For INWED 2026, PLASTICE together with several European-funded projects are joining forces for a social media campaign to celebrate the contribution of European women engineers and researchers.
As part of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), several European-funded projects working across sectors, including transport and mobility, smart energy systems, renewables, batteries, power electronics, industry and manufacturing, and the built environment, are joining forces for a social media campaign to celebrate the contribution of European women engineers and researchers.
Through a coordinated online campaign led by ICONS Innovation Strategies, participating projects will share short personal video messages and quotes from women engineers and researchers involved in their initiatives. The PLASTICE engineering answered a common question: ‘How would you encourage other women to take up a career in engineering?’ The campaign will be promoted on 23 June 2026 using the hashtags #EUWomenEngineers and #INWED2026. The aim is to foster dialogue around representation, innovation, and equal opportunities across engineering and technology sectors.
By showcasing authentic stories and professional journeys, the initiative celebrates women already working in engineering and encourages younger generations to see themselves as future innovators who can shape a more sustainable and resilient Europe.
The participating projects believe that diversity is a key driver of creativity and technological progress, and that empowering women in engineering is essential to achieving Europe’s climate, industrial and societal ambitions.
Marine Chaplain, Research Engineer at TotalEnergies and PLASTICE researcher, reflects:
‘As a chemist in plastic recycling, I see daily how engineering turns ideas into impact. It’s challenging, creative, and meaningful work—and a powerful way for women to drive a more sustainable future.’
Other researchers from the project, Arianna Ascione (Sustainability and Gender Engineer at Rina Consulting) and Barbara Liedl (Researcher and Project Manager at TCKT), also shared their perspectives, highlighting how engineering’s culture of curiosity, problem-solving and impact creation makes it a compelling field for women to shape a more equitable and sustainable world.
Despite growing awareness around diversity in STEM, women remain underrepresented in engineering professions worldwide. According to the latest Eurostat data, the proportion of female scientists and engineers varies widely among EU countries, with the highest shares registered in Latvia (50.9%), Denmark (48.8%), Estonia (47.9%), Spain (47.6%), Bulgaria (47.3%) and Ireland (47.3%). The lowest representation of female scientists and engineers was in Finland (30.7%), followed by Hungary (31.7%), Luxembourg (32.4%), Slovakia (33.6%) and Germany (34.6%). These figures highlight the continued importance of creating visible role models, inclusive workplaces and stronger pathways for young women entering technical careers.
About PLASTICE
PLASTICE — New Technologies to Integrate Plastic Waste in the Circular Economy — is a Horizon Europe research and innovation project developing advanced recycling pathways for plastic and textile waste streams that are mixed, contaminated, or difficult to treat through conventional mechanical recycling. The project brings together a European consortium of research institutions, technology companies, and innovation centres.
Project website: https://plastice.eu/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plastice/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Plastice/61566612875721/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_jhgw96tX2er3xxNIHqTGw