05 Dec 2025

Women in Engineering Event Strengthens Oxford-Cambridge Collaboration

An annual exchange highlighting women-led research in data science, AI and emerging engineering technologies.

Group photo of more than thirty attendees from the Oxford and Cambridge Women in Engineering societies, including academics, researchers, students, event speakers and representatives from the sponsoring organisation, standing and sitting together inside the Jesus College Digital Hub.

Attendees from the Oxford and Cambridge Women in Engineering societies, alongside University of Oxford academics, researchers, students, speakers and sponsors, gathered at the Jesus College Digital Hub for the annual OxBridge Women in Engineering event.

The OxBridge Women in Engineering collaboration was introduced to promote and celebrate the successes of women in engineering and to foster collaboration between the engineering departments at Oxford and Cambridge. The annual event provides a space to share knowledge, exchange experiences and recognise the outstanding work being carried out across both universities.

This year’s event was hosted at the Jesus College Digital Hub on 14 November and centred on the theme From Data Science to Machine Learning, exploring how engineering insights contribute to emerging digital technologies. The programme featured a series of lightning talks delivered by academics, researchers and DPhil students from across The University of Oxford. Together, these contributions demonstrated the breadth of digital engineering research taking place and the value of showcasing perspectives from multiple career stages.

The day was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Hudson River Trading, who also delivered an industry-focused talk offering insights into the technical finance sector and opportunities for engineers working with data-driven technologies.

Grace Callaghan, President of Oxford WiE, reflected on the significance of the gathering:

“It was inspiring to engage in thoughtful discussion with so many accomplished women on some of the most pivotal topics in engineering today. The event brought together a diverse and vibrant community, creating an invaluable space for learning, connection and shared experience.”

Svenja Lutzow, Treasurer for Oxford WiE, added:

"Hearing speakers move from inclusive energy systems to fetal MRI to protein engineering all in one afternoon really showed how broad and exciting engineering can be. I really enjoyed talking to the students and researchers from Oxford and Cambridge, bringing together so many different perspectives and showcasing how important these women-focused events are."

As a relatively young society, the Cambridge University Women in Engineering Society (CUWES) emphasised the value of establishing this annual exchange as a core part of its activities. For many Cambridge attendees, most of whom are undergraduate students, the event provided a rare opportunity to engage with Oxford PhD researchers, academics and professors, and to discuss a broad range of topics.

Joanna, Co-President of Cambridge’s CUWES society, commented on the value of the collaboration:

“Cementing this annual Oxbridge exchange into CUWES tradition feels incredibly special. I saw two young societies at their best: amplifying women’s work where representation still needs strengthening and bringing together students and researchers across every career stage. The day left me inspired and deeply connected to this growing community.”

The OxBridge Women in Engineering initiative continues to strengthen collaboration, visibility and community among women engineers, supporting a growing network at a time when digital technologies are reshaping the field.

Prof Stephanie Hirmer stands at a lectern presenting to a seated audience, with a slide behind her discussing data-driven approaches to community priorities. She is speaking as part of the OxBridge Women in Engineering event.

Prof Stephanie Hirmer delivers her lightning talk on inclusive energy services.

Dr Eve Schooler stands at a lectern holding a microphone while speaking to the audience, with a presentation slide visible above her. She is delivering her talk as part of the OxBridge Women in Engineering event.

Dr Eve Schooler presents her lightning talk on environmentally sustainable approaches to AI.

Dr Siân Wilson stands at a lectern holding a microphone while addressing the audience, with a laptop open in front of her. She is delivering her talk on advanced imaging methods as part of the OxBridge Women in Engineering event.

Dr Siân Wilson, from Oxford’s Department of Computer Science, presents her lightning talk on imaging the developing brain.

Rasadhi Attale, a Senior Hardware Engineer at Tessent Embedded (Siemens), stands at a lectern addressing the audience, with a presentation slide displaying diagrams behind her. She is delivering her talk as part of the OxBridge Women in Engineering event.

Rasadhi Attale, Senior Hardware Engineer at Tessent Embedded (a Siemens business), presents her lightning talk on scalable verification for system-on-chip design.