St Swithun's student honoured with purple plaque at school

Claire Trant, the co-founder and CEO of Untap Health, was awarded a Women in Innovation Award by Innovate UK for her work in providing an early warning system for viral outbreaks.

She returned to her former school earlier this week to unveil the plaque in her honour.

The plaque was placed outside of the science department at St Swithun's School.

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Richard Roberts, Claire Trant and Jane Gandee unveil the purple plaque at St Swithun's School (Image: St Swithun's School) It was unveiled by Ms Trant in a ceremony attended by her family, school staff, and Richard Roberts from Innovate UK.

Ms Trant said: "It was an honour to return to St Swithun’s to receive a plaque on the science department. The school supported me in my most formative years, from eight to 18, both through my academic growth and extra-curricular.

"This award is especially important to me, as supporting young women in STEM is crucial for a balanced society.

"We’ve offered internships to help them develop business skills before entering the job market. STEM sectors need diversity for true innovation that reflects society.

"Viral transmission affects us all, and though sewage technology may seem unappealing, I aim to inspire more women to explore these vital, yet overlooked, fields."

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Untap Health provides an early warning system for viral outbreaks such as Covid-19, influenza, and norovirus through wastewater surveillance technology.

The purple plaques initiative by Innovate UK aims to recognise female inventors and inspire more girls to enter STEM fields.

Currently, only 15 per cent of blue plaques in London celebrate the achievements of women, with a similar story throughout the rest of the UK.

This highlights the ongoing national issue of the underrepresentation of women in the workplace and in the education system, especially around STEM subjects where just 27 per cent of STEM graduates are women, resulting in a lack of relatable role models for children and young people.

St Swithun’s headmistress Jane Gandee said: "We believe that all of our students should have the opportunity to pursue their interests and passions, and not be confined by outdated gender stereotypes of what women should or should not do.

"It is inspiring for them to see the success Claire has had through her own grit and invention. We are very proud of her and what she has gone on to achieve."