She was named the winner of the East Midlands Inspirational Female Leader of the Year – the overall award, as well as Outstanding Woman in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Professor Thomson was honoured for both accolades at the awards ceremony held at Leicester’s St Martin’s House, which included special guests such as the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur OBE, who presented Rachel with the overall award.
The EMWA celebrates women from across different sectors, cultures and backgrounds, and recognises those who have impacted on society through various ways.
Sandra Pollock, Founder of the East Midlands Women’s Awards, comments: “This year’s awards mark our second year. In just 48 months, we’ve seen the number of awards nominations double and our awards dinner is sold-out.
“To me, this demonstrates ‘girl-power’ at its finest: women supporting women and giving each other the respect, kudos and recognition that many other awards fail to offer. In the centenary year of achieving the vote for women, I’m thrilled to see women – and men – from across the Region take the East Midlands Women’s Awards to their hearts.”
Talking about the awards, Professor Thomson said: “I was delighted, humbled and a little surprised to win these two awards, especially the overall award of Inspirational Leader given the amazing contributions of many award recipients across the region.
“Successful leaders are only as good as their team, and I am very fortunate to work with some fantastic colleagues across the Academic Schools, Professional Services and Students’ Union, for which I am very grateful.”
Last month, Rachel, a Professor of Materials Engineering, was named the first female from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
More information on the 2018 East Midlands Women’s Awards can be found here.