Princess Royal champions science and gender equity at UCL East and WISE Awards in London
The Princess Royal, in her role as Chancellor of the University of London, undertook a significant visit to UCL East on 20 February 2025, showcasing her continued support for scientific innovation and her commitment to promoting gender equity in STEM fields. During her visit to the newly established campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, the Princess engaged with leading researchers, students, and citizen scientists, witnessing groundbreaking advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and environmental sustainability. Later in the evening, she attended the WISE Awards, where she celebrated trailblazers in science and engineering who are driving gender equity and diversity within STEM industries.
At UCL East, the Princess was welcomed by Dr. Michael Spence, President and Provost of UCL, and Professor Paola Lettieri, Vice-Provost (Strategy) for UCL East. The visit commenced at the Marshgate building, where she was introduced to cutting-edge projects spearheaded by UCL’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems researchers. The Princess observed demonstrations showcasing how artificial intelligence is being used to train robots for critical applications such as search and rescue operations in hazardous environments and precision surgical procedures. A highlight of the demonstration was a four-legged robotic “dog” equipped with advanced AI capabilities designed to assist in high-risk search missions.
Her Royal Highness expressed particular interest in the potential of AI-driven robots to enhance public safety and medical precision. Researchers elaborated on how these technologies could revolutionize emergency response scenarios by navigating dangerous terrains and locating survivors in disaster zones. In the medical field, AI-enhanced surgical robots are being developed to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy, reducing patient risks and improving recovery outcomes.
Innovations in Advanced Propulsion and Sustainable Transportation
Following the robotics demonstration, the Princess visited UCL’s Advanced Propulsion Lab, where researchers are pioneering the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These futuristic aircraft are designed to revolutionize urban transportation, offering safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional helicopters. The lab focuses on creating lightweight, energy-efficient propulsion systems that could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of short-haul flights.
Engineers at the lab also highlighted how battery technologies designed for eVTOL aircraft are being adapted for electric vehicles on the ground, potentially extending the range and efficiency of next-generation cars and trucks. This cross-sector innovation underscores UCL’s commitment to addressing climate change by promoting sustainable transportation solutions that reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
The People and Nature Lab: Bridging Environmental Science and Technology
The Princess Royal continued her visit at One Pool Street, home to the UCL People and Nature Lab, an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to exploring sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges. The lab focuses on understanding the intricate relationships between human societies and natural ecosystems, with particular attention to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation.
During her time at the lab, the Princess explored a virtual reality experience that immersed her in a 3D simulation of a coral reef ecosystem. This cutting-edge technology allows researchers and the public to gain a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity and the threats facing coral reefs due to rising ocean temperatures and pollution. The interactive experience demonstrated the importance of using advanced visualization tools to educate and engage the public in environmental conservation efforts.
The People and Nature Lab also features an outdoor living classroom equipped with advanced environmental monitoring systems. The Princess observed real-time data collection from a network of sensors that track local wildlife, including birds, insects, and bats, as well as climatic conditions. These data are crucial for understanding how urban environments impact local biodiversity and inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing green spaces in cities.
Community Engagement and Educational Outreach
A core aspect of UCL East’s mission is fostering strong ties with the local community, particularly in East London. The Princess Royal met with students and educators from The Urswick School in Hackney, one of UCL’s partner schools, who were participating in hands-on STEM workshops. The students showcased projects that combined robotics and environmental science, reflecting UCL’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Her Royal Highness also engaged with members of the local community who are involved in citizen science initiatives, such as biodiversity mapping and environmental monitoring projects. These programs empower residents to contribute to scientific research while fostering a deeper connection with their natural surroundings.
In recognition of the importance of accessibility in higher education, the Princess was briefed on UCL East’s scholarship initiatives aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. The university has established a £5 million fund to cover tuition and living expenses for eligible postgraduate students through the UCL East London Scholarship, ensuring that talented individuals from local communities have the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees and contribute to cutting-edge research.
Promoting Gender Equity in STEM at the WISE Awards
Later that evening, the Princess Royal attended the annual WISE Awards at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London. As Patron of the WISE campaign, which promotes women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the Princess has long championed gender equity in fields historically dominated by men.
The WISE Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are leading the charge in creating inclusive environments and breaking down barriers for women and underrepresented groups in STEM. During the ceremony, the Princess presented several prestigious awards, including The Princess Royal’s WISE Lifetime Achievement Award and The Princess Royal’s WISE Rising Star Award, honoring outstanding contributions to the STEM community.
In her address at the event, the Princess emphasized the importance of fostering diverse perspectives within scientific disciplines and highlighted the need to support initiatives that create equitable opportunities for women in STEM. She praised the award recipients for their dedication to advancing innovation while advocating for gender inclusivity.
Highlighting the Importance of Diversity in Science and Innovation
Throughout her engagements at UCL East and the WISE Awards, the Princess Royal underscored the vital role that diversity plays in driving scientific progress and societal impact. By supporting educational outreach programs, cutting-edge research, and gender equity initiatives, she continues to advocate for a future where scientific discovery benefits all communities.
The Princess’s visit to UCL East and her participation in the WISE Awards exemplify her commitment to fostering inclusive environments in STEM fields while championing the importance of scientific research in addressing global challenges. Her ongoing support for these causes reinforces the significance of creating pathways for diverse voices to thrive in science, technology, and engineering.
Key Research Areas Highlighted During the Visit
- Robotics and AI for Search and Rescue: Development of intelligent robots capable of navigating hazardous environments to assist in emergency response operations.
- Precision Surgical Robotics: Integration of AI into surgical systems to enhance accuracy and safety during complex medical procedures.
- Sustainable Transportation Solutions: Innovation in electric propulsion technologies for eVTOL aircraft and electric vehicles, aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
- Environmental Monitoring and Conservation: Use of advanced sensors and virtual reality tools to study and protect biodiversity in urban and marine ecosystems.
- Community-Driven Science Initiatives: Engagement with local residents in citizen science projects to promote environmental awareness and scientific literacy.
Notable Achievements Recognized at the WISE Awards
- WISE Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring individuals with significant, long-lasting contributions to advancing gender equity in STEM.
- WISE Rising Star Award: Celebrating emerging leaders who are making impactful strides in their respective fields while promoting inclusivity.
- Best STEM Employer Award: Recognizing organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
The Princess Royal, in her role as Chancellor of the University of London, undertook a significant visit to UCL East on 20 February 2025, showcasing her continued support for scientific innovation and her commitment to promoting gender equity in STEM fields. During her visit to the newly established campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, the Princess engaged with leading researchers, students, and citizen scientists, witnessing groundbreaking advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and environmental sustainability. Later in the evening, she attended the WISE Awards, where she celebrated trailblazers in science and engineering who are driving gender equity and diversity within STEM industries.
At UCL East, the Princess was welcomed by Dr. Michael Spence, President and Provost of UCL, and Professor Paola Lettieri, Vice-Provost (Strategy) for UCL East. The visit commenced at the Marshgate building, where she was introduced to cutting-edge projects spearheaded by UCL’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems researchers. The Princess observed demonstrations showcasing how artificial intelligence is being used to train robots for critical applications such as search and rescue operations in hazardous environments and precision surgical procedures. A highlight of the demonstration was a four-legged robotic “dog” equipped with advanced AI capabilities designed to assist in high-risk search missions.
Her Royal Highness expressed particular interest in the potential of AI-driven robots to enhance public safety and medical precision. Researchers elaborated on how these technologies could revolutionize emergency response scenarios by navigating dangerous terrains and locating survivors in disaster zones. In the medical field, AI-enhanced surgical robots are being developed to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy, reducing patient risks and improving recovery outcomes.
Innovations in Advanced Propulsion and Sustainable Transportation
Following the robotics demonstration, the Princess visited UCL’s Advanced Propulsion Lab, where researchers are pioneering the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These futuristic aircraft are designed to revolutionize urban transportation, offering safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional helicopters. The lab focuses on creating lightweight, energy-efficient propulsion systems that could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of short-haul flights.
Engineers at the lab also highlighted how battery technologies designed for eVTOL aircraft are being adapted for electric vehicles on the ground, potentially extending the range and efficiency of next-generation cars and trucks. This cross-sector innovation underscores UCL’s commitment to addressing climate change by promoting sustainable transportation solutions that reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
The People and Nature Lab: Bridging Environmental Science and Technology
The Princess Royal continued her visit at One Pool Street, home to the UCL People and Nature Lab, an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to exploring sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges. The lab focuses on understanding the intricate relationships between human societies and natural ecosystems, with particular attention to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation.
During her time at the lab, the Princess explored a virtual reality experience that immersed her in a 3D simulation of a coral reef ecosystem. This cutting-edge technology allows researchers and the public to gain a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity and the threats facing coral reefs due to rising ocean temperatures and pollution. The interactive experience demonstrated the importance of using advanced visualization tools to educate and engage the public in environmental conservation efforts.
The People and Nature Lab also features an outdoor living classroom equipped with advanced environmental monitoring systems. The Princess observed real-time data collection from a network of sensors that track local wildlife, including birds, insects, and bats, as well as climatic conditions. These data are crucial for understanding how urban environments impact local biodiversity and inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing green spaces in cities.
Community Engagement and Educational Outreach
A core aspect of UCL East’s mission is fostering strong ties with the local community, particularly in East London. The Princess Royal met with students and educators from The Urswick School in Hackney, one of UCL’s partner schools, who were participating in hands-on STEM workshops. The students showcased projects that combined robotics and environmental science, reflecting UCL’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Her Royal Highness also engaged with members of the local community who are involved in citizen science initiatives, such as biodiversity mapping and environmental monitoring projects. These programs empower residents to contribute to scientific research while fostering a deeper connection with their natural surroundings.
In recognition of the importance of accessibility in higher education, the Princess was briefed on UCL East’s scholarship initiatives aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. The university has established a £5 million fund to cover tuition and living expenses for eligible postgraduate students through the UCL East London Scholarship, ensuring that talented individuals from local communities have the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees and contribute to cutting-edge research.
Promoting Gender Equity in STEM at the WISE Awards
Later that evening, the Princess Royal attended the annual WISE Awards at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London. As Patron of the WISE campaign, which promotes women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the Princess has long championed gender equity in fields historically dominated by men.
The WISE Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are leading the charge in creating inclusive environments and breaking down barriers for women and underrepresented groups in STEM. During the ceremony, the Princess presented several prestigious awards, including The Princess Royal’s WISE Lifetime Achievement Award and The Princess Royal’s WISE Rising Star Award, honoring outstanding contributions to the STEM community.
In her address at the event, the Princess emphasized the importance of fostering diverse perspectives within scientific disciplines and highlighted the need to support initiatives that create equitable opportunities for women in STEM. She praised the award recipients for their dedication to advancing innovation while advocating for gender inclusivity.
Highlighting the Importance of Diversity in Science and Innovation
Throughout her engagements at UCL East and the WISE Awards, the Princess Royal underscored the vital role that diversity plays in driving scientific progress and societal impact. By supporting educational outreach programs, cutting-edge research, and gender equity initiatives, she continues to advocate for a future where scientific discovery benefits all communities.
The Princess’s visit to UCL East and her participation in the WISE Awards exemplify her commitment to fostering inclusive environments in STEM fields while championing the importance of scientific research in addressing global challenges. Her ongoing support for these causes reinforces the significance of creating pathways for diverse voices to thrive in science, technology, and engineering.
Key Research Areas Highlighted During the Visit
- Robotics and AI for Search and Rescue: Development of intelligent robots capable of navigating hazardous environments to assist in emergency response operations.
- Precision Surgical Robotics: Integration of AI into surgical systems to enhance accuracy and safety during complex medical procedures.
- Sustainable Transportation Solutions: Innovation in electric propulsion technologies for eVTOL aircraft and electric vehicles, aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
- Environmental Monitoring and Conservation: Use of advanced sensors and virtual reality tools to study and protect biodiversity in urban and marine ecosystems.
- Community-Driven Science Initiatives: Engagement with local residents in citizen science projects to promote environmental awareness and scientific literacy.
Notable Achievements Recognized at the WISE Awards
- WISE Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring individuals with significant, long-lasting contributions to advancing gender equity in STEM.
- WISE Rising Star Award: Celebrating emerging leaders who are making impactful strides in their respective fields while promoting inclusivity.
- Best STEM Employer Award: Recognizing organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
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