Information on Loughborough

Professor Helen Atkinson announced as one of the UK's outstanding women

Posted on 19/03/2010
University of Leicester

Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year, the Women of Outstanding Achievement (WoOA) exhibition, led by the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET, showcases some of the UK’s most inspiring women currently working across the SET sectors. The focus is on women who achieve outstanding results within their chosen fields, and the exhibition acts as a showcase to inspire other women to progress a career within SET.

Helen Atkinson, Professor of Engineering and Head of Mechanics of Materials Research Group at the University of Leicester, has been announced as one of six women recognised this year. In honour of her achievements, her portrait will be unveiled as part of an exclusive exhibition launched at the Royal Academy of Engineering on 18th March 2010.

The first of her family to go to University, Helen developed an interest in science from an early age and has gone on to establish an outstanding record of achievement in industrially relevant research in the area of metals technology and manufacture. She is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and has proved to be a true inspiration and role model to her students in the UK and overseas. She is currently leading the £15 m redevelopment of the Percy Gee Students’ Union building at the University of Leicester.

Annette Williams, Director of the UKRC, comments: “The continued encouragement of women to return to, or establish a new career in SET is vital to ensure that the UK carries on producing world class scientists, mathematicians and engineers. All six of this year’s Women of Outstanding Achievement are fantastic role models for women working across all sectors of SET and demonstrate that it is possible to have a high achieving career balanced with a fulfilling personal life.

Annette adds: “We are constantly looking to promote women working in SET, to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are given equal opportunities throughout their careers. The exhibition forms part of a legacy that will inspire, engage and encourage women of all ages to consider a career in SET as well as recognising the outstanding role models currently working in these fields.”

Helen Atkinson sums up what it means to her to be named a Woman of Outstanding Achievement: “When I started my career 30 years ago, it was difficult to progress within SET, especially if you worked part time as I decided to do whilst working at Sheffield University, to enable me to start a family. My career path goes to show that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. I have been particularly lucky to have travelled the world and have been able to encourage women from different communities to develop their careers in SET, to think ambitiously and realise their true potential “