The WISE Conference 2026

Building a More Inclusive STEM Future: The WISE Conference 2026 will bring together professionals, thought leaders, innovators and allies committed to improving gender equity across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The event is designed as a platform for knowledge exchange, practical learning and collaboration, helping organisations move beyond discussion and identify actions that can create measurable and sustainable progress for women in STEM. The conference will take place on 28 September 2026 at IET London: Savoy Place.

From Awareness to Practical Action: The conference programme will explore important themes including active allyship, the career development of young professionals and cross-sector collaboration. Participants will examine how organisations can translate awareness of gender inequality into practical action, better support and retain women at the beginning of their STEM careers, and use evidence, shared experience and collaborative approaches to build more inclusive workplaces.

Celebrating Excellence and Leadership: The WISE Awards 2026 will recognise women, organisations and initiatives making an outstanding contribution to gender equity, diversity and inclusion across STEM. The awards celebrate inspiring role models as well as organisations creating meaningful change, with categories including The Princess Royal’s WISE Lifetime Achievement Award, The Princess Royal’s WISE Rising Star Award, the WISE Cultivating Talent Award, WISE Initiative of the Year and WISE Organisation of the Year. The ceremony will also be held on 28 September 2026 at IET London: Savoy Place.

Recognising Progress Across STEM: Beyond celebrating individual achievement, the WISE Awards highlight the importance of programmes, initiatives and organisations that are challenging barriers and creating better opportunities for women in STEM. The 2026 finalists represent expertise across engineering, sustainability, cybersecurity, innovation, education and other technology-related fields, while the organisational categories recognise measurable progress towards greater gender equity. Together, the WISE Conference and WISE Awards 2026 create a strong platform for learning, collaboration and recognition across the STEM community.