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Celebrating Eight Trailblazing Women in STEM and Design Engineering
6 March 2026On the 8th of March - International Women’s Day - we are shining a light on eight extraordinary women whose creativity, technical brilliance, and determination have shaped science, technology, engineering, and design.
These remarkable women challenged expectations, pushed boundaries, and opened doors for generations to follow.
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Hertha Ayrton (1854–1923)
A groundbreaking electrical engineer, mathematician, physicist, inventor and suffragette, Hertha Ayrton was the first woman admitted to the Institution of Electrical Engineers IEE. Her in-depth understanding of electrical engineering vastly improved the stability of arc lamps and contributed to early electrical infrastructure.
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Henrietta Vansittart (1833–1883)
A self‑taught engineer and inventor, Henrietta Vansittart refined and patented the Lowe‑Vansittart propeller, a marine design innovation adopted for civilian and naval vessels. Her work earned international recognition for its impact on maritime engineering.
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Blanche Thornycroft (1873–1950)
A British naval architect and key contributor to early 20th‑century naval design, Blanche Thornycroft worked in ship hull testing and propulsion development within one of Britain’s most influential marine engineering families. Her technical expertise supported significant advances in naval architecture.
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Beatrice “Tilly” Shilling (1909–1990)
A brilliant mechanical and aeronautical engineer, Tilly Shilling developed a simple yet ingenious device that prevented Rolls‑Royce Merlin aircraft engines from stalling during steep dives in WWII. Her innovation helped improve combat aircraft performance and reliability. Tilly was also a successful motorcycle and sportscar racer.
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Janet Taylor (1804–1870)
Janet Taylor was an English astronomer, navigation expert, mathematician, meteorologist, and the founder of two nautical academies. One of many important discoveries she made was that the earth is spheroidal (rather than Spherical). This led to navigational instruments being improved, making travel safer and more accurate.
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Ada Lovelace (1815–1852)
A visionary thinker in the early history of computing, Ada Lovelace worked with Charles Babbage on the Analytical Engine and produced what is widely regarded as the first computer program. Her insight into symbolic logic and computational design shaped the conceptual foundations of computer science.
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Lady Katharine Parsons (1859–1933)
A prominent British engineer, feminist, and campaigner for women’s roles in industry Lady Katharine Parsons co-founded the Women’s Engineering Society in 1919 to advocate for training and employment opportunities for women in engineering in the early 20th century.
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Hilda Lyon (1896–1946)
A British engineer, Hilda Lyon developed the “Lyon Shape,” a streamlined design used for airships and submarines. She was influential in hydrodynamic and aerodynamic engineering, and her work underpinned the design for efficient flow and stability of US submarines.
These eight innovators exemplify the ingenuity, resilience, and brilliance of women in STEM and design engineering. Their legacies continue to shape today’s technologies and inspire the next generation of engineers, creators, and problem‑solvers.