Sian Butler, Executive Director at AWE, has been honoured at the annual Women in Nuclear UK (WiN UK) Awards. Sian was given the Mission Possible award in recognition of her outstanding work as a role model, and for inspiring women across AWE and the wider nuclear industry.
WiN UK’s awards are bestowed on individuals and organisations that have worked hard to improve gender balance and diversity. Sian is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and throughout her career has been passionate about developing the nuclear industry’s people capability, with a particular interest in encouraging future generations and promoting the role of women in Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Sian joined AWE over 30 years ago as an analytical radiochemist, supporting AWE’s environmental programme. During her time at AWE Sian has worked in both the Stockpile and Nuclear Threat Reduction programmes and has experience of maintaining safe operations as an ‘Authority to Operate’ and Licence Condition owner.
Over the last three decades, Sian has held various roles at AWE before becoming an Executive Director. She was commended by WiN UK for being the first female in multiple roles – demonstrably breaking traditional norms as a member of the Executive team and the most senior female scientist at AWE.
Commenting on her award, Sian said: “It is a real honour to be acknowledged in this way by my peers. I’ve always believed that the nuclear industry offers unique challenges and experiences so have always tried to encourage others to explore the many available career paths. I hope my achievements will make young girls consider studying STEM subjects as I can testify that it provides such amazing opportunities.”
Sian wasn’t the only AWE winner on the night, as the Women in Nuclear Central England regional team, including AWE employees Karen Sagar, Amy Lambden, Carol Burch and Nicole Soor, won the Regional Innovation award. The judges were impressed with their wide range of positive regional partnership activities, that included awareness events and activities encouraging the younger generation via STEM ambassador work.
Formed in 2014, WiN UK’s mission is to address the nuclear industry’s gender balance, improve the representation of women in leadership, engage with the industry, government and public on nuclear issues and support the industry with tools and information.
More information about WiN can be found here.