Director of the WISE Campaign, Marie-Noëlle Barton works with educationalists, employers, Government departments, politicians and the media to spread the word about Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction.
Marie-Noëlle is regularly interviewed on radio and TV on the issue of WISE, and gives lectures in both the UK and at international events. She is co-author of work aimed at parents and primary school teachers, urging them to encourage girls into science and engineering.

Director of the WISE Campaign, Marie-Noëlle Barton works with educationalists, employers, Government departments, politicians and the media to spread the word about Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction.

Marie-Noëlle is regularly interviewed on radio and TV on the issue of WISE, and gives lectures in both the UK and at international events. She is co-author of work aimed at parents and primary school teachers, urging them to encourage girls into science and engineering.

Prior to her work at WISE, she worked as a team leader careers adviser in both the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and Humberside, where she was in charge of a work experience scheme for the whole of South Humberside. She has also taught languages in secondary schools and to adults.

Outside her WISE activities, Marie-Noëlle has sat on a number of committees, most recently the Stewart Committee, which looked at the safety of mobile phones. She was also a judge for the 2005 Great Britons award.

In 1999, she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday list for her work in promoting science and engineering to women. The same year she was also the winner of the London ‘Woman of the Year’ award for her achievements in promoting women’s issues and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Technology by the University of Staffordshire for her work in attracting more women to the engineering profession. In 2006, Marie-Noëlle also became an Honorary Fellow of Cardiff University for her continued promotional work.

Marie-Noëlle, who has a dual French and British Citizenship, was educated at Nice University-France. She has lived in the United Kingdom for 29 years.

Marie-Noëlle’s expertise in education and in the promotion of science and engineering to young people and to women makes her an ideal speaker on many issues. These are some of the themes she can address:

Why we need to attract more women into science and engineering?
Demonstrating that it makes economic sense for the science and engineering community to recruit from the nation’s best people - whether male or female. She also argues that women with an aptitude and an interest in the sciences should be encouraged to fulfil their potential in these sectors. Particularly aimed at company Chief Executives, Human Resource Directors, professional bodies and trainers.

How to encourage women into science and engineering?
Looking at the reasons why there are so few women in these sectors and what can be done in the home, at school, in college and university, and in the workplace to encourage women to the profession. Marie-Noëlle is uniquely placed to speak on this topic to company Chief Executives, Human Resource Directors, trainers, educationalists and school students.

How to promote science and engineering to young people
A practical guide to demystifying science and engineering by relating them to young people’s interest and activities. Advice on style, language, illustrations and many other aspects. Aimed at teachers, careers advisers and professional bodies.

Inspiring young people to become scientists and engineers
Aimed at inspiring young people to study science subjects with the aim to pursue careers in these sectors, this presentation highlights that science and engineering is part of everyone’s life. Examples range from the electronic gadgets we enjoy to the clothes we wear, the water we drink and the medical equipment which can save our lives. Aimed at young people in schools and colleges.

How to run a campaign
Based on Marie-Noëlle’s 18 years’ experience running the successful WISE Campaign, this speech covers a variety of issues from choosing a name to fund-raising, how to choose patrons, how to influence senior industrialists and politicians, and ways to attract media attention. An honest and factual account of how to succeed, enlivened with personal anecdotes.

How to build self-esteem and confidence for women
An inspirational and motivational address on how to help women gain self-esteem and confidence to promote themselves fully and advance in their careers. Ideal for company Chief Executives, Human Resource Directors, trainers, educationalists and students of any age. Particularly recommended for prize-giving events and after dinner.

Why I prefer living in the UK
This is a personal account of Marie-Noëlle’s decision to leave her native Côte d’Azur in France, 30 years ago, to live in the UK. This honest and entertaining address is highly suitable as an after dinner speech.

Speeches can be delivered:
- at any level - an overview or very detailed
- in any format - conference style (with or without power point slides) or after dinner
- in any style - analytical or entertaining
- to any audience - from school students to professionals.

Speeches can be given in English or French to audiences in the UK or overseas.