Remembering Professor Cyril Hilsum
The Women’s Engineering Society is saddened to mark the passing of Professor Cyril Hilsum, an exceptional engineer, academic and longstanding champion of women in engineering.
Cyril’s connection with WES was deeply personal. Following the death of his daughter Karen in 1997, he established the Karen Burt Memorial Award in her memory. The award recognises newly Chartered women engineers who demonstrate exceptional technical ability, leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the engineering profession.
Cyril was a passionate advocate for the award and for the women it recognised, taking a genuine interest in their achievements and the difference the award could make to their careers. His contribution has been significant, and the Karen Burt Award Impact Report published by WES last year captured the lasting impact of his generosity and commitment.
Cyril was a formidable intellect, with an academic reputation that preceded him. Yet alongside his remarkable achievements was a warmth, humour and generosity that those who knew him will remember fondly. His contribution was recognised in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s 50th anniversary celebrations, where he was featured as the Father of the House Fellow. He was also a much-loved presence at WES events, where he took every opportunity to champion the importance of women’s contribution to engineering.
Cyril leaves behind an extraordinary legacy not only through his own contribution to engineering, but through the opportunities and encouragement he helped create for generations of women engineers.
We are deeply grateful for all that Cyril and his family did for WES, for the Karen Burt Award and, most importantly, for the women whose careers he helped to support. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue through the work of the award that bears Karen’s name.
A donation to the Karen Burt Memorial Award is a meaningful way to honour his memory and help ensure that the work he cared so deeply about continues for years to come.