Once in a lifetime

Andrew Wynne, the winner of the 2019 YPPC, reflects on his journey to Canada, where he claimed his prize of attending an international gas conference.

My recent trip to the International Pipeline Conference (IPC) in Calgary, Canada, was a personal and professional highlight of mine.

The journey to get there began in 2019 when I was thrilled to win IGEM’s YPPC, a competition that challenges young professionals to present technical research to industry experts, with an emphasis on personal involvement in the project.

I presented my paper Completing the Jigsaw and Getting to Know Your SCC where I dove into the complex relationship between stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and geometric deformations.

Winning the YPPC was a significant moment for me professionally and the excitement of attending a global conference was the perfect reward. But then came the pandemic. The world shut down, and my travel plans were paused for a few years.

Fast forward to 2024, and I finally made it to the IPC in Calgary, one of the premier events for pipeline engineers worldwide. The conference is a melting pot of ideas, with some of the brightest minds in the industry coming together to share their knowledge and insights.

Learning from the best

The technical sessions were packed with valuable information. From crack management strategies to advanced pipeline integrity assessments.

I was particularly interested by discussions on fracture mechanics and environmentally assisted cracking - subjects that easily transferred back to my current role at ROSEN UK, managing pipeline integrity as part of ROSEN’s brilliant crack management team.

But it wasn’t just about technical knowledge, I met engineers from all over the world, each with unique experiences and perspectives.

These interactions were invaluable, helping me see what the global industry is focussed on at present. That kind of cross-border exchange is something you can’t replicate virtually – it can only be experienced by attending a global conference in person.

Looking back

Reflecting on this journey, I would encourage any young, curious member of IGEM to consider applying for the YPPC. The competition isn’t just about technical prowess - it is about honing presentation skills, refining how to communicate complex ideas, and building the confidence to stand in front of industry leaders and hold your own.

That kind of experience is invaluable, especially early in your career. The YPPC pushed me out of my comfort zone, something I am thankful for.

Beyond that, winning the YPPC opened doors for me. Attending the IPC was the culmination of years of work. It wasn’t just about listening to presentations. It was about connecting with the best in the industry, expanding my professional network, and gaining a deeper understanding of the global pipeline landscape.

So, if you’re a young professional working in gas engineering or pipeline integrity, apply for the YPPC. It’s a chance to sharpen your skills, gain recognition, and yes, travel to global conferences that will impact your career for years to come.

For me, it led to Calgary, where I returned with new knowledge that will shape my work moving forward, where could it lead you?

Get your submissions in for the 2025 YPPC now