The Amy Johnson Inspiration Award

Our annual recognition of outstanding people working outside engineering who inspire more women and girls into STEM.

Nominations open 27 July 2026. Find out how you can nominate yourself or someone you know.

Home » Awards » The WES Awards » Amy Johnson Inspiration Award

Established in

2016

A decade of impact and recognition

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Open to

Everyone

Women and allies outside engineering

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Nominations

27 July

Submitted on WES Awards platform

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Annual award

£1,000

Alongside national recognition

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About the Award

Amy Johnson was a pioneering English aviatrix and an inspiration to generations.

She shattered barriers in a male-dominated field during the golden age of aviation and broke numerous long-distance flight records. Her spirit of courage and determination lives on through this award.

The Amy Johnson Inspiration Award is the only WES award that recognises people outside engineering who go above and beyond to promote diversity and encourage women and girls to pursue technical careers.

Nominations open 27 July, 2026
Deadline for nominations is 7 October, 2026

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Eligibility & Application Criteria

  • Nominees must be based in the UK

  • Nominees must be over the age of 18

  • Nominees must not currently:

    • work as an engineer

    • work as an engineering researcher or lecturer

    • study engineering

  • Self-nominations are accepted

  • Supporting statements must be 350 words or fewer

  • Words exceeding the limit will not be considered by the judges

Judges’ criteria

A woman receiving an award from another woman at an event. The woman on the left is holding a framed certificate, and the woman on the right is wearing a patterned dress. There is a purple and green banner to the left with text about supporting women in engineering.

Professional Achievement

Demonstrates sustained work to encourage more women into engineering beyond their expected professional responsibilities.

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Contributions

Delivers initiatives, outreach or advocacy that support diversity and increase women’s participation within engineering.

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Leadership Potential

Shows originality, initiative and the ability to influence and inspire others to engage with engineering careers.

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Impact

Demonstrates measurable and lasting impact in improving diversity and representation within engineering.

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Submit a 2026 nomination on the WES awards platform

Nomination process

Complete the online application form on The WES Awards site.

1.

Gather and write your supporting statement.

2.

Provide any additional information requested (references may be required).

3.

Submit your application before the deadline:
7 October 2026.

4.

Deadline for nominations is 7 October, 2026

Award winners

Award certificate for Amy Johnson, with her photo. The certificate is for the Wes Awards, recognizing her as the Amy Johnson Inspiration Award Winner, with the name Anve Couloute at the bottom.

We can add in a new picture and a quote from the 2026 winner that shows their enthusiasm for WES and what it means for them!

-2026 winner

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2025 Avye Couloute 2024 Laura Hughes 2023 Fiona Tatton 2022 Natasha Kelly 2021 Rose Russell

2020 Fiona Hopkinson 2019 Natalie Cheung 2018 Tabitha Goldstaub 2017 Dr Alice White 2016 Jane Priston

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