The women engineers who are shaping the future of engineering and technology are being encouraged to come forward and gain the recognition their contributions deserve.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is celebrating this International Women’s Day (8th March) by inviting entries to its 2026 ‘Young Woman Engineer (YWE) of the Year Awards’.
The awards celebrate women working in modern engineering, aiming to banish the misconception of engineering as a sector for men and support more girls and women to fulfil their ambitions in the industry.
Last year, the prestigious accolade was awarded to Jennifer Barry, Senior Systems Engineer at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). Jennifer was named the Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2025 at a ceremony at IET London: Savoy Place.
Her interest in aerospace began early. As a pre-teen, she won a Metro newspaper competition proposing a mission to study Earth-like exoplanets because she was worried about climate change. The prize – a week at Space Camp Turkey – “broadened what ‘space’ meant to me,” she said. Time spent as an air cadet built her confidence, often being one of only a few girls, which later helped her feel at home in engineering.
Jennifer’s outreach work spans more than 500 hours, inspiring the next generation through flagship STEM events and initiatives. At Lockheed Martin UK, she co-led a team delivering hundreds of hours of engagement and created Teach the Teacher, a programme bringing educators onto engineering sites to demystify modern careers. She has continued that commitment at UKSA and SSTL, delivering lectures to hundreds of students and supporting outreach with the Institute of Physics and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Jennifer said: “For me, engineering is all about taking new ideas and finding a way to turn these into technologies that have an impact – expanding our understanding of the universe and improving life on Earth. From developing satellites that enable global communication and monitor our planet’s health, to designing systems that support exploration beyond Earth, engineers help solve complex challenges that have real and lasting impact. Yet it’s still a career path many girls and young women don’t see themselves reflected in, which is why recognition and visibility matter so much.
“Winning this award was an incredibly meaningful moment for me. It gave me the confidence to reflect on how far I’ve come, and it reinforced the importance of supporting and encouraging the next generation. There are so many talented young women with the potential to make a huge impact through engineering, and I hope more will feel empowered to pursue their ambitions, bring their ideas forward, and help, little by little, shape a more innovative and inclusive world.”
Dr Laura Norton, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the IET, said: “Engineers affect our everyday lives, creating and maintaining the products and infrastructure that support society. Yet women remain significantly underrepresented in engineering and technology, making up only 16.9% of the workforce, a figure that highlights how much more needs to be done to achieve true diversity and inclusion in the sector.
“It’s vital that girls and young women feel supported, encouraged, and able to see themselves thriving in the engineering profession. Our awards shine a spotlight on the brilliant women engineering a better world for us all, while providing powerful role models to inspire the next generation. By challenging outdated stereotypes and celebrating the achievements of women in engineering, we can open the doors for many more to follow.”
Former winners of the prestigious accolade include Dr Ciara McGrath, Lecturer in Aerospace Systems at the University of Manchester; Ella Podmore, Materials Engineer for McLaren Automotive; Ying Wan Loh, Manufacturing Engineer at Rolls-Royce plc; and Sophie Harker, Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer for BAE Systems.
Entries for the 2026 Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards open on 8rh March 2026 and are open for entries and nominations until 19th June 2026.
