We are delighted to share that Somali STEM Society, have won the 2025 Alexander Award. The Award was celebrated at this year's ASE Annual Conference, and the below formed the citation for the award. 

The Alexander prize, an award of £1000, is awarded annually, to a woman or group that includes women who have made a significant contribution to the scientific, technological, engineering or mathematical (STEM) education of girls or women, in situations of scarce resources.

It is granted in memory of Sir Norman Alexander, a physicist who held various roles in Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Botswana, Lesotho and Swazliand.  Sir Norman was married first to Elizabeth Alexander a pioneering scientist herself who carried out research in radar, geology, and tropical soils and then, after her death to Constance Geary, chief women education officer in Northern Nigeria. Mary Alexander, Sir Normans daughter, established the award in Sir Norman’s name, for women and girls in recognition of the pioneering working carried out by his wives and daughter. 

This year we had a really high number of good quality applications from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Somali and Kenya. 

The judging panel was formed of the ASE Chair Trio as well as members of our international community and nominations from ASE's Education Group.

The shortlist

Dr Sadiyo Siad, STEM Sisters Initiative at Somali STEM Society & Hano Technical University, Somalia
The STEM Sisters Initiative is a pioneering national program launched by Somali STEM Society, Hano Academy and Hano Technical University to inspire, train, and empower girls and women in Somalia to pursue education and careers in STEM.

Angela Tabiri, Girls in Mathematical Science Programme at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Ghana
Established by the African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) Ghana, is a nine-month mentoring program for high school girls from Africa.

Ellah Wafula, Wild About Stem at Association of Women in Aviation Maintenance, Kenya
An initiative designed to reach students especially girls in underrepresented communities giving them hands on exposure to aviation.

Winner of the 2025 Alexander Award

Dr Sadiyo Siad, STEM Sisters Initiative at Somali STEM Society & Hano Technical University, Somalia
Whilst all the short listed applicants were exceptional and worthy programmes that focused on women and girls in stem education and appeared to varying degrees to be operating in circumstances of scarce resources, the panel felt that the STEM Sisters Initiative had demonstrated most need and most impact around science education for girls.

They also noted that Dr Sadiyo Siad, was passionate about science education for women and girls, that the initiative was operating in resource limited communities, where there were significant cultural and education barriers to women and girls. The programme offered details of the opportunities for education, engagement, hands on workshops through mentorship, role model exposure and STEM activities in robotics, renewable energy, coding and digital literacy. As such, the panel concluded that this was a project that most strongly  matched the criteria for the award - a project focused on the science education of women and girls, led by a passionate female scientist.

Further information

Applications for the 2026 Alexander Award will open in September 2026 with a deadline at end of October 2026. Details will be updated on our website.