Accelerating action: celebrating gender equality in engineering with Prof Sally Day 

In a field historically dominated by conventional expectations, Professor Sally Day has consistently pushed the boundaries - not only in advancing research but also in fostering an inclusive environment within engineering. With decades of experience at UCL, she has witnessed firsthand the transformation of workplace culture and academic practice. This Q&A distils her insights into a succinct conversation, reflecting on her journey and the initiatives that continue to inspire change. 

Can you share what initially inspired you to pursue a career in engineering and how your early experiences shaped your passion for gender equality in the field? 
 
A family legend has it that a broken toy sparked my curiosity about how things worked.  I was a toddler, and when a mechanical toy broke, I quickly stopped crying because I was utterly fascinated by its inner workings. I also loved Lego, although of course, in the late 60s, it was my brother’s Lego and train set that I played with. I grew up in a home where science was a way of life. My mum was a really good chemist and teacher, and my dad was a mechanical engineer who was passionate about acoustics and building science, so I was surrounded by science and innovation. My mum’s example taught me that gender should never limit one’s potential. I was determined to prove that women belong in engineering, and I resisted stereotypes, even when advised to consider ‘safer’ career paths. Those suggestions went straight off the list!  I also learned early in my working career to adapt socially in the coffee room by engaging in topics like cricket and cars, which helped me fit in. 

Over the decades, what key changes have you observed in UCL’s Electronic and Electrical Department regarding gender diversity and inclusion? 
 
One significant change has been the normalisation of family responsibilities. When I first had children and was involved in big European projects, I could usually ask for meetings to be held to suit my childcare needs; hardly anyone else in the collaboration seemed to have to worry about them. More recently, a male colleague involved in a collaborative project couldn’t attend an international meeting due to caring responsibilities, so he presented his work online. At one point, he had to stop the presentation briefly because World War 3 had broken out in the background between his children. He took a break to stop the hostilities before returning to talk to the rest of the consortium. We never found the trick he used – it was very effective! 

Today, it’s common - and accepted - for male colleagues to openly discuss childcare, with many even taking shared parental leave. This shift has fostered a truly balanced work culture. In our department, the appointment of a female Head of Department and an increase in female academic recruits have dramatically improved gender representation compared to the days when I was the lone woman in a large industrial research lab. 

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is 'Accelerate Action.' What are the most urgent areas that need reform within engineering to truly accelerate progress toward gender equality? 
 
We must redefine engineering. It isn’t just about creating faster, smaller, or more efficient gadgets, it’s about designing solutions that meet human and environmental needs. By shifting the focus to people and their diverse requirements, we open the door to innovative ideas that benefit everyone. As soon as you make engineering about people, you can start to think about the wonderful diversity that exists amongst people, their different experiences, viewpoints and needs, that leads to all the wonderful, inventive ways in which engineering can design solutions to the things that they need. 

How have initiatives like the UCL Engineering Engagement Strategy, with its focus on a 50:50 gender balance, impacted the academic and professional landscapes in engineering? 
 
When I first discussed the 50:50 balance approach for school activities, it immediately felt like the right approach. Instead of segregated events, having equal representation helps everyone understands the value of diversity. The programme not only inspires students by showing that opportunities aren’t limited by gender, but it also builds diverse teams among the staff. This inclusivity has created natural mentoring networks and collaborative bonds that extend well beyond the classroom, reinforcing the idea that varied perspectives lead to better problem-solving. 

Your research has spanned areas from liquid crystal applications to wearable technology. How do you see the intersection of technology and gender diversity influencing the future of engineering research? 
 
Throughout my research, collaboration has been key - whether working with chemists, physicists, or even cognitive neuroscientists. Interdisciplinary projects have taught me that when you bring together diverse minds, you produce richer, more innovative solutions. It’s about understanding the needs of varied user and integrating different viewpoints to tackle challenges. Embracing diversity in research teams is the only way to create technology that truly serves society. 

Mentorship is critical in any career. Can you share an experience where mentorship, either as a mentor or mentee, shaped your professional journey? 
 
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who opened doors to new opportunities, be it securing lab space or accessing valuable networks. In turn, I’ve talked about my experience of navigating the challenges of being a working mum, and the secret of actually how great it is to have your own professional identity separate from the sea of plastic toys and laundry.  Everyone finds their own way through that maze, and it is very individual, but I hope it was useful for others to hear about my route. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and look to the future, what message would you like to share with young women considering a career in engineering? 
 
Engineering is a fulfilling career with countless ways to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s solving complex technical problems or designing solutions for societal challenges, there’s a place for every perspective. It’s not just about equations; it’s about understanding people and the world around us. I’m especially encouraged by the growing examples of allyship within our department. Increasingly, I’m seeing male colleagues embrace shared parental leave and other family-friendly practices, demonstrating that change is a team effort. This supportive culture is something I hope every aspiring engineer experiences in their career. 

Links

• Prof Sally Day’s Research profile 
• UCL Engineering Engagement Strategy 
• UCL Integrated Engineering Programme