Future engineers shine in UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program

In February-March 2026, 120 women, non-binary and gender-diverse high school students from across New South Wales took part in the UNSW Young Women in Engineering (YWIE) Pathway Program, spending five weeks gaining hands-on experience tackling real-world challenges.

The Year 11 and Year 12 participants were placed in mixed-school teams and assigned one of eight engineering challenges, each designed by a UNSW academic lead representing a different engineering school. Students were supported by a current women in engineering student ambassador mentor, both in-person and through the online platform. They collaborated to design solutions and produce video submissions showcasing their ideas throughout all aspects of the program, including the welcome, the workshop and the closing events.

Groups were judged on their efforts, and the teams came up with some brilliant and creative ideas in response to the challenges set. The top honours went to a team that was tasked with researching and designing a concept for a next-generation insertable or injectable electronic device, exploring innovative ways to power and communicate inside the body. The team designed a neural injectable mesh for brain ultrasound simulation, responding to cortisol spikes to reduce the risk of seizure in people with epilepsy.

Second place went to a team who was challenged with designing an innovative way to give e-waste a second life, transforming rubbish into resources for a sustainable, circular future. Their solution utilised Air Improvement Photovoltaic technology (AIPV)—a tool for pollutant breakdown that can assimilate into any environment and reduce the impact of AI generators.

Third place was awarded to the team who were asked how chemical engineering could help to improve drinking water quality in remote Australian communities. They designed a filtration system that uses moringa seeds, coconut husk, iron ocide and a zeolite sieve to produce clean water.

Students also had the opportunity to vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ award, which went to the team charged with designing a building or urban structure that incorporates solar panels in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their solution involved the use of quantum dot pv glass that collects solar radiation which then gets converted to luminescence.

Other challenges included designing solutions to make education more accessible to all learners using Generative AI, exploring how to combine human cell imaging with data science tools to address a healthcare challenge in neurodegenerative diseases, designing a sensor that could detect an unhealthy or at-risk peatland, and exploring options for a wearable monitor that could send pregnancy information to a mother’s healthcare provider for interpreting.

Students praised the program’s impact, describing it as “inspiring” and “eye-opening.” Many highlighted the chance to “work with like-minded people,” “explore real-world problems,” and discover “how engineering connects to everyday life.” Others were surprised by “the diversity of solutions” and “how many different fields engineering spans,” while several noted the confidence gained through teamwork, research and presenting ideas.

The alternative pathway program continues to empower the next generation of engineers, fostering innovation, connection and a sense of belonging for students who will be applying to study an eligible engineering degree at UNSW Sydney. The program will run again in February-March 2027.