Honour for USW cyber leader in STEM equality awards

The University of South Wales (USW) has scooped another award for its work to pioneer gender equality in STEM.

At the WISE Awards, which were held in London last Thursday, Sharan Johnstone, USW’s Head of Cyber Security, won the Outstanding Woman in Technology Award, which celebrates exceptional women who are making remarkable strides in the tech industry.

It honours individuals whose work in technology not only drives innovation but also inspires and empowers future generations of women to pursue careers in this dynamic field.

Two other USW colleagues were also finalists in the awards.

Hayley Burns, Deputy Dean of USW’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, was a finalist in the STEM Ally Award, which recognises individuals or organisations who actively champion women in STEM, using their influence, actions, and platforms to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.  

While Beth Jenkins, Lecturer in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security, was a finalist for the Princess Royal WISE Rising Star Award, which recognises outstanding young women in STEM who are making a significant impact early in their careers, serving as role models and inspiring the next generation.

The WISE Awards celebrate outstanding women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) pioneers, including allies and organisations who are doing fantastic things to improve gender equity in STEM.

The awards shine a light on the hard work, success, determination and commitment of individuals and organisations who are helping to grow the number of women in the UK STEM workforce and making impactful changes to gender balance within their organisation.

Professor Georgina Harris, who is Interim Dean of USW’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, said: “I am delighted that the University of South Wales has once again been recognised for our work in advancing gender equality in STEM.

“We had three colleagues who were finalists in these awards are who are true leaders in their fields, Sharan Johnstone, Hayley Burns and Beth Jenkins. Sharan’s victory reaffirms USW’s role as a trailblazer in cyber education, driving efforts to bring more women into the sector and inspiring girls to see cyber as a viable career path.

“It is an honour to stand alongside not just these outstanding and talented women in the Faculty, but many others who continually break barriers and empower their peers to follow in their footsteps.”