The WISE Conference and Awards 2026 - A day of insight, connection and celebration
The WISE Conference and Awards 2026 took place on Monday 28 September 2026, bringing together leaders, professionals, allies and organisations from across STEM for a day dedicated to driving progress towards greater gender equity.
Hosted at IET London: Savoy Place, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to explore some of the key challenges and opportunities facing STEM today, while celebrating the individuals and organisations helping to create a more inclusive future across the sector.
The WISE Conference 2026
The day began with the WISE Conference, where delegates came together to learn from industry experts, share experiences, make new connections and explore practical solutions for advancing inclusion across STEM.
Opening the conference, keynote speaker Mivy James FBCS joined conference host and then-IET Vice President Sam Hubbard BEng IEng FIET for a discussion exploring leadership, career progression and the future of technology. Mivy challenged attendees to rethink traditional approaches to leadership and career development, encouraging individuals not to wait for permission to pursue opportunities or drive change.
She also highlighted the importance of designing emerging technologies, including AI, with inclusion in mind, reminding delegates that technology alone cannot solve inequality without conscious action from the people creating and implementing it.
Designed to give attendees the flexibility to focus on the topics most relevant to them, the programme featured a range of interactive sessions covering active allyship, supporting young professionals, and collaborative solutions.
Alongside the conference sessions, representatives from WISE member organisations were invited to take part in our annual Measuring Progress Event (MPE). The event provided an opportunity to explore key trends emerging from the WISE Gender Equity Framework diagnostics, share good practice and discuss lessons learned from organisations working to advance gender equity across STEM. Through open discussion and shared experiences, attendees explored practical approaches to embedding meaningful and measurable change within their organisations.
One of the highlights of the conference was a fireside conversation between WISE Managing Director Dr Laura Norton and Karen Blake MBE Hon. FBAASc. Together, they reflected on progress across the STEM sector, the barriers that still exist and the collective effort needed to create lasting change.
The conference concluded with an inspiring closing address from Dawn Ohlson CEng FIET, President of the IET, who encouraged attendees to continue championing inclusion and supporting lasting change across the profession.
The closing session also welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Past Patron of WISE and Honorary President of the IET, whose longstanding support of WISE and commitment to advancing opportunities across STEM provided a fitting conclusion to a day focused on progress, collaboration and impact.
The WISE Awards 2026
The evening saw the return of the annual WISE Awards, recognising individuals, teams and organisations making a measurable impact through leadership, advocacy, talent development and inclusion initiatives.
This year's finalists represented a broad range of industries and disciplines, demonstrating the collective effort taking place across STEM to create more equitable opportunities for women and girls.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners
We're pleased to share this year's winners:
The Princess Royal's WISE Lifetime Achievement Award: Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS MSyI MBCS
On receiving the award, Lisa said: "I've spent many years building communities, championing inclusion and creating opportunities for people who may not have seen a place for themselves in the industry, so this recognition means a great deal to me."
The Princess Royal's WISE Rising Star Award: Aleena Khan
On receiving the award, Aleena said: "Representation matters. When people can see someone like them succeeding, it helps them believe those opportunities are available to them too. I hope this encourages more women to put themselves forward, have confidence in their abilities and pursue careers where they can make a real difference."
WISE Cultivating Talent Award: Chloe Agg MEng MEd CEng FCIBSE SFHEA
WISE Initiative of the Year: Playground Games
WISE Organisation of the Year: Synoptix
From championing women and young people in engineering to developing inclusive workplace cultures and delivering programmes that create lasting change, this year's winners demonstrate the important role individuals and organisations can play in shaping a more diverse and equitable STEM workforce.
We also extend our congratulations to all finalists. Your achievements, innovation and commitment continue to inspire others across the sector and help drive progress for future generations.
Thank you
This year's Conference and Awards could not have been possible without the support of event sponsors, ESBF. The success of the WISE Conference and Awards is only possible because of the people who contribute their expertise, time and enthusiasm.
Thank you to our speakers, panellists, session leaders, delegates, sponsors, partners and stakeholders who helped make the event such a memorable occasion. Your support plays a vital role in celebrating women in STEM, sharing best practice and inspiring the next generation of talent.
While the event may have come to a close, the conversations, connections and ideas shared throughout the day will continue long after the final award was presented. Together, we can continue building a STEM sector where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Explore more
Interested in joining us at a future WISE event? Explore our upcoming events, training opportunities and networking activities to continue the conversation and help drive change across STEM: WISE training and events.