Gemma Whatling wins Karen Burt Memorial Award 2011

Gemma Whatling CEng MIMechE has been named as the winner of the 2011 Karen Burt Memorial Award.

The Award is made annually by WES (Women in Engineering Society) to a woman engineer of high calibre who has recently become chartered, with the purpose of encouraging more women to aim for Chartered Engineer and corporate status across all engineering disciplines. It not only recognises excellence and potential in the practice of engineering, but also recognises promotion of the engineering profession

Gemma is an Academic Fellow at Cardiff University working for the Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre. When she became a Chartered Engineer earlier this year, the Institution recognised that she was an excellent candidate for the Karen Burt Memorial Award, and became the IMechE nomination for it.

On hearing the news about her win, Gemma said: "I feel proud to have been chosen to receive the Karen Burt Award and I’m extremely pleased that my research, involvement in promoting the profession and voluntary work has been recognised. I would like to encourage others to apply for professional registration and to go for the award next year, in memory of Karen Burt who is an inspirational role model for us all."

Eur Ing Penny Taylor, representing the Institution’s Professional Review Committee (PRC) said: "The PRC chose Gemma Whatling as the IMechE candidate from a very strong shortlist, due not only to her work at the forefront of biomechanical research, but also her extensive work in promoting engineering to young people and public engagement in science and engineering. Additionally she has a close involvement with the Institution, refereeing part H of the Journal and organising an Engineering Researchers network at Cardiff University."

"The Award is looking for a woman who goes above and beyond being an excellent professional engineer whatever the discipline, and by winning Gemma has clearly been recognised not only for her depth of expertise, but also breadth of input and influence. A great role model for engineers of the future!"

Gemma received her award at the WES Annual Conference at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Savoy Place, London on 7 October.

Read a profile of Gemma Whatling