Dr Emma Taylor has been shortlisted for the 2024 Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Excellence and Innovation Awards in the Chief Engineer of the Year category.

Dr Emma Taylor, Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in Digital Safety and Security at Cranfield University, has over 30 years of expertise in risk management across the transport, aerospace, and energy sectors.

Recognised as one of the Top 50 Women Engineers by the Women’s Engineering Society in 2018 and highlighted as one of the most influential women in technology by Computer Weekly in 2021, she holds degrees in Physics, Space Science, and Safety Engineering. Emma has previously served as a member of the UK Department for Transport’s Science Advisory Council and also chaired The Safety and Reliability Society. Emma is an advocate for inclusion, a mentor for the Academy’s Engineering Leaders Scholarship (ELS) and leads a team promoting deaf awareness in engineering.

Emma said: "I am honoured to be shortlisted for this year’s IET Excellence and Innovation Awards. Championing inclusion and encouraging people to go into engineering and sustain a lifelong career is something I am really passionate about. I know how rewarding a profession this is and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce will only strengthen engineering as a discipline and a career choice.”

The IET Excellence and Innovation Awards recognise ground-breaking innovations, collaborations and best practices in Engineering, Science, and Technology. The Chief Engineer of the Year award recognises someone who has demonstrated excellence in engineering and innovation, leadership and who inspires a new generation of engineers.

This year's awards align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on innovation, excellence, and social and environmental impact. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday 4th December at The Library of Birmingham.