The Engineering Council would like to congratulate registrant Jennifer Barry CEng MRAeS, who has been named the Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2025 at the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards, held at IET London: Savoy Place last night.These annual awards honour the achievements of women working in modern engineering in the UK, whose contributions help address the science and engineering skills gap.Jennifer is the Senior Systems Engineer at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). She has represented the UK at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and contributed to the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris initiative, which tackles the growing challenge of space debris and aims to ensure a safer, more sustainable future in orbit. Her outreach work spans more than 500 hours, inspiring the next generation through flagship STEM events and initiatives.
On winning the award, Jennifer said:
“This recognition gives me a powerful platform to drive change – because visibility matters. When people see someone like them in this space, it changes what they believe is possible. I want to use this opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices, challenge stereotypes, and show that engineering is for everyone. Women still make up less than 17% of engineers, and we need to see more diverse spokespeople on panels, in leadership roles, and celebrated across the industry. I’m committed to mentoring others and helping make that happen, while continuing to grow in my own career.”
“Part of that change is inspiring the next generation. I’m excited to promote engineering - and especially space - to young girls, showing them the huge variety of roles available, so more young people can imagine themselves in these careers.”
Registrant Amy Dillon CEng MICE APS, a Principal Engineer at Design ID, won the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize. Other winners include Rachel Donaghey, who won the Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices and Vince Pizzoni, who won the Gender Diversity Ambassador Award. Finalists Rachel Hayden CEng MICE and Nikkala Pokojski were both highly commended.
For further information, please visit the IET’s website.
