On September 26th, 2024, GKN Aerospace, our partner in the CAELESTIS project, organized a workshop in Gothenburg, Sweden, Building the Future: Engineering Roles Explained. The event brought together not only women from the CAELESTIS project but also from the Connected Women Network of GKN, to discuss their roles in engineering and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This event aimed to address gender balance in engineering, showcasing how the CAELESTIS project actively integrates gender dimensions in its communication and dissemination activities.
This event was more than just an exchange of ideas; it was an inspiring look into how these women are not only contributing to the aviation industry but also working towards integrating the gender dimension into communication and project management activities.
This event was an inspiring look into how these women are not only contributing to the aviation industry but also working towards integrating the gender dimension into communications and project management activities.
Verónica Mantecón López – AIMEN Technology Center
Verónica Mantecón López, a Project Manager at AIMEN, presented her role in project management within engineering and research and in ensuring the efficient and effective completion of R&D projects. AIMEN is a multi-sector Innovation and Technology Centre that has been pushing the boundaries of materials, advanced manufacturing processes, digitization, and sustainability for over 50 years. With over 250 R&D projects, AIMEN is a driver of innovation.
Verónica’s presentation focused on the importance of project management (PM) in driving the success of complex projects. What is project management? Verónica highlighted the PM triangle: scope, time and cost. She emphasized that efficient project management ensures clear objectives, optimal resource usage, and risk mitigation, all while keeping the project on schedule and within budget.
In her role at CAELESTIS, is responsible for liaising with the European Commission, ensuring the timely submission of deliverables, monitoring progress and managing stakeholders. What is the main challenge with project management, however? According to Verónica, balancing technical demands with leadership, and how project managers often wear multiple hats—acting as leaders, problem-solvers, and motivators.
AIMEN’s commitment to gender balance is reflected in their staff composition, with 40% women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Verónica stressed the importance of having female project managers in leadership positions to influence the decision-making processes, drive innovation, and act as role models for future generations of women in STEM.
Nouhaila Bouhout – RTDS Group
Nouhaila Bouhout, the Communication Manager at RTDS Group, highlighted the significance of communication and dissemination in promoting gender balance within the CAELESTIS project.
Strategic Communication: Nouhaila discussed the importance of strategic activities aimed at promoting the project’s objectives to a broad audience, including the media and general public. Effective communication should highlight how EU funding addresses societal challenges, with a particular focus on gender equality.
Dissemination Goals: The main goals of dissemination include raising awareness among potential users, interacting with stakeholders, transferring knowledge, and ensuring the broad applicability of project results. These activities are crucial for fostering wider acceptance and engagement in engineering fields.
Promoting Gender Balance in Communication:
Using inclusive language and imagery in all materials.
Ensuring equal representation in events and conferences.
Highlighting gender-specific contributions within the project.
Promoting gender equality through partnerships and outreach efforts.
Giota Lilli – EBOS Technologies
Giota Lilli, R&D Project Manager at EBOS Technologies, provided a comprehensive overview of EBOS’s role in the CAELESTIS project. EBOS is a key player in developing robust cybersecurity mechanisms for the project’s hyperconnected simulation environment. This includes analyzing cybersecurity threats and implementing robust mechanisms to safeguard data security and intellectual property.
Diversity in R&D: Giota highlighted the importance of a diverse workforce in R&D, noting that having women in technical roles contributes to better problem-solving and innovation. She shared statistics showcasing the company’s commitment to gender balance, with women making up a significant portion of their R&D team -40% a significant achievement in a highly technical field.
Integrating Gender Dimensions: Giota discussed how eBOS integrates gender dimensions in its projects by promoting equitable access to opportunities in the tech industry. She underscored the need for awareness and targeted outreach to attract women to STEM fields, especially in cybersecurity and advanced technologies.
Leila Drevik-Kalmertun – GKN Aerospace
Leila Drevik-Kalmertun, a design engineer and project leader at GKN Aerospace, presented the Laser Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) technology and the role of GKN within the field of additive manufacturing and fabrication.
L-DED Technology: Leila explained how L-DED wire technology involves using a laser to melt wire made of materials like titanium or superalloys into precise geometric shapes. This method is akin to 3D printing but operates with higher heat inputs due to the materials used.
Process Robustness and Material Integrity: She highlighted the importance of ensuring robust processes and maintaining the integrity of the materials throughout the fabrication process. This includes meticulous programming and control systems that ensure the deposition process stays within predefined parameters.
Advantages of L-DED: One of the major benefits of L-DED technology is its ability to reduce material waste, achieving up to 80-90% savings compared to traditional forging. It also enables faster turnaround times, improves sustainability, and reduces supplier dependency.
Challenges and Development: Leila pointed out that developing L-DED technology requires time and resources, with the process of reaching Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) often taking over four years. She emphasized the need for continuous improvement and the willingness to face initial cost inefficiencies in early-stage development.
Additionally, Leila shared her day-to-day responsibilities as a project leader, which include tracking multiple ongoing activities, overseeing process simulation, controlling the supply chain, and ensuring the smooth integration of equipment and tools.
What is the most important aspect in project management?
During the workshop, there was an open discussion on the key traits for effective project management:
“Adaptability is one of the most critical traits for a project manager.” unexpected changes, obstacles, or new information in any project require quick adjustments to the plan. Whether it’s a shift in stakeholder priorities, or dealing with different colleagues and clients, the ability to stay flexible and respond effectively is key.
“Soft skills, particularly emotional empathy, are vital.” The importance of being able to deal with different people and personalities, fostering an environment of understanding and cooperation is also very important. Creating a friendly, empathetic workspace is essential for project success.
“Communication skills are key.” The role of effective communication in keeping stakeholders aligned, ensuring that everyone understands the project’s goals and progress.
“In tough sectors, competitiveness is essential.” The need for a competitive edge in fast-moving fields as well as communication is crucial for spreading key messages and facilitating mutual understanding among team members.
Gender Balance in CAELESTIS: A Core Principle
This workshop discussed how important it is for institutions and projects should prioritize inclusivity and work to bridge the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering, aviation, and cybersecurity.
From project management to communication, and technical innovation, women are driving the success of projects such as CAELESTIS and influencing its strategic direction. These efforts go beyond simply meeting gender quotas; they are about creating an environment where women can thrive, innovate, and lead.
Incorporating the gender dimension is not just a tick-the-box exercise for CAELESTIS—it is a core principle that shapes everything from project planning and execution to external communication and dissemination. Furthermore, it’s a key tool in ensuring the long-term success and uptake of the project’s outcomes.
