On 28th September 2026, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Past-Patron of WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) and Honorary President of the IET, joined the WISE Conference 2026 at IET London: Savoy Place to meet award finalists and celebrate the individuals and organisations making significant strides towards gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (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.
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 cybersecurity. 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.
Dr Laura Norton, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and WISE Director at the IET, said: “The WISE Conference and Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and organisations driving meaningful change across STEM. This year’s winners and finalists demonstrate the determination needed to build a more inclusive future for the sector. Their work is helping to challenge perceptions, create opportunities and ensure more women can thrive in STEM careers.
“While progress is being made, there is still more work to do. Women currently represent 27.7% of the overall UK STEM workforce (WISE, 2026), and just 17% of those in engineering and technology roles (EngineeringUK). These figures highlight the critical importance of continuing to improve participation, progression, and retention across the profession.
“By bringing together employers, educators, policymakers and advocates, the WISE Conference provides an opportunity to share ideas, celebrate progress and accelerate action towards gender equity in STEM.”
Alongside the annual flagship event, WISE delivers a range of year-round programmes and resources designed to support greater equity across STEM, including the Gender Equity Framework, WISE Women’s Leadership Programme, and My Skills My Life.
