Professor Jun Zang, an expert in ocean and coastal engineering based at the University of Bath, has been named one of the UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering by the Women’s Engineering Society.
Deputy Head of Bath’s Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Prof Zang is a world leader in global offshore renewable energy technologies, and the resilience of coastal and offshore structures.
Her inclusion in the Top 50 list, released to mark International Women in Engineering Day, recognises her impact on research in coastal engineering and research, and as one of the few women in the field during a period of growing offshore renewable energy creation.
Prof Zang said: “There are so many excellent female engineers in the UK, so it is a real honour and a privilege to be included in this list.
“I’m lucky to have chosen my field of research as it has led me to work with so many excellent PhD students and post-doctoral research associates, academics and colleagues at Bath and elsewhere.”
Prof Zang puts her continued success down to her drive to excel and make a significant impact in her field, her willingness to support others, as well as resilience and organisation, adding: “As a mum of three, I realised some time ago that to be effective and carry out research that makes an impact, I had to be very efficient and manage my time well!”
Professor Andrew Heath, Head of the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, said: “Jun’s pioneering work in coastal and ocean engineering continues to inspire and drive innovation in marine renewable energy. We are incredibly fortunate that she has been at Bath for such an extended period, doing so much to enhance our international profile in this key area.
“This prestigious accolade has shown that Jun’s engineering leadership has been rightly recognised outside the University as it already is within.”
During her time at Bath, Prof Zang has established a female staff forum in her Department, created a support network for women, and promoted a fair-inclusive and supportive culture – while carrying out world-leading research.
Sea-Swallows offshore engineering tool launches today
Today’s announcement coincides with a launch event for Prof Zang’s latest research project, Sea-Swallows. It is an open-access engineering tool that delivers fast and accurate predictions of the forces caused by waves on monopile-type foundations of offshore structures including wind turbines or bridge footings.
Led by Prof Zang and the University of Bath in partnership with the Universities of Oxford and Strathclyde, the project will help engineers make foundations that withstand future storm forces and extend the life of existing monopiles.
Prof Zang adds: “An empirical formula for calculating wave loading on monopile foundations at sea has been used for over 70 years. With Sea-Swallows we have combined large data sets on wave forces with machine learning to create a tool to help people get highly accurate wave force predictions for the future. This will help engineers right-size future designs of wind turbine foundations, using our resources efficiently and prolonging the life of existing infrastructure.”