Directors' Board for Women's Engineering Society appointment

Professor Elena Gaura, lead for Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences research at the university, joins the board following her inspiring contribution to combatting global challenges through her research, having earlier this year been named as one of the UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering.

Founded in 1919, The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is now in its tenth decade of advocating for women in the UK’s engineering sector, where the percentage of women in engineering-based professions is around 11%, the lowest across Europe*.

WES strives to connect and expand the engineering community for women, encouraging growth and development for female engineers in an ambition to challenge under-representation in this field.

Professor Gaura said: “Being elected as one of the latest members of the Directors’ Board means being able to contribute from within a diverse community of aspirational women that are working together to strengthen women’s ability to lead, negotiate, influence with impact, navigate challenges and develop their careers."
“In looking at ways the government, research councils and businesses can address barriers to engagement, I hope we can promote a fairer, kinder and collaborative environment for women.”

Professor Gaura, who is also Professor of Pervasive Computing, has improved outcomes for women in various communities, including the training of more than 300 female scientists in India, and the delivery of additional security offered by providing solar based lighting interventions, reducing the risk of gender-based violence in refugee communities.

Professor Gaura added: “I hope to open conversations that work towards greater options for women in engineering, and in research, by connecting women engineers from diverse backgrounds and strengthening these communities in practice.

“At Coventry University, we are working hard to offer our engineers – from undergraduate students to staff - at all levels – with the best access, support and environment, creating progressional opportunities to thrive in. I hope that the new role will allow me to bring back so much more know-how on accelerating our journey, to sector leadership for equality, diversity and inclusion.”

Elizabeth Donnelly, Chief Executive Officer, WES said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Gaura to the Board of Directors. Her dedication to supporting and promoting women in engineering is evident from the many programmes and initiatives she has been involved with throughout her career. We are excited that she will bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to WES in the coming years."