We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our alumna, Dr Natalie Wride (OS 2010), who has been recognised as one of the Top 20 Women in Ground Engineering for 2026 by Ground Engineering Magazine (GE).

This prestigious initiative highlights some of the most influential and inspirational professionals shaping the future of the ground engineering sector. Each year, it showcases individuals whose work, innovation and leadership are making a lasting impact across the industry.

Dr Wride’s journey is a particularly inspiring one. A bursary student during her time at SGS, she went on to study Civil and Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham, graduating top of her class in both degrees. She later returned to Warwick to complete a PhD following a sabbatical, with research focused on the “Analysis of cohesive subgrade subject to long term cyclic loading”.

Now a Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Mott MacDonald, Dr Wride works on major heavy civil infrastructure projects and has built international experience across the UK, Middle East and Australia. Since joining Mott MacDonald in July 2023 as a senior geotechnical engineer, she has progressed quickly, continuing to develop her expertise in numerical methods and the observational method.

Alongside her technical achievements, Dr Wride has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting others and championing inclusivity. In 2021, she was Highly Commended for the Rising Star Award at the Ground Engineering Awards and has since contributed to the profession by judging both the Rising Star and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion categories.

Her dedication to widening participation is evident through her work beyond the workplace. Since 2019, she has been a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation, helping students from low socio-economic backgrounds gain access to work experience and career opportunities. She also volunteers with Stemettes and actively promotes the Institution of Civil Engineers’ QUEST Scholarship, encouraging more young people to consider careers in engineering.

The 2026 edition of the Top 20 Women in Ground Engineering has once again attracted a strong and competitive field of nominees. The selected professionals represent a diverse mix of expertise, career stages and roles, reflecting the breadth of talent driving the sector forward.

The initiative was created to celebrate trailblazers, thought leaders and innovators, while also addressing the need for greater visibility of women within the profession. With women currently making up around 23% of the geotechnical workforce, recognition of role models such as Dr Wride is crucial in inspiring the next generation and fostering a more inclusive and representative industry.

The final selection was made by the Ground Engineering editorial team, who highlighted the exceptional calibre of nominations received this year. All those recognised share a commitment to excellence and to the continued development of the industry.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Natalie Wride on this well-deserved recognition. Her achievements are a source of great pride for the SGS community and an inspiring example of how determination, talent and commitment can open doors and shape a successful global career.