Jennifer Barry Shortlisted for IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards 2025: A Leader in Sustainable Space Solutions
Celebrating a Stellar Achievement: Jennifer Barry Shortlisted for IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Jennifer Barry, the Payload Systems Lead at the UK Space Agency, has been shortlisted for the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights not only her technical expertise but also her significant contributions to the field of aerospace and her dedication to sustainability in space.
From West London to Basingstoke: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Jennifer hails from West London and now operates out of Basingstoke, where she plays a critical role in the Office of the Chief Engineer at the UK Space Agency. Her work is pivotal in maintaining the UK’s esteemed reputation in international space missions, collaborating closely with partners like NASA and the European Space Agency.
Pioneering Sustainability in Space
At the heart of Ms. Barry’s work is a commitment to sustainability and effective risk management in joint missions. Addressing a pressing issue, she remarked, "We’ve got a junk problem in orbit." This acknowledgment of the growing debris in space has spurred conversations about potential regulations concerning de-orbiting defunct satellites and whether an initiative akin to the climate change "1.5°C idea" is necessary for space governance.
Her passion for sustainable practices is reflected in her contributions to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris initiative, and supporting the UK’s inaugural mission for active debris removal.
Inspiration from an Early Age
Jennifer’s fascination with aerospace began in her childhood. Winning a competition with a proposal to study Earth-like planets earned her a spot at Space Camp Turkey, an experience that broadened her understanding of what ‘space’ truly means. This early interest laid the groundwork for a successful career dedicated to advancing space technology and exploration.
Advocating for STEM Education
In addition to her technical achievements, Ms. Barry is deeply involved in STEM outreach, striving to change perceptions of who can become an engineer. At Lockheed Martin UK, she co-led a team that delivered over 530 hours of STEM engagement and launched the "Teach the Teacher" programme, which empowers educators with real-world insights from engineering sites. She passionately states, "It’s often teachers who move the needle. Give them real insight and they can inspire generations of kids."
Continuing her outreach efforts at the UK Space Agency, she has delivered the Sir Isaac Newton STEM Ambassador lecture to more than 250 students and collaborated with organizations like the Institute of Physics and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Acknowledgment from the IET
Dr. Laura Norton, head of equity, diversity, and inclusion at the IET, emphasized the vital role that women like Jennifer play in shaping the engineering and technology landscape. She remarked, "These awards celebrate the brilliant women who are driving that change and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps."
Looking Ahead: The Awards Ceremony
The winners of the IET’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards will be revealed on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Regardless of the outcome, Jennifer Barry’s achievements and her commitment to sustainability and outreach in engineering are an inspiration to aspiring engineers everywhere.
Conclusion
Jennifer Barry’s journey exemplifies the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and education in engineering. As we look toward the future, let her story encourage more young women to pursue careers in STEM, driving change and making a lasting impact on the world. Keep an eye out for the awards ceremony, where we celebrate the brilliance of women like Jennifer who are shaping the future of engineering.