NEWS11 March 2026
Surrey Research Park’s community gathered at the start of March to mark International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD26) and celebrate the incredible women driving innovation, shaping industries and creating impact at the Park.
The celebration focused on the culmination of the 2026 Women of Surrey Research Park (WoSRP) campaign, which was established to share the inspirational stories of women at different stages of their careers with businesses based at the Park.
Now in its second year, the campaign spotlights the stories of women working in STEM roles, from ambitious early-career professionals to seasoned leaders and entrepreneurs from within the SETsquared Surrey business incubator, including spin out companies from the University of Surrey.
By highlighting their achievements and contributions to the Park’s community, the campaign aims to inspire and empower women and girls to follow careers in STEM and to further encourage students at the University of Surrey to consider a range of roles within STEM sectors.
This year’s participants were nominated by colleagues across all Park companies with last year’s featured women selecting the standout candidates to feature in 2026.
On Wednesday 4th March, ahead of IWD 26, a special exhibition of portrait photographs of the women was unveiled in the Surrey Technology Centre’s reception and their stories published online (see link below).
Our IWD 26 events also included opportunities for the Park community to network with neighbours over coffee and learn about products and services offered by some of the women business leaders in the Surrey Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (SWEN).
Later in the afternoon, in alignment with the theme for this year’s IWD 26, we held an action-focused discussion on women’s workplace rights and economic inclusion involving WoSRP participants, academics, and HR, People, and Culture leaders from across the Park.
To continue fostering these positive conversations started at this event and championing women in the workplace, Surrey Research Park is working with the University’s Dr Ruth Abrams to implement with Park leaders her upcoming report on maternity and menopause guidance in the workplace.
