The Women into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) Awards, in association with EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, celebrate those who inspire girls and young women into the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The winners of the 2011 WISE Awards were announced at a prestigious ceremony on Wednesday 19 October at London’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

Mechanical Project Engineer Claire Jones, who works at Sellafield in Cumbria, won £1,000 and the WISE Excellence Award, sponsored by Thales UK, for being an inspirational role model for girls and young engineers.laire was nominated by Tony Gill, Chief Executive at Cumbria STEM Centre Ltd. staessing that: 'As a STEM Ambassador Claire uses her own high level of enthusiasm to show other young women the potential for rewarding and worthwhile careers within STEM based industries.'

Heather Aspinwall, a curriculum leader in applied science and mathematics at Wirral Metropolitan College, won the Advisor Award. The award, sponsored by Intel Ltd, was open to career advisors, teachers, ambassadors, mentors and educators who have motivated and enthused girls and young women to pursue STEM related subjects. Marianne Hill, a curriculum leader in science, maths and physics, at City of Sunderland College was also noted as runner up for the Advisor Award.

A spokesperson from the EADS Group, which sponsored the Awards, said: “EADS is proud to be the headline sponsor of the 2011 WISE Awards, and would like to congratulate all of those shortlisted for this year's awards for their enthusiasm and commitment to inspiring girls and young women to pursue their studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Supporting gender diversity is a priority of the EADS Group, and the efforts of all who promote STEM studies and careers to the next generation of young women engineers and scientists will help organisations like ourselves meet our objectives to recruit more women into our industries, and ensure equal opportunity for all.”

Jane Butcher, Director of The UKRC, said: “The WISE Awards are an annual celebration of endeavour, inspiration and commitment – and this year more than ever. A record number of entrants of outstanding quality have demonstrated the importance of working creatively to inspire, advise and enable girls and young women to study and pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.