A royal celebration of women in STEM
The amazing contributions of women to the engineering and technology sector were given the royal seal of approval at this year’s WISE Awards.
In February, Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) hosted its annual WISE Awards at IET London: Savoy Place. This prestigious event celebrated and recognised the remarkable contributions of individuals and organisations working hard to make STEM a more equitable industry for women.
WISE had the honour of welcoming its Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to present awards to this year’s winners and finalists. Among these impressive accolades, Her Royal Highness presented two special honours in her name.
Digital changemaker Lella Violet Halloum was awarded The Princess Royal’s WISE Rising Star Award. Named one of the most influential women in UK technology, Lella has led transformative initiatives that empower underrepresented communities worldwide.
Professor Elena Rodriguez- Falcon received The Princess Royal’s WISE Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions in the sector. She was celebrated for her dedication to making engineering more accessible for underrepresented groups and for challenging and reshaping traditional concepts of teaching.
Reflecting on the honour, Elena said: “Having worked in the STEM sector, engineering specifically, for over 30 years, has not only been a joy, but also an eye-opener. We don’t have anywhere near the number of STEM professionals that we should have, or anywhere near the number of women working in the sector that we need, so I will continue to work to change that and strive to make a real difference. I am deeply honoured to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The evening celebrated 33 incredible finalists across 11 categories, each receiving well-deserved recognition for their impact in STEM.
Other winners included:
- Nurturing New Talent Award: Laura Fogg Rogers, University of the West of England
- Outstanding Woman in Engineering Award: Sarah Badesha, Chivas Brothers
- Outstanding Woman in Science Award: Catherine Ross, The Scottish Government
- Outstanding Woman in Technology Award: Sharan Johnstone, University of South Wales
- STEM Ally Award: Paul Williams, Bloomberg LP
- STEM Returner Award: Maria Holloway-Strong, AtkinsRéalis
- Outreach and Engagement Award: Julie Feest, Engineering Development Trust and Industrial Cadets
- Women’s Wellbeing at Work Award: Network Rail
- EDI Organisation of the Year Award: AtkinsRéalis
During the event, Her Royal Highness met with award winners, finalists, and sponsors, engaging with attendees on the vital mission of advancing gender equity in STEM.
Dr Laura Norton, WISE managing director, shared her thoughts: “Our awards highlight the dedication, success, and commitment of those working to increase the representation of women in UK STEM. I’d like to congratulate all our brilliant winners and finalists.
“With only 26% of women currently working in engineering, science and technology, there is a huge untapped talent pool. WISE is working with partners across the world to increase the pace of change in gender equity within STEM.
“We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Awards, and we would like to thank her for her continued support for women in STEM.”
The achievements serve as inspiration for the next generation, reinforcing that diversity is not just beneficial but essential for a thriving STEM workforce.
A heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees.
To find out more about upcoming WISE events and how you can get involved, visit wisecampaign.org.uk/events
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