Fostering inclusivity and gender equity in engineering education

Author: Diana Petrowicz

June 23 marks International Women in Engineering Day, now in its 12th year. With the theme #TogetherWeEngineer, this global event highlights the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in shaping the future of engineering. Since its launch by the Women’s Engineering Society in 2014 and recognition by UNESCO in 2016, the day has become a key moment to reflect on progress—and the work still to be done.

One area where change begins is education. In April 2025, a new book series—Emergent Directions in Engineering Education—was launched to explore how engineering education can become more inclusive, innovative, and globally relevant. The first titles will soon be available as part of the Engineering eBook Collection.

This books series, launched by editors Claudia Acuna and Jeffrey Buckley, builds on themes explored in earlier blogs. We’ve looked at how engineering is evolving to meet global challenges, from sustainability and emerging technologies, to supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This new books series continues that conversation—placing equity, access, and representation at the heart of engineering’s future.

We spoke with the series editors to learn more about the goals of the collection, the upcoming volumes, and how the series aims to support gender equity in engineering education.

1. What inspired the launch of the new book series “Emergent Directions in Engineering Education” and what gap in the literature does it aim to fill?

Engineering education is a vibrant and evolving field, yet within our education research publishing portfolio, there was a noticeable gap—projects related to engineering education often lacked a dedicated home. When such works emerged, they were scattered across different series, making it harder for readers to discover and engage with them cohesively. By establishing this dedicated book series, we aim to bring together groundbreaking contributions in engineering education, increasing accessibility and visibility for scholars, educators, and practitioners. Our ultimate goal is to become the go-to publishing house for transformative works in this field, fostering deeper connections within the academic community.

2. How do you hope it will impact the engineering community?

This series serves as a dynamic platform for exploring innovative and transformative developments in engineering education. By spotlighting emerging visions and future-oriented directions, we hope to inspire new research, pedagogical strategies, and interdisciplinary collaborations that shape the next generation of engineering education.

Are there any books already in the pipeline and if so around which topics?

Yes, several exciting volumes are in development! One contracted volume explores Interdisciplinary Engineering Education for Complex Real-World Challenges, while another—approved for contracting—examines Advancing Engineering Education in Africa. Additionally, we are considering several other projects that explore diverse and impactful areas within the field.

3. Where do you see the future of engineering education heading in the next decade?

Engineering education is poised for significant transformation, driven by developments in both industry and pedagogy. As concepts like Industry 5.0 and the emerging discourse around Industry 6.0 take shape, which emphasise human-centric innovation, resilience, sustainability, and advanced human-machine collaboration, engineering education evolves in parallel. We foresee a more learner-centric approach that integrates interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical reasoning, and real-world problem-solving at its core. Pedagogical innovation will play a critical role, with immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, AI-powered tutors, and adaptive learning environments becoming increasingly prevalent. The future lies in preparing engineers who are not only technically proficient but also socially responsible, adaptable, and equipped to navigate complex, fast-changing global challenges.

4. How do you envision the series supporting academic libraries and their users—particularly in terms of curriculum development or research support?
The Emergent Directions in Engineering Education book series is designed to be a vital resource for academic libraries. It supports curriculum development by providing educators with forward-thinking research, case studies, and methodologies that can be integrated into engineering courses. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool for research support, offering critical reviews, emerging scholarship, and curated insights that help scholars navigate complex topics. By housing these resources in one cohesive collection, libraries can facilitate easier discovery and engagement for students and faculty alike.

5. Are there any upcoming volumes that focus on underrepresented groups in engineering, such as women or minorities?
One project already approved for contracting is Advancing Engineering Education in Africa, which highlights diverse perspectives on engineering education in the region. We are also actively considering several proposals that address issues related to underrepresented groups, ensuring that voices traditionally marginalized in engineering education are brought to the forefront. Our commitment extends beyond specific volumes—we aim to foster a more inclusive and representative dialogue within the field.

6. How is the series addressing gender equity in engineering education, either through specific volumes or editorial direction?

The Emergent Directions in Engineering Education series is committed to fostering inclusivity and gender equity in engineering education. While the series covers a broad range of topics, we actively encourage submissions that explore gender-related challenges, best practices, and strategies for increasing diversity in engineering. Additionally, we seek contributions from diverse authors and scholars to ensure a wide range of perspectives are represented.

7. What trends have you observed in the representation of women authors or editors in engineering education publishing?
While engineering education publishing has historically been male-dominated, the past two decades have seen a clear and encouraging rise in the visibility and influence of women in the field. More women are leading research and authoring high-impact work, and also taking on prominent leadership roles in engineering education societies and editorial roles in leading journals—shaping the direction of scholarship and expanding the field’s intellectual horizons. However, there is still work to be done to ensure equitable representation, and we actively support efforts to amplify the voices of women in engineering education.

8. Are there particular challenges or opportunities in publishing research on women in engineering that you’ve encountered?
One challenge is the underrepresentation of women in engineering research, which can make it difficult to find a broad range of studies on gender equity in the field. However, this also presents an opportunity—by publishing works that highlight gender-related issues, we can help drive awareness and encourage further research. The series aims to provide a platform for discussions on gender equity, mentorship, and systemic barriers that women face in engineering education.

9. How can academic libraries better support the visibility and impact of scholarship by and about women in engineering?
Academic libraries play a crucial role in promoting gender-equity research. They can curate collections that highlight works by women authors, create research guides focused on gender diversity in engineering, and collaborate with publishers to ensure these materials are accessible. Libraries can also organize events and discussions that bring attention to the contributions of women in engineering education.

10. What advice would you give to aspiring women engineers and scientists who are looking to make an impact?
Believe in your expertise and contributions—your voice matters. Seek out mentors, build strong professional networks, and advocate for inclusivity in your field. Engineering thrives on diverse perspectives, and your insights can help shape the future of the discipline. Stay curious, challenge norms, and never hesitate to push boundaries in research and practice.

11. How can industry leaders and policymakers support the advancement of women in engineering on a global scale?

Industry leaders and policymakers can drive meaningful change by:

• Implementing policies that promote gender equity in STEM education and workplaces.
• Funding scholarships and grants for women pursuing engineering careers.
• Establishing mentorship programs that connect women engineers with industry leaders.
• Encouraging diverse hiring practices and leadership opportunities for women in engineering

There are many ways for institutions to further amplify the voices of women in engineering. They can actively recruit and support women authors and editors, drive funding research initiatives focused on gender equity in engineering and create mentorship and networking opportunities for women in academia. Springer Nature’s Macmillan Education department is supporting this cause through inclusive publishing guidelines, which are being put into practice across Curriculum and ELT to ensure diversity and inclusion within their work. These are based on core principles, including embracing inclusivity, remembering the bigger picture and overall contribution to inclusion in the wider society. Together we can shape the future.

Explore Springer Nature’s Engineering eBook Collection. Interested in adding the Engineering Collection to your library? Contact us for more information and licensing options.

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