Since joining in 2018 Hilary has led EngineeringUK in its mission to meet future workforce needs by enabling more young people from all backgrounds to be inspired, informed and progress into engineering and technology.

EngineeringUK leads collaborative work across over 300 organisations to improve the impact of engineering and tech engagement, building an evidence base to support these efforts and advocating for policy improvements in STEM education.

Prior to joining EngineeringUK, Hilary was Head of Education and Learning at Wellcome, building up a team to improve science education through research, advocacy, funding and direct interventions and establishing the Wellcome Global Monitor. Hilary has also been Assistant and Acting Director at Campaign for Science & Engineering, working on a breadth of policy. She has an academic background in neuroscience and psychology, exploring early cognitive and language development and developmental disabilities. She was also a governor of a 5-16 comprehensive school for many years.

She is a member of the Defence STEM Steering Group, Royal Academy of Engineering’s Education and Skills Committee, Industry Advisory Group for TEDI London; she was previously on the Nuclear Skills Taskforce, Education and Training Foundation’s T Level Professional Development Strategy Group, and a Board member of STEM Learning and Project ENTHUSE.

She is a regular speaker on the engineering and technology workforce, education, training, careers, and related policy themes, Parliamentary events, and Committees and writes a monthly column for The Engineer.