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.

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

Judges comment: Susan continues to inspire the next generation. Working tirelessly to ensure that girls understand what choices are available to them in STEM, she has dedicated much of her time to driving initiatives forward within her workplace and beyond.

• WISE Computing Award, sponsored by Goldman Sachs

Joanna Haslam, Senior Designer, Snap Finger Click

Judges comment: Jo clearly loves her work and has made contributions to female growth in the industry. Seen as a positive role model to young girls interested in STEM, this year’s winner is passionate, inspirational and is paving the way to success for other women in her industry.

• WISE Emerging Technology Award, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group

Emma Veale, Research Associate, The University of Kent

Judges comment: Through innovation and proactive approaches, Emma has worked to improve people’s daily lives, working on mobile technology which screens people for atrial fibrillation (AF).

• WISE Outreach & Engagement Award, sponsored by Airbus

Sarah Chapman, EMEA Technical Manager, 3M

Judges comment: Sarah has done a brilliant job at making STEM more inclusive to those who are too often excluded, working with students and those who influence them to open possibilities of STEM careers.

• WISE Man Award, sponsored by AWE

Zeb Farooq, Bid Manager, Wood Plc

Judges comment: Zeb is incredibly passionate about making the world a fairer place and shows a genuine desire to change the gender balance and diversity in STEM for the better.

• WISE Woman in Industry Award, sponsored by Rolls Royce

Diana Biggs, Global Head of Innovation, HSBC

Judges comment: With a proven record of changing diversity and inclusion within her organisation for the better, she has showed that she is someone who is not afraid to stand up and call out what needs to change in STEM industries.

• WISE One to Watch Award, sponsored by Intel

Eniola Fujamade, Associate Process Technical Professional, KBR

Judges comment: A strong public speaker, Eniola is a woman who’s using her voice to bring balance to her field. Her passion for increasing equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM is clear and we know that she has and will continue to change her industry for the better.

• WISE Rising Star Award, sponsored by BAM Nuttall

Jaclyn Bell, Senior Teaching Fellow in Equality, Diversity, Outreach and Public Engagement, Imperial College

Judges comment: The lack of representation of women in STEM drove her to focus her work on increasing diversity in her field. A driven and relatable individual, Jackie has is being celebrated for her work on including those are usually excluded from STEM.

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