Four academics from the University of Bath’s Faculty of Engineering and Design have been named finalists in this year’s everywoman in Technology Awards 2026, marking a standout year of recognition for the university. The finalists are Professor Linda Newnes, Dr Despina Moschou, Dr Hannah Leese, and in the Male Agent of Change category, Professor Tim Ibell.
Now in their 16th year, the everywoman in Technology Awards recognise individuals who are driving innovation and shaping the future of engineering and technology. This year marks the first time that so many Bath academics have achieved finalist status, with finalists from all departments within the Faculty of Engineering and Design, highlighting a collective strength across engineering disciplines.
Linda Newnes, Professor of Cost Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is a finalist in the Team Leader category. She leads two People-Led Centres: Digitalisation and Net Zero, and serves as Co-Director of The Foundry: Centre for Digital Manufacturing and Design. Linda is passionate about bringing people together to tackle societal challenges, and her work demonstrates that fair, resilient, and sustained transformation is achieved through the principle that people power change.
Professor Linda Newnes
Dr Despina Moschou, from the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, is shortlisted in Tech for Good for her pioneering Lab‑On‑Chip diagnostic devices, including the world’s fastest high-quality COVID-19 test. Her work miniaturises full-scale laboratory processes onto a single chip, enabling rapid and complete diagnosis of disease at the point of care.
Dr Despina Moschou
Dr Hannah Leese, from the Department of Chemical Engineering, is a finalist in the Innovator category. Hannah develops accessible diagnostic technologies to support women’s and newborn healthcare, including pain-free microneedle tools for early infection monitoring. She also champions improving gender equality in engineering through leading departmental EDI initiatives and efforts to strengthen support and representation for women.
Professor Tim Ibell, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Design, is shortlisted for Male Agent of Change. He is recognised for his sustained work to champion, sponsor and support the progression of women in technology. Professor Ibell said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see so many colleagues from across the faculty recognised this way. It’s fantastically well-deserved, and their achievements reflect the excellence we strive for in the faculty and support our drive towards a more equitable and inclusive community in which we can all thrive. I wish all our finalists the very best for the awards night.”
Professor Tim Ibell
Learn more: https://www.bath.ac.uk/
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