Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Engineering at Durham Energy Institute

Inspiring the next generation

On 23 June 2026, pupils will visit Durham University’s Mountjoy Research Centre for a half-day programme showcasing how engineers are tackling climate change, transforming energy systems, and developing technologies that improve everyday life. The event will highlight engineering as a creative, problem-solving discipline that can help shape a more sustainable world.

Inside Durham’s engineering laboratories

Following a welcome and introduction to Durham Energy Institute from Professor Simone Abram, Executive Director of DEI, pupils will take part in guided tours of laboratories in the Department of Engineering. The tours will feature environmental engineering and civil engineering laboratory spaces, the smart grid laboratory, aerodynamics and electrical laboratories, clean rooms, the mechanical workshop, energy conversion facilities, and the Alan Reece X-Ray Imaging and drivetrain research laboratory, giving pupils a close-up view of cutting-edge research in action.

Women leading in engineering

In the afternoon, Professor Barbara Vest OBE, DEI Professor in Practice, will introduce a panel of women working across engineering and energy. Panellists will share how they became engineers, what motivates their work, and the paths that led them into roles spanning academia, industry, and technical support. The panel will feature Professor Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research; Dr Beth Barnes, Regional Director at the Institution of Civil Engineers; Dr Huashan Bao, Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering; Isha Saxena, PhD student in Engineering; and Amanda Hayton, Technician in the Department of Geography.

Conversation, questions and next steps

After brief introductions from each panellist, pupils will have the chance to ask questions in a dedicated Q&A session, exploring topics such as career choices, university pathways, and what it is really like to work in engineering today. The event will close with an evaluation and feedback session to help shape future schools outreach activities by Durham Energy Institute.

Schools wishing to take part in this event should email dei.admin@durham.ac.uk.