Keith Robson, Executive Secretary of the Foundation, said “We were delighted to support this inspirational event, celebrating women in all aspects of science and engineering. There was a noticeable sense of momentum for change for the good in the air and the passion and commitment of all the speakers were palpable, reflected strongly by all those present”.
WISE, the campaign for greater gender balance in STEM, says women are shaping our future with their technological, scientific and engineering discoveries and inventions. However, the organisation highlights that more needs to be done to ensure that more women do not miss out on these opportunities.
Helen Wollaston, chief executive of WISE, says: “In 2020, we should not see situations where there is only one girl in a computer science class, or only one woman developer in a team, on a construction site, on an expert panel, or around the boardroom table.
“Being a woman in science, tech and engineering, shouldn’t be the story; the story should be about the amazing science, tech, and engineering they do. Our finalists and winners demonstrate this; they are shaping the future, they are working on the science, technology and engineering that are changing the world.
“We need to continue to work together to build inclusive workplace cultures that support diversity and give more women opportunities to shape our future.”
The annual WISE Awards recognise organisations and individuals who are actively working to promote STEM to girls and women as career options. Award finalists and winners work in a wide variety of sectors including gaming, research, education, finance and tech.
This year the new Emerging Technology Award saw finalists present their innovations including energy saving LED lightbulb technology, a solar reactor for saving lives by creating safe drinking water, and app that helps to screens people for arterial fibrillation (AF).
Winners of the 2019 WISE Awards
WISE Technician Award, sponsored by the RAF
Susan Harris, senior science technician, Benenden School
WISE Computing Award, sponsored by Goldman Sachs
Joanna Haslam, senior designer, Snap Finger Click
WISE Emerging Technology Award, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group
Emma Veale, research associate, The University of Kent
WISE Outreach & Engagement Award, sponsored by Airbus
Sarah Chapman, EMEA technical manager, 3M
WISE Man Award, sponsored by AWE
Zeb Farooq, bid manager, Wood Plc
WISE Woman in Industry Award, sponsored by Rolls Royce
Diana Biggs, global head of innovation, HSBC
WISE One to Watch Award, sponsored by Intel
Eniola Fujamade, associate process technical professional, KBR
WISE Rising Star Award, sponsored by BAM Nuttall
Jaclyn Bell, senior teaching fellow in Equality, Diversity, Outreach and Public Engagement, Imperial College
