IEEE Women in Engineering International Leadership Summit 2025 – London Track
Women Leading AI and Automation
Date: 28 November 2025 | Venue: University of West London | Organized by: IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE)
About the Summit
The IEEE WIE International Leadership Summit (ILS) – London Track 2025 is a premier event dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in technology, engineering, and innovation. This year’s theme, “Women Leading AI and Automation,” explores how women are shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Automation — driving transformative progress across industries and society.
The summit will bring together researchers, professionals, students, and industry leaders for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Participants will gain valuable insights into the latest trends in AI and automation, learn from distinguished speakers, and engage in meaningful discussions on inclusivity and sustainable technological development.
Highlights of the Event
- Keynote Speakers: Hear from world-class leaders including Prof. Sarah Sharples (Chief Scientific Adviser, UK Department for Transport) and Prof. Sarah Spurgeon (IEEE Control Systems Society).
- Panel Discussions: Explore Inclusive AI for Sustainable Development with experts and innovators from academia and industry.
- Poster and Project Presentations: Showcase your research and innovations in AI for Robotics and Automation.
- Networking & Mentorship: Connect with like-minded professionals and build lasting collaborations.
🏆 Project Competition
Participants will also have the opportunity to present innovative projects and compete for exciting prizes:
- £100 – Overall Winner
- £50 each – Two Runners-up
- Special Awards: Robo-development kits worth £300 and potential publication in high-ranked conferences and workshops
Who Should Attend
This event welcomes students, early-career researchers, industry professionals, and leaders passionate about AI, automation, and the advancement of women in technology. Whether you are seeking to expand your network, share your research, or gain new perspectives, this summit offers a unique platform to learn and lead.
🎟️ Register now via Eventbrite
Register for ILS 2025 – London Track
Join Us
Be part of an inspiring community that celebrates women leading the future of AI and Automation. Together, let’s build an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable technological future. 🌍✨
Event Sponsors
Agenda 28, November, 2025
| Session Title: | Women Leading AI and Automation |
| Session Leads: |
Nagham Saeed, University of West London, UK 2024-2025 IEEE UK & Ireland Section Vice-Chair, Chair-Elect 2023 IEEE UK & Ireland Women in Engineering Affinity Group Chair Ferheen Ayaz, City St. George’s, University of London, UK Member IEEE Women in Engineering UK & Ireland and IEEE Young Professionals Innovation Hub Subcommittee |
| Registration (Google Form) and payment | Saumya Reni and Iman El-Dessouki |
| Event Sponsor |
- IEEE UK & Ireland section: ITSS, WIE, YP and Student Branch - IEEE YP CSTF and IEEE YP Vehicular Technology Society - University of Sussex, University of West London, City St. George’s, University of London |
| Brief Workshop Description | |
| Welcome Remarks 10:00 – 10:30 |
UWL & IEEE UK & Ireland Section and WIE representatives (30 minutes) Peter John, Vice-Chancellor and President of UWL IEEE UK & Ireland Chair |
|
Panel 1 (10:30 am – 11:30 am) |
Panel 1: Inclusive AI for Sustainable Development (60 minutes) 1. Sarah Sharples – Chief Scientific Adviser, HM Department for Transport, UK; Professor of Human Factors, Nottingham University 2. Lilibeth Acosta – Principal Specialist, Climate Action & Inclusive Development, GGGI, Germany 3. Toktam Mahmoodi – IEEE ComSoc WICE Chair 4. Aryan Kaushik – IEEE ComSoc ETI Chair Chairs: Nagham Saeed & Yuhan (Sicily) Zheng |
| 11:30 – 11:45 | Coffee Break |
|
Panel 2 (11:45 am – 12:45 pm) |
Panel 2: Entrepreneurship and AI Ethics (60 minutes) 1. Mike Hinchey – IEEE R8 Director; Professor of Software Engineering, University of Limerick 2. Patricia Shaw – CEO & Founder, Beyond Reach; IEEE Standards 3. Pal Bhusate – CEO & Founder, Kinseed Limited, UK 4. Mohamed Saeed Darweesh – IEEE R8 YP Chair 5. Rawan El Jamal - IEEE R8 Entrepreneurship Committee 2024 Chair Chairs: Ferheen Ayaz & Saumya Reni |
| 12:45 – 14:00 | Lunch and Networking (75 minutes) |
| 14:00 – 15:30 |
Poster Presentation and Demo Sessions: AI for Robotics and Automation Poster session (90 minutes) Sponsored by: School of Engineering and Informatics, University of Sussex Demo Sessions (90 minutes) Sponsored by: Department of Computer Science, City St. George’s, University of London |
| IEEE Funding Opportunities 15:30 – 15:45 |
Sarah Spurgeon – IEEE Foundation Director (15 minutes) |
| IEEE WIE R8 Programs & Funding Opportunities 15:45 – 16:00 |
Wafa Ben Hmida – IEEE WIE R8 Past Chair (15 minutes) |
| IEEE YP R8 Programs & Funding Opportunities 16:00 – 16:15 |
Mohamed Saeed Darweesh – IEEE YP R8 Chair (15 minutes) |
| Closing Remarks & Award Distribution 16:15 – 16:30 |
Award Distribution for Posters and Demos (15 minutes) |
