Upon invitation by the Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, on May 16, TU Wien welcomed Prof. Robyn Clay-Williams from Macquarie University, Sydney, for a thought-provoking visit centered on the theme of diversity in engineering design. A former test pilot for the Australian Army and now a leading expert in human factors and systems thinking, Prof. Clay-Williams delivered a compelling lecture that captivated an audience of around 200 attendees.

Introduced by Rector Jens Schneider, Prof. Clay-Williams shared vivid stories from her aviation career and day-to-day life, illustrating how inclusive design can lead to better, safer, and more effective engineering solutions. Her engaging and accessible style resonated with a diverse audience sparking important conversations across disciplines.

In the afternoon, a smaller group of students took part in a hands-on workshop led by Prof. Clay-Williams. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, participants explored how to design with a more inclusive mindset and proposed solutions that addressed a broader range of user needs.

TU Wien extends its heartfelt thanks to Prof. Clay-Williams for her inspiring visit and her invaluable contributions to the dialogue on diversity in engineering.