Celebrating a decade of Women in Engineering with SNU

A group of 13 engineering students and two members of staff from Seoul National University visited the Lloyd's Register Building on 6 August as part of a wider programme designed to give students a deeper understanding of the global maritime sector.

Led by Professor Yonghwan Kim, Director of the Lloyd's Register Foundation Research Centre for Safety of Future Ship at Seoul National University, the group toured the historic building and explored materials from Lloyd's Register Foundation's archives, learning about the history of maritime innovation and safety.

The visit forms part of the Centre's commitment to preparing the next generation of maritime engineers by connecting academic study with industry experience, professional networks and international perspectives.

That commitment extends beyond technical education. In June, the Centre celebrated the 10th edition of its Women in Engineering (WiE) programme, which encourages and supports female students studying Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering as they prepare for careers in the maritime sector. The milestone event attracted around 20 students, making it the highest-attended WiE programme to date.

Held on 30 June at Seoul National University, the event brought together students and maritime professionals, including representatives from the British Embassy in Seoul, for discussions about careers in engineering and the maritime industry. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, gain practical insights and learn about different career pathways.

For many students, one of the most valuable aspects of the programme is the opportunity to hear directly from women already working in engineering.

"We have visits from women who are working in engineering and they tell us what it's like to be engineers," said one student. "It's really encouraging."

The Women in Engineering initiative is part of a broader programme of activities delivered by the Centre to support and inspire future maritime professionals. Over the past year, this has included networking opportunities, industry visits and engagement with maritime professionals, helping students build connections and gain a better understanding of the sector.

Together, initiatives such as the Women in Engineering programme and international visits like the recent trip to London are helping students broaden their horizons, build confidence and develop the knowledge and networks that will support their future careers in maritime engineering.