STEM Awards 2025 - The Shortlist Is In!

The STEM Awards celebration is just three weeks away and we are proud to announce the short-listed nominees.

Taking place on the 14th November at the Crown Plaza in Newcastle, this prestigious event honours individuals and companies who have gone above and beyond in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in the Northern region. It's a night where the spotlight shines on those who are driving innovation and inspiring the next generation.

The STEM Awards seek to celebrate and recognise those who have shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and influence within the STEM sectors, acknowledging their vital role in inspiring the future talent of these fields. 

We are proud to announce the following individuals and companies who been shortlisted in the following categories:

STEM Ambassador Award - The most engagement by a STEM Ambassador

Paula McMahon (Sir Robert McAlpine), Ian Green (Britishvolt), Tamara Robinson (Equans), Jennifer Clewley (Phoenix Software)

Climate Ambassador Award - The most engagement by a Climate Ambassador

Meryl Batchelder (TerraLigo), Diana Kenny (RED Engineering), Julie Holmes (Zest Eco), Steve Dennis (WSP)

Space Inspirations Ambassador Award - The most engagement by a Space Inspirations Ambassador

James Brine, Hester Baird (Raytheon NORSS), Matthew Kingston (Boeing UK), Leonie Briggs (Amaze Labs)

CyberFirst Ambassador Award - The most engagement by a CyberFirst Ambassador

Jess Nadin (Atom Bank), Beckie McAnespie (Accenture), Alex Scotney (Atom Bank), Zeshan Sattar (The Cyber Scheme), Matthew Greaves (Yorkshire Water), Victoria Speight (CyberFit)

STEM Educator Award - Most inspirational educator award

Nicky Wright (Cockfield Primary School), Georgina Dye (Bill Quay Primary School), Kevin Jeffery (Middlesbrough College), Elizabeth Bestall (Trinity St. Edwards), Jenny Buxton (Allerton High School), Rachael Duchovny (Leeds City Academy)

STEMpact Initiative Award

Andrew Walker (SRM), Jo Edwards (Virgin Money), Myles Dempsey (Sheffield Hallam), Quickline, Sally Wilkinson, (RTC North)

Next-Gen STEM Award - Celebrating a young individual (aged 17–30) who has demonstrated exceptional promise and impact in STEM fields

Hannah Rose, Amari Quinn, Jack Lowe, Molly Fawcett, Chloe Leung, Morgan Bain, Ava Garside

STEM Icon of the Year - Recognising a person who has made significant contributions to STEM, serving as a role model, leader in their field & driver of positive sector development

Ryan Wilson (BAM), Kevin O'Henly (ConocoPhillips), Paula McMahon (Sir Robert McAlpine), Steve Deniss (WSP), Hannah Wright (CirKits), Tamara Robinson (Equans)

Sustainability Spearhead Award

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), Solenis, Andel, AECOM

Tech Innovation Award

Aspire, Waterstons, Accenture, Claraner, Pheonix Softwear, SAGE

Engineering Excellence Award

Nissan, Cummins, Network Rail, Volker Rail

Space Pioneer Award

Airbus, Raytheon Norss, Produmax, Boeing UK

Science Trailblazer Award

CPI, Fujifilm, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson Med Tech

While individual categories focus on specific contributions, all of the nominees share a deep commitment to STEM excellence. Being nominated is a testament to the significant impact these companies and individuals have made over the past year. We are proud to recognise their dedication and the difference they are making in shaping the future of STEM. Every nominee deserves to be celebrated for their exceptional contributions, as their work continues to inspire and push the boundaries of STEM education in the Northern region. 

Dawn Ross, Liaison Coordinator at the STEM Hub comments: 

"The STEM team are really looking forward to another fantastic STEM Awards event, especially with the brilliant Steffen Peddie returning as our host. His energy and humour always makes the evening memorable.

We are really proud to have so many dedicated STEM Ambassadors across our region who continue to inspire and ignite curiosity in thousands of young people. Their passion and commitment help shape the future by showing students what opportunities are open to them. Congratulations to all the nominees - it’s a great achievement to have reached this stage."

For more information about the STEM Awards and to purchase tickets visit: stem-hub.co.uk/stem-awards/