2025 Awardees in Engineering and Physical Sciences

 Dr Alice Bunn OBE, Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Nominator Dr Hayaatun Sillem says: “I cannot think of anyone who does more to improve everyday equity and inclusion for those of us working in engineering and the physical sciences.”

Professor Danielle Julie Carrier, University of Tennessee

Nominator Professor Valerie Orsat says: “Valerie became my role model as a successful women in engineering and I have followed both her research and her leadership accomplishments through the years.”

Professor Francisca de Haan, Central European University, International Institute of Social History

Nominator Professor Ina van Berckelaer-Onnes says: “She is an advocate for good education and responsible positions for women in society. She is a thorough researcher and excellent speaker. I am deeply impressed by her substantive contribution in this area.”

Dr Iryna Herzon, University of Helsinki

Nominator Dr Elin Röös says: “Dr. Herzon’s approach stands out for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Her research also underscores the importance of examining sustainability through multiple lenses, addressing not only ecological challenges but also the social and economic dimensions of farming.”

Dr Peace Korshiwor Amoatey, University of Ghana

Nominator Dr Mary Anti Chama says: “Peace is dedicated to providing transformational learning experience for her students. A significant aspect of her mentorship is her collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students on research projects, resulting in several co-authored publications.”

Dr Catherine Le Visage, Nantes Université

Nominator Professor Gerjo van Osch says: “Catherine is an excellent scientist working in the field of regenerative medicine, biomaterials and drug delivery. She operates right at the intersection of  pharmacy, biology and engineering in France and is a true European and even global scientist. Catherine is very energetic, spreading a lot of positive energy and it always productive and fun to have her around!”

Professor Priyamvada Natarajan, Yale University

Nominator Dr Samaya Nissanke says: “Priya’s scientific expertise spans from black hole formation, their evolution and their interplay with their host galaxies, to dark matter, and to gravitational lensing— where she is renowned for her scientific creativity and boldness, and for applying cutting-edge methods from multi-messenger astronomy to machine learning. Her groundbreaking work on supermassive black holes gained global recognition with JWST’s discovery of an ancient galaxy harboring an unexpectedly massive black hole.

Beyond research, Priya embodies the very essence of the SUFFRAGE award—not only through her scientific achievements but also through her powerful voice in science communication and her relentless advocacy for women in STEM, and equity and inclusion more generally.. A bestselling author (Mapping the Heavens), prolific op-ed writer, and thought leader, her influence extends across disciplines—including art and design. She has mentored countless students and postdocs and pioneered NASA’s first double-blind review process, transforming telescope time allocation and increasing opportunities for women.

Professor Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, University of California Santa Barbara

Nominator Professor Natalie Stingelin says: “She is a great mentor, an incredible role model, and a strong advocate for women in science and engineering. She is the main person behind the establishment of a global foundation, the VinFuture Foundation in Vietnam. Most importantly, she convinced the Founders to establish special prizes for innovators from developing countries and female scientists.”

Professor Rachel Oliver, University of Cambridge

Nominator Professor Ruth Cameron says: “Rachel is a materials engineer, inventor and spinout founder who was awarded an OBE in the recent 2025 New Years Honours List for services to Materials Engineering. She is an inspiring advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion in science and engineering.”

Dr Suzanne Ramsay, European Southern Observatory

Nominator Dr Gaitee Hussain says: “As well as being a recognised leader in the field of astronomical instrumentation, Suzie is also an active researcher in star formation, and strongly believes in service to the community, regularly serving on senior boards and advisory committees. She is a role model to so many of us.”

Dr Jayne Wallace, Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Nominator Professor Syma Khalid says: “Jayne is an excellent role model for women scientists in both industry and academia. She has risen through the ranks at ONT to her current role as VP – a truly inspiring achievement. Jayne has always been very modest about her own impressive achievements while simultaneously encouraging and nurturing others, particularly young women.”

Dr Gerlind Wallon, European Molecular Biology Organization

Nominator Professor Maria D. Martin-Bermudo says: “Gerlind has advocated an enormous effort to build a strong, wide-ranging and supportive community of scientists in Europe and beyond. From her actual position, as Deputy Director of EMBO, she continues tirelessly and determinedly working to promote diversity, inclusion and cooperation in science, always with optimism and a big smile”