Women in STEM are shaping the future with tech, engineering and scientific discoveries, says WISE as it announces its 2019 Award winners
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. The comments came as WISE announced its 2019 annual Award winners at a glittering event in London last night.
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).
Trudy Norris-Grey, chair of WISE, adds: “I would like to congratulate the winners and finalists and thank them for sharing their stories. They show us that there is potential in STEM for everyone to build on their passion to make a real difference in the world.”
Winners of the 2019 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
