Celebrating women in materials, minerals and mining with WIM3
The TB Marsden Medal 2025 was jointly awarded to Dr Alicia Chrysostomou MIMMM and Dr Fiona Robinson FIMMM.
The IOM3 Women in Materials, Minerals and Mining Group (WIM3) was set up in 2012 to support and champion women within IOM3 and across the sector. Our goal is to help women develop their careers and build connections. Since then we have run many successful events across the UK, providing valuable networking opportunities for women at all stages of their career.
One of our key highlights is International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), celebrated every year on 23 June. This year, with the theme #TogetherWeEngineer, we spotlighted pioneering women featured on our #HeritageStaircase at the IOM3 office in London. This new content series celebrates women who have made a lasting impact on engineering and materials science and inspires the next generation.
Women are still underrepresented in engineering and STEM careers. Seeing women succeed changes what’s possible and encourages others to follow.
We are proud that three IOM3 members made the Women’s Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering (WE50) list for 2025. This shows the strength and influence of our community.
WIM3 members honoured with the T B Marsden Professional Medal
This year, the T B Marsden Professional Medal was jointly awarded for the first time to two outstanding WIM3 members, Dr Alicia Chrystosomou MIMMM and DrD Fiona Robinson FIMMM.
Alicia helped found WIM3 and has been active since 2012. She has organised events, including the ‘Women’s Trail’ at We the Curious in Bristol and has contributed to many IOM3 committees and outreach projects over several decades.
Fiona has been involved with WIM3 since its first event in 2013 and is currently Vice Chair. She has organised and presented at many IOM3 events and hosts a podcast series on Inspiring Women in Materials. Fiona also supports the Women into Fellowship workshops, mentoring participants at IOM3.
The TB Marsden Medal recognises long-term, substantial service to IOM3 and has rarely been awarded to women. Alicia and Fiona’s joint award is a milestone for WIM3 and the profession. Their dedication shows the difference women leaders make in materials, minerals and mining.
Alicia reflected, 'Engaging with the Institute as a volunteer has been a rewarding experience spanning several decades. It has been a great way to meet like-minded individuals and discover more about both the various disciplines within IOM3 and learn about the diverse occupations people have within these disciplines. It is probably a unique way of encountering such diversity.
Thirty years and ten committees later (where did the time go?!) I have met a lot of fantastic people and learnt a great deal along the way. To be recognised for long service to the IoM3 is gratifying, and to share it with a fellow WIM3 committee member is special.'
Fiona remarked, 'It was an honour to be nominated and a surprise to be awarded the TB Marsden Professional Medal this year in recognition of my contributions to IOM3 and the materials profession. I have actively participated in IOM3 activities since I was an undergraduate and continue to contribute to my local society, NCMS, WIM3, EMG, outreach and the development of early career materials scientists and engineers. I am looking forward to receiving my medal alongside the excellent Alicia Chrysostomou.'
View the full list of winners below:
Explore the programme at M3P3
From 11–12 November 2025 in Birmingham, M3P3 brings together leaders for two days of insight, learning and discussion. Hear from keynote changemakers including Ed Conway HonFIMMM, Mary Creagh CBE MP, Sarah Mukherjee MBE and David Knowles FREng CEng CSci FIMMM. Explore AI, digital, circular economy, infrastructure and skills, and connect with peers across 22 Technical Communities.
