A RESEARCHER has been nominated for a prestigious award for her work to counter the gender inbalance in STEM subjects in the UK.

Dr Ana Matran-Fernandez, an artificial intelligence fellow at Essex University, has been shortlisted in the computing category for the WISE awards.

The awards recognise inspiring individuals and organisations who are actively working to promote and achieve gender balance in science, technology and mathematics.

Dr Matran-Fernandez’s role at the University of Essex involves working with companies to help them use state-of-the-art artificial intelligence.

She said: "Being a finalist for this award feels really special and has boosted my confidence in my abilities and my worth.

"We all have the ability to make an impact on society, and this award provides a platform for me to reinforce this message, specially to little (and not so little) girls that are considering a career in STEM."