Regional network strengthens support for women in engineering and computing

As International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is celebrated across the world today, a growing regional network is bringing together women in engineering and computing from across the North East to support career development, collaboration and industry engagement.

The North East Women in Engineering and Computing (NEW-ECo) Network connects academics, researchers, PhD students, professional services colleagues and industry professionals from Teesside University, Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University and the University of Sunderland.

Back in 2021, the network was originally established by Professor Chrisina Jayne, now Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Partnerships) at Teesside University, and Steph Bales, then Director of Research at Teesside University, together with female academics from across the region. Its aim is to support women working in engineering and computing through professional development, mentoring, networking and collaboration.

Following a recent relaunch at Teesside University, the network has attracted more than 50 members from across the five universities and industry, demonstrating strong regional interest in creating a supportive and collaborative community for women in engineering and computing.

The relaunch event brought together representatives from these universities alongside industry partners and included discussions on research impact, career progression, industry engagement and future opportunities for collaboration. Participants also toured Teesside University’s Digital Life Building and Energy and Environment Engineering Laboratory.

Dr Tannaz Pak, Chair of the NEW-ECo Network and Associate Professor at Teesside University, said: 'International Women in Engineering Day provides an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering while recognising that there is still work to do to improve representation and progression across the profession.

'NEW-ECo brings together women from across the North East’s universities and industry to share experiences, support one another and create opportunities that might not be possible within a single institution. The enthusiasm shown at our relaunch demonstrates the value of regional collaboration and the appetite for a strong community focused on supporting women in engineering and computing.'

Women remain underrepresented in many engineering and technology disciplines, particularly in senior leadership positions. Through networking events, mentoring opportunities, professional development activities and industry engagement, NEW-ECo aims to help address these challenges while creating opportunities for collaboration across institutions and sectors.

Future plans for the network include support for career progression and leadership development, mentoring initiatives, industry visits, networking events, opportunities for collaborative research and activities to support professional recognition, including Chartered Engineer status.

The network welcomes academics, researchers, PhD students, professional services colleagues and industry professionals working in engineering and computing.

Anyone interested in joining NEW-ECo or learning more about its activities is encouraged to get in touch and register their interest by contacting Dr Tannaz Pak (t.pak@tees.ac.uk).

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