51Âþ»­

A scientist who pioneered research into standardising the microbiological testing  of the global laundry industry and during the pandemic established  how Covid-19 virus behaved on textiles has won a regional award for championing women in STEM.

Professor Katie Laird won the Outstanding Contribution to STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) category at this year’s Enterprising Women Awards.


The awards, run by East Midlands Chamber, recognise exceptional women as business leaders, entrepreneurs, team members and community work.

Professor Laird said: "I am honoured to have won this East Midlands Chamber of Commerce award for enterprising women and have the impact of the research I conduct with industry recognised in such a way."



Professor Laird, who is a microbiologist, has helped identify in collaboration with virologist Dr Maitreyi Shivkumar  how viruses such as Covid-19 behave on textiles including bedding, clothing and shoes. Sharing the findings and advice to the NHS, the global industrial laundry industry and healthcare businesses as well as to shoe manufacturers around the world has helped keep people safe.

As 51Âþ»­’s first Professor of Enterprise, she works closely with world-leading brands and laundry trade bodies to develop innovative and efficient approaches to combat the spread of pathogens via textiles.  

She is also a founder of A Germ’s Journey, an educational resources brand that comprises of series of books and other learning resources that are designed to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing in children. Working alongside co-founder education expert Professor Sarah
Younie, the series has been translated for children in India, West Africa and the United Arab Emirates. As well as many European languages.

During the pandemic Barclay’s sponsored the development of the Germ’s Journey resources specifically to focus on respiratory disease, which highlighted how hand washing was effective in reducing the risk of spreading germs including SARS-CoV-19. With Dettol supporting a UAE programme of books.



Professor Laird said: “ The success of Germ’s Journey has been phenomenal in the last few years with a reach of over 200 000 individuals, 6000 books donated across 3 continents, significant increased understanding of germs in children and reduction of illness reported in India.  The success of this project is down to a dedicated team of multidisciplinary female researchers.”

This year was the 25th anniversary of the Enterprising Women Awards. There were more than 100 entrants for 10 awards, which included Outstanding Entrepreneur and Diversity Champion. A special Lifetime Achievement award was presented to diet and fitness expert Rosemary Conley CBE.

Enterprising Women co-chair Jean Mountain said: “The shortlist features some truly inspiring women across a wide range of sectors and backgrounds, as well as across different parts of their career journey – from those just starting out in apprenticeship roles to highly successful business leaders representing everything that is great about our region.”

Fellow co-chair Eileen Perry MBE DL said: “We were overwhelmed to receive so many fantastic entries that selecting who goes through to the final was a massive challenge.”