EPSRC -WES announce Dr. Shaila Afroj as Women in Engineering Ambassador
We are thrilled to announce that, on International Women In Engineering Day, 23th June 2023, EPSRC-WES appointed Dr. Shaila Afroj as an Women in Engineering Ambassador. The aim of the partnership between EPSRC and WES is to support researchers who are passionate about fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the engineering research and innovation landscape.
This initiative, in line with EPSRC’s EDI action plan for 2022 to 2025, seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in the engineering and physical sciences community. The selected ambassadors will play a pivotal role in driving positive change and shaping a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive engineering ecosystem in the UK.
Dr. Shaila Afroj’s appointment as an EPSRC-WES Women in Engineering Ambassador is a significant achievement, highlighting her dedication to advancing gender inclusivity and equality in engineering. We congratulate Dr. Shaila Afroj and all the appointed ambassadors on their well-deserved recognition and eagerly look forward to their contributions in fostering a more diverse and inclusive engineering research and innovation landscape.
Dr. Shaila Afroj, a highly accomplished researcher, has been selected as one of the ambassadors to represent this prestigious cohort. Alongside 20 other outstanding researchers, she will work independently and collaboratively to promote gender inclusivity and equality in the field of engineering. As part of this ambassadorship, Dr. Shaila Afroj will have the opportunity to connect with a network of women engineers, access mentorship programs, apply for bursaries and awards, and contribute to the WES council, among other benefits.
As an EPSRC-WES Women in Engineering Ambassador, Dr. Shaila Afroj will actively advocate for gender inclusivity and equality not only within the engineering field but also within EPSRC and WES. She will have the chance to develop a deeper understanding of gender and intersectionality issues in engineering and collaborate with her fellow ambassadors to set goals and drive meaningful change as members of WES.
This initiative aligns with EPSRC’s commitment to encourage and enable participation in engineering and physical sciences research careers. By embedding EDI practices in their portfolio and the wider research community, EPSRC aims to create a more inclusive and diverse environment in the engineering and physical sciences disciplines.
Overall, EPSRC’s collaboration with WES and the appointment of these ambassadors reflect their dedication to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in engineering, and actively engaging with the ambassadors throughout their journey.
About EPSRC:
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK’s main funding agency for research and training in engineering and the physical sciences. EPSRC’s mission is to promote and support world-leading research and innovation to drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges.
About WES:
The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is a professional network of women engineers, scientists, and technologists offering inspiration, support, and professional development.
