Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen, Senior Lecturer in Applied Molecular Mycology at Cranfield University, has been named amongst the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2026.

The WE50 awards, which are backed by the Women’s Engineering Society, are linked to International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) – the celebration of women in engineering that takes place on 23 June each year. This year’s theme recognises ‘Engineering Intelligence’.

Dr Verheecke-Vaessen is recognised for her innovative work engineering climate resilient food systems to reduce food safety challenges including mycotoxin contamination in global food supply chains. Mycotoxins affect more than 80% of global food commodities, posing serious risks to food safety, public health and world market - risks that are being intensified by climate change.

Dr Verheecke-Vaessen focuses on solutions to transform how contamination risks are detected, predicted and mitigated. She has published 67 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to secure over £80 million in project funding in this field. Alongside her technical achievements, she is a strong advocate for women in STEM, mentoring early-career researchers and leading equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, including as co-founder of the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology.

Dr Verheecke-Vaessen said: “I’m honoured to be recognised in this year’s Top 50 Women in Engineering. My work focuses on developing practical solutions to help food systems manage food safety including mycotoxin risks, particularly as these challenges increase with climate change. Working closely with industry partners, I’ve been able to see engineering solutions making a real-world impact which is really rewarding.”

Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, said: “Carol’s work is a powerful example of engineering intelligence in action to address a critical global food challenge. Her commitment makes her an outstanding role model and as a fellow engineer, I’m delighted to see her achievements recognised.”

In 2022, Dr Verheecke-Vaessen was a highly commended Top 100 finalist WE50 themed Inventors and innovators.