Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng FLSW 

Karen began her industrial career in an apprenticeship role at Rolls-Royce, where she was sponsored to undertake a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology. There, she contributed to work on the ground breaking Adour and Pegasus jet engines.      

She later worked her way up to a technical management role at AB Electronics, where she led the development of a novel pressure sensor for use in anti-lock braking systems for BMW, as well as creating electronic products for Jaguar and Rover motor cars.   

After her time in industry, Karen transitioned to an academic career, initially as an advisor for Cardiff University’s integrated engineering course. She has since published over 170 research works and has received millions in grants. Her primary research specialism is in the industrial use of acoustic emission for damage assessment of structures inspections.   

In addition to her research, Karen has established herself as a prominent advocate of the engineering industry, serving as a council member on the UKRI Science & Technology Facilities Council and on the ESPRC Strategic Advisory Network.   

In 2006, she was named Welsh Woman of the Year in Science and Technology, and in 2015, was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2024 she was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to engineering and higher education.