Women’s Engineering Society Announces Top 50 Women in Engineering 2026
23 June, 2026 - This International Women in Engineering Day, the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) today announces the winners of the Top 50 Women in Engineering (WE50) Awards 2026, honouring exceptional women engineers whose achievements embody this year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence. The winners will be celebrated this morning at a breakfast event at the House of Lords and the full list is available on the website https://www.wes.org.uk/we50
Now in its 11th year, the Top 50 Women in Engineering Awards are one of the UK’s most prestigious awards celebrating the contributions of women in engineering and aligned each year to International Women in Engineering Day on the 23 June. Established in 2016, the awards were created to increase the visibility of women engineers, and provide powerful role models for the next generation. Each year, the awards spotlight a different theme, reflecting the evolving landscape of engineering and the diverse ways women are shaping it.
The 2026 winners represent the full spectrum of engineering. Working across aerospace, defence, rail, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, academia, research, technology and the public sector, they are applying technical expertise, creativity, collaboration and leadership to solve complex challenges and improve lives.
This year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence, recognises the many ways engineers combine knowledge, innovation, data, emerging technologies and human‑centred thinking to create solutions for an increasingly complex world. The winners demonstrate that intelligence in engineering extends far beyond technical capability; it includes adaptability, creativity, communication, ethical decision‑making and a commitment to delivering positive impact.
WES Chief Executive Officer Susan Robson said:
“Our theme of Engineering Intelligence for International Women in Engineering Day 2026 captures the reality of the world we’re working in today. Engineering now is shaped as much by the creativity, insight and humanity of the people who choose to be part of it as it is by technical expertise. Engineering is at its best when people are brave enough to challenge things in their quest for shared success. That spirit of courage and curiosity is what drives progress, and it’s what we’re celebrating this year.”
The winners were selected by an independent judging panel drawn from industry, academia and the wider engineering community. They were recognised for their professional achievements, technical expertise, leadership and commitment to advancing both engineering and inclusion within the sector.
The announcement forms part of the celebrations for International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), held annually on 23 June. Founded by WES in 2014, INWED has grown from a UK‑based awareness campaign into a global movement reaching millions worldwide. The 2026 theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, highlights the power of collaboration in driving innovation and building a more inclusive engineering profession.
Top 50 Women in Engineering 2026 Winners
Farah Ahmed – Secretariat International
Martina Antalova – AstraZeneca
Aaliyah Arnold – National Physical Laboratory
Sadia Bakhtiar – Loughborough University
Monalie Bandulasena – Loughborough University
Carolyn Barbour – Chivas Brothers
Nicole Beaves – Dstl
Alisha Bell – Byworth Boilers Ltd
Kamelia Boodhoo – Newcastle University
Chantal Capelletti – University of Nottingham
Rebecca Cheung – University of Edinburgh
Hoi Ching (Rachel) Chiu – Eutelsat OneWeb
Natalie Collcutt – Watkins Payne Ltd
Cristina Cortes Salas – University of Nottingham
Kathryn Davies – AtkinsRéalis
Lucy Wistow‑Hughes – BAE Systems
Jessica Day – Hillside Engineering Contractors
Deepti Deepti – University of Nottingham
Rachel Donaghey MIET – NATS
Rebecca Grant – Loughborough University
Dalia Heggo – Queen Mary University of London
Lilian Ho – AECOM
Kate Hoole‑Jackson – Malvern Panalytical
Fiona Horgan – Islington Council
Melanie Horton – AWE
Cath Hossain – Leonardo
Adrienne Houston – Eurovacuum Products Ltd
Rowshi Hussain – Cundall
Roha Javed – Arup
Xinyuan Ke – University of Bath
Leonora Lang – Arup
Alina Lixandru – AtkinsRéalis
Maryam Mehrnezhad – Royal Holloway, University of London
Kailey Mills – Stantec
Geeta Morar – Hitachi Rail
Shruti Patil – Frasers Group Plc
Beth Probert – University of Strathclyde
Amanda Reece – AtkinsRéalis UK Limited
Amna Riaz – Northumbria University
Barbara Ruffett – Assystem
Selin Shefik – Arup
Divya Shimoga Prakash – AtkinsRéalis
Maya Shinozaki – Arup
Chloe So – PulpaTronics
Nayantara Srinivasan – University of Oxford
Manuela Paulina Trejo Ramirez – University of Leicester
Iryna Tretiak – University of Bristol
Carol Verheecke Vaessen – Cranfield University
Nash Vracas – Aston Martin
Lydia Watson – 36 Engineer Regiment
Notes to Editors
About the Women’s Engineering Society
The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is a charity and professional network founded in 1919 to support women in engineering. WES works to inspire, support and develop women engineers while promoting engineering as an inclusive and rewarding career for women and girls.
About International Women in Engineering Day
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) was launched by WES in 2014 and is celebrated annually on 23 June. The campaign raises the profile of women engineers worldwide, celebrates their achievements and encourages more women and girls to pursue engineering careers.
About the Top 50 Women in Engineering Awards
The Top 50 Women in Engineering Awards recognise outstanding women engineers making a significant contribution to the profession. Each year, the awards highlight a different theme, showcasing the many ways engineers contribute to society and providing visible role models for future generations.
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