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Professor Lizbeth Goodman from the University of East London's SMARTLab picked up the gong this year. The digital media institute brings together technology professionals, artists and policy makers from a variety of social backgrounds and levels of physical ability.

"There's a real need for women in the technology industry to stand up and be counted, shout about what we believe in and to set standards for ethically informed and socially committed inclusive technology projects and programmes that can help real women and people with real needs of all kinds

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to reach their fullest potential," says Professor Goodman.

"The more we as women pull together and do this, the more others will be inspired to do the same. The industry will be the greatest beneficiary with the freshest and brightest female talent coming on board."

Speaking to PC Pro for a feature on women in technology in next month's magazine, Professor Goodman's SMARTLab colleague, Taey Kim, reveals the levels of sexism that still exist in the IT industry.

"If I roll up my sleeves and set about fixing a machine people look on in amazement," she says. "Certain prejudices mean that those who work in technology are expected to fit a certain type cast. But such challenges can give rise to increased levels of determination in women, making us even more determined to perform and succeed to quash these stereotypes and explore new ways of working."

Other winners of the BlackBerry awards this year include BT for the Best Company Advancing Women in Technology and Dell's Kate Bishop for best female mentor.

See the July issue of PC Pro, on sale 15 May, to read our feature on why IT really is women's work.