Institution of Electrical Engineers has invited Professor Simon Jones to speak at the De Vere Hotel in West Swindon. Prof Jones heads the Dublin-based European arm of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Centre.

The centre, established in 1980, has led research into everything from hologram and advanced video technology to the best ways of exploiting the internet.

The IEE believes that Swindon, much of whose economy is based on high technology, is the ideal location for the lecture.

Prof Jones will speak on January 20 at 7pm. For details log on to www.iee. org/OnComms/Branches/UK/England/West/Swindon/