E.ON coordinator is UK’s top female engineer

London - The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has announced Alice Delahunty, an electrical engineering programme co-ordinator for E.ON UK, as the winner of the 2007 IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards. She  was selected from over 100 entrants to claim the award that recognises the UK's best female engineering talent as well as highlighting the severe shortage of women working in engineering and technology.

At E.on, Delahunty spearheads the development of innovative solutions within the power industry. As well as being responsible for driving forward development and promotion of new technology within the power industry, she is also actively involved in technical consultancy and operational support to keep E.ON’s UK’s power station fleet running. Her responsibilities include giving advice on how to ensure the stations continue to supply power in the most efficient, cost effective and environmentally sound way possible.

Delahunty was also involved in setting up a sustainable design project for second year degree students at Loughborough University to design a radical street lighting system. She now acts as a technical consultant to the students who are working to progress there designs to prototype stage. Two years ago, she was also a presenter for the IET’s Faraday Lecture 2006, Emission Impossible Can Technology Save the Planet - an interactive touring show for 13-15 year olds to encourage young people into science and engineering.

“Alice is a very enthusiastic, dedicated and bright young woman who is passionate about her job and committed to demonstrating this to others. A great role model for other young women considering a role in engineering, I wish Alice all the very best for the future,” according to Robin McGill, chief executive of the IET.

The IET is, however, concerned that only 5.4% of the UK’s engineers are women and more needs to be done to demonstrate that engineering provides an excellent career choice with many great opportunities, said McGill: "The IET is committed to raising the profile of engineering and encouraging more young people, including women, to consider a wider participation within the profession.”