The School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin is pleased to welcome a new cohort of Junior Fresh students, 37% of whom are women. This marks a steady increase in female representation over the past decade and places Trinity above the national average for engineering-related programmes.
According to the HEA’s Key Facts & Figures – Gender 2024 report, women made up 24.5% of students in engineering, manufacturing and construction programmes across Irish higher education in 2022/23. Trinity’s School of Engineering has performed well against these figures, with 29% female representation in 2016/17 (where HEA’s figures show 18.3% identified as female in 2016/17) and now 37% in 2025/26.
While many factors contribute to this progress, the School’s commitment to inclusion and visibility has played a part. Initiatives such as the Athena SWAN action plan, outreach through the Trinity Walton Club, and the work of the Trinity Centre for Gender Equality and Leadership (TCGEL) all support a more welcoming environment for women in engineering.
Student-led efforts also make a difference. The FEM (Female Engineering Mentorship) group, founded by Trinity graduates Anneliese Walsh and Louise McKiernan, continues to support and inspire students through events, workshops and peer mentoring.
The appointment of Trinity’s first female Provost, Dr Linda Doyle, in 2021 may also have had a positive influence. With a background in engineering and research, her leadership sends a strong message about what’s possible for women in engineering.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single cause, the trend is encouraging. The School of Engineering remains committed to ensuring that engineering is a space where everyone feels welcome and supported.