Leeds hosts Women in STEM experience day to champion diversity in engineering
An immersive on-campus event welcomed 80 female and non-binary students from local schools, encouraging the next generation of engineers and scientists.
The STEM Outreach Team, part of Educational Engagement at the University of Leeds, hosted the second annual Celebrating Women in STEM event on Friday 6 March, welcoming participants from John Smeaton Academy, Heckmondwike Grammar School, Trinity Academy Halifax, Co-op Academy Grange, and Co-op Academy Leeds.
The event, held two days before International Women’s Day, aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers while highlighting the importance of diversity in STEM at both university and in the workplace.
Nearly one-third (29.4%) of our Faculty’s undergraduate students are female. By engaging students ahead of their GCSE choices, the STEM Outreach Team hopes to challenge stereotypes early and provide clear, relatable insight into pathways into engineering.
During the day, students took part in hands-on activities led by female and non-binary postgraduate researchers, showcasing a range of disciplines including Materials Engineering, Bioengineering, Medical Engineering, and Fluid Dynamics. Using specialist lab facilities, participants explored real-world applications of engineering, like building wind-powered land boats and creating nature-inspired cyanotype prints, drawing on engineering, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Undergraduate students also supported the event, sharing their experiences and offering peer-to-peer insights into studying engineering at Leeds. The programme included a careers panel featuring the Women in Engineering Society and the Robotics at Leeds PGR Network, where students asked questions about studying STEM subjects and future career opportunities.
Encouraging early exposure to a broad range of subjects is key to helping young people make informed decisions about their futures. This is particularly important, given that women make up just 16.9% of the UK engineering and technology workforce, according to 2025 statistics.
Events like Celebrating Women in STEM play a vital role in addressing this imbalance and developing vital skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, while also connecting students with relatable role models. Our Faculty continues to embrace the STEM Outreach Team's work, connecting partner schools and colleagues across the University.
