A senior engineer helping to drive the decarbonisation of Britain’s rail network has been recognised among the UK’s leading female engineers.
Sarah Foster, Technical Engineering Lead at Turntide Technologies in Gateshead, has been named in the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Top 100 Women in Engineering Awards 2026.
The annual awards celebrate women making an outstanding contribution to engineering across the UK. This year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence, recognises individuals demonstrating exceptional innovation, leadership and problem-solving in tackling complex engineering challenges.
Sarah was recognised for her work developing advanced battery technology that is helping transform the future of sustainable rail transport.
Working as part of Turntide’s rail engineering team, Sarah has played a key role in the development of battery systems designed to support cleaner rail travel by reducing reliance on diesel-powered trains and enabling battery-electric operation on non-electrified routes.
Her work has been instrumental in bringing advanced battery technology from concept through to real-world deployment, supporting major programmes aimed at accelerating rail decarbonisation across the UK.
Since joining the project in 2019, Sarah has overseen the technical delivery of battery systems from early-stage design through to on-train validation and the development of next-generation lithium iron phosphate battery technology. Her role involves leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, managing complex technical requirements and ensuring compliance with the rail industry’s stringent safety and performance standards.
Sarah said: “I am incredibly proud to be recognised by the Women’s Engineering Society and included in the Top 100 Women in Engineering.
“Engineering has given me the opportunity to work on projects that can make a genuine difference. The rail battery programmes at Turntide have been a fantastic challenge, bringing together talented people from across multiple disciplines to solve complex engineering problems.
“This recognition reflects the contribution of a much wider team, and I am grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey.”
Turntide Technologies develops electrification and sustainable energy technologies across multiple sectors, including transport, industrial applications and critical infrastructure.
Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies, said Sarah’s achievement highlights the strength of engineering talent within the North East and the region’s growing contribution to clean technology innovation.
He said: “Sarah’s recognition by the Women’s Engineering Society is thoroughly deserved.
“She combines exceptional technical expertise with an ability to solve complex engineering challenges, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions in one of the most demanding sectors of industry.
“Her work is helping to advance technologies that will support the future decarbonisation of rail transport and demonstrates the real-world impact that engineering can have on society.
“From concept to carriage, Sarah has helped turn clean rail from ambition into reality, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised among the UK’s top women in engineering.”
