• • • TRADE SKILLS • • •
These sessions are designed not merely to inform, but to demonstrate that engineering is creative, collaborative and socially impactful. Beyond inspiration, WInSTEM integrates measurable outcomes by tracking school engagement, repeat invitations and progression pathways into STEM courses. For many of the schools involved, these sessions provide a first opportunity for pupils to experience the kind of practical engineering environments that universities can offer. By bringing young people into contact with authentic engineering settings, outreach programmes can transform curiosity into aspiration.
Building confidence
within higher education While outreach is critical, retention and confidence-building within university programmes are equally important. Within the School of Computing and Engineering here at UWL, WInSTEM has supported:
• Young female student participation in robotics competitions
• Representation in hackathons and digital innovation challenges
• Mentoring of student research teams • Industry networking events with professional bodies such as BCS, Code First Girls, Mums in Science
• Recognition awards celebrating academic excellence and leadership.
The cultural shift has been tangible. More female students are stepping forward to lead project teams, present technical work and participate in industry-facing activities. Data within the School reflects a steady upward trend in female enrolment across programmes since 2018/19. While multiple factors contribute to such change, the timing aligns with the sustained visibility and engagement delivered through WInSTEM. Representation matters and sustained representation creates belonging. Importantly, the number of female academics within the School has also grown, further strengthening mentorship pathways and broadening the diversity of perspectives in teaching and research. As Professor Phil Cox, Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering, notes: “WInSTEM exemplifies how purposeful outreach, representation and community engagement can drive meaningful cultural change and broaden participation in STEM. We are proud that our School is helping to lead the way in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where talent can thrive irrespective of gender.”
Alignment with the
engineering profession For readers of Electrical Engineering Magazine, the question naturally arises: how does such an initiative translate to the profession at large? The answer lies in ecosystem thinking. Engineering thrives when innovation, inclusion and collaboration intersect. WInSTEM does not operate in isolation; it aligns with professional networks, policy forums and international
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
organisations committed to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Professor Nagham Saeed, a WInSTEM member and Chair of the IEEE UK and Ireland Section (2026–2027), reflects on this broader connection: “The strength of engineering lies in its diversity of thought and collaboration across disciplines and sectors. As Chair of the IEEE UK and Ireland Section, my vision is guided by Innovation, Inclusion and Interaction, placing members at the centre and transforming challenges into opportunities. Initiatives such as WInSTEM play a crucial role in strengthening our profession by ensuring that emerging engineers see themselves as part of a vibrant and inclusive community.” The IEEE UK and Ireland Section with more than 13 thousand members spans Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland, supporting members across academia, industry, government and the not-for- profit sector. With 36 organisational units and over 67 student branches, it provides a powerful framework for knowledge exchange and professional development.
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Rather than relying on symbolic gestures or one-off events, the initiative adopted a multi-layered model combining outreach, mentorship, industry engagement, academic visibility and student recognition.
WInSTEM’s collaboration mindset aligns directly with this model: encouraging interaction between students, academics, practitioners and industry leaders. Universities play a particularly important role within this ecosystem by connecting emerging talent with professional practice. At the University of West London, collaboration with professional bodies, employers and technology organisations allows students to engage directly with the engineering community through guest lectures, mentoring programmes, collaborative projects and industry networking events. These interactions help students understand the expectations of the profession while also enabling employers to contribute to shaping the skills and perspectives of the future workforce.
Beyond numbers:
cultural transformation While enrolment growth and participation metrics are important, the most significant transformation is cultural.
Indicators of change include:
• Increased female representation in student leadership roles
• Higher participation of women in technical competitions
• Greater visibility of women presenting engineering research
• Stronger engagement from industry partners in inclusive initiatives
• Community outreach to disadvantaged groups.
Film screenings of engineering-focused biographies, panel discussions on digital transformation and collective participation in national awareness events may appear symbolic.
Yet symbolism, when sustained and embedded, reshapes narrative.
In a digital era shaped heavily by social media and curated imagery, authentic and realistic role models are more important than ever. Visibility must reflect attainable pathways, not exceptional anomalies.
As Chair of WInSTEM, Professor Anastasia Sofroniou reflects: “Alongside being a mathematician, I am first and foremost an educator. Through hard work, determination and clear aspirations, goals can be achieved. Women can thrive equally in environments traditionally seen as male-dominated, even in the most technically demanding disciplines. Providing visible and realistic role models is not optional, it is a responsibility.”
Engineering the future
WInSTEM’s journey demonstrates that structured, sustained initiatives within engineering schools can contribute meaningfully to sector-wide transformation. For the electrical engineering profession, the implications are clear:
• Broadening participation strengthens innovation • Inclusive cultures improve retention and performance
• Early outreach secures future talent pipelines • Collaboration across academia and professional bodies amplifies impact
The engineering challenges of the coming decades, decarbonisation, digital transformation, smart infrastructure, cybersecurity and AI integration require the full breadth of available talent.
Universities will continue to play a vital role in preparing graduates who can contribute to these emerging fields. Within the University of West London’s School of Computing and Engineering, programmes are continually evolving to reflect developments across digital technologies, intelligent systems and data-driven innovation. By combining inclusive initiatives such as WInSTEM with industry-informed curricula and hands-on learning environments, universities can help ensure that the next generation of engineers is both highly skilled and broadly representative of the society it serves.
Through continued engagement with schools,
industry, professional networks and our own students, WInSTEM will continue to open doors, raise ambitions and shape a more inclusive future for engineering. The work is ongoing and the responsibility is collective.
https://www.uwl.ac.uk ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MARCH 2026 23
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