Professor Barbara Rossi wins an ICE Bev Waugh award
Barbara Rossi, Associate Professor in Engineering Science, has received the "Bev Waugh Award" from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) at its annual awards event in London on Friday. She says of the award:
"Just as Bev Waugh's legacy inspires us, I believe in the power of positive and kind leadership to drive efficient and meaningful change. I have the immense privilege of working with brilliant young minds. I believe in open dialogue and in kindness to lead my team. Being a kind leader is essential to success. When you show empathy, you receive trust and in turn it creates a happy place where people thrive and are empowered and inspired to deliver results. This happy place is where you and your team will then quietly reach your aim."
The ICE Bev Waugh - Productivity and Culture award is one of the Institution’s leading awards which recognises individuals who values the views of others and leads with kindness, whilst quietly broadening the perspective of the team and constructively questions the status quo.
At the University of Oxford, Professor Rossi has established and leads The Sustainable Metal Structures Research Group dedicated to enhancing the construction sector sustainability and resilience through a more efficient utilisation of metals in structures. Her group investigates a spectrum of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and reinforced concrete. They develop advanced designs and innovative manufacturing methods within a scope that encompasses lifecycle loading histories, leading to phenomena like instability, fatigue, and long-term corrosion effects.
As Tutorial Fellow at New College, she is integral to Engineering admissions and tutor for Equality and Diversity, championing long-term gender diversity at postgraduate levels in Engineering Science and contributing to Women in STEM initiatives. Through persistent engagement with UK Schools, Step-Up and UNIQ+ programmes, Pint of Science, Open days, WiE day, INWED, and participation in the Exhibition Road Festival, she consistently engages with diverse audiences and advocates for gender diversity in STEM.
