The Princess Royal joins WISE Conference as outstanding individuals and organisations are recognised for advancing gender equity in STEM

The annual WISE Conference brings together professionals from industry, education and academia, alongside diversity and inclusion specialists, to share effective practices, discuss emerging challenges and foster collaboration.

During a special afternoon reception, Her Royal Highness met with finalists from the 2026 WISE Awards, speaking with attendees about the ongoing mission for gender parity across the sector. The celebrations culminated in the evening’s awards ceremony, which recognised exceptional advocates and initiatives driving meaningful progress across five categories.

This year’s winners included:

• The Princess Royal's WISE Rising Star Award: Aleena Khan, AtkinsRéalis
• The Princess Royal's WISE Lifetime Achievement Award: Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS
• WISE Cultivating Talent Award: Chloe Agg, Aston University
• WISE Initiative of the Year: Playground Games
• WISE Organisation of the Year: Synoptix

Aleena Khan was recognised with The Princess Royal's WISE Rising Star Award for her leadership in engineering, infrastructure policy and inclusion. Alongside her role at AtkinsRéalis, Aleena became the youngest-ever Commissioner on the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, helping shape long-term infrastructure priorities while championing opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM.

On receiving the award, Aleena Khan said: "I'm incredibly honoured to receive The Princess Royal's WISE Rising Star Award. As a Welsh woman working in engineering, this recognition means a great deal to me. It shows that there is no single path to success in STEM and that people from all backgrounds can make a meaningful impact.

"Representation matters. When people can see someone like them succeeding, it helps them believe those opportunities are available to them too. I hope this encourages more women to put themselves forward, have confidence in their abilities and pursue careers where they can make a real difference.

"For me, this is just the beginning. I've met so many inspiring people through this process, and I'm excited to continue championing engineering, inclusion and opportunity for the next generation."

Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS received The Princess Royal's WISE Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than 16 years of work championing diversity, inclusion and belonging within cyber security. Through the organisations, communities and initiatives she has founded, Lisa has helped create opportunities for underrepresented groups across STEM and inspired a new generation of women entering the profession.

On receiving the award, Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS said: "Winning The Princess Royal's WISE Lifetime Achievement Award is both humbling and surreal. Through my work in cyber security, I've spent many years building communities, championing inclusion and creating opportunities for people who may not have seen a place for themselves in the industry, so this recognition means a great deal to me.

"While this award reflects the journey so far, I'm certainly not finished. I'm continuing to grow the initiatives and campaigns I'm passionate about, including promoting greater kindness and inclusion online, supporting future talent, and driving positive change across cyber security and technology. There is still so much more to do, and I'm excited for what comes next."