A third -year PhD researcher in the Applied Space Technology Laboratory at the University of Strathclyde has been voted one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering.

The Women’s Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering (WE50) 2026 Awards honour exceptional women engineers whose achievements embody this year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence.

Strathclyde space engineer Beth Probert combines a background in astrophysics and software engineering. Her research focuses on improving the sustainability and security of the space environment and she is pioneering the development of distributed ledger technologies for use in autonomous satellite networks and decentralised space-based services.

Collaborative ideas

Beth's engineering expertise and her ongoing commitment to making STEM fields more inclusive have been previously recognised by the IET's Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards, Computer Weekly Magazine, and the FDM Everywoman in Technology Awards.

She said: "I am over the moon to be named among the WES Top 50 Women in Engineering.

Securing the future of our space environment requires innovative, collaborative ideas, and I am proud to represent the role women play in pioneering these new technologies.

“I hope this recognition encourages more young women to look to the stars and see a place for themselves in space engineering."

The 2026 winners work across aerospace, defence, rail, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, academia, research, technology and the public sector.

This year’s theme recognises the many ways engineers combine knowledge, innovation, data, emerging technologies and human-centred thinking to create solutions for an increasingly complex world.

Engineering intelligence

WES Chief Executive Officer Susan Robson said: “Our theme of Engineering Intelligence for International Women in Engineering Day 2026 captures the reality of the world we’re working in today. Engineering now is shaped as much by the creativity, insight and humanity of the people who choose to be part of it as it is by technical expertise.

“Engineering is at its best when people are brave enough to challenge things in their quest for shared success. That spirit of courage and curiosity is what drives progress, and it’s what we’re celebrating this year.”

The winners were selected by an independent judging panel drawn from industry, academia and the wider engineering community. They were recognised for their professional achievements, technical expertise, leadership and commitment to advancing both engineering and inclusion within the sector.

As part of the prize, winners are granted free membership of the Women’s Engineering Society for one year.