Supported by the National Science Foundation, WIRES will bring together 50 women engineers from the US and 50 from other countries. These international experts will bring a global perspective to the conference which takes place in June 2009 in Barcelona. They will discuss findings in energy systems, micro/nanotechnology, and simulation-based engineering, identify sustained means to international collaboration, and address gender equity in engineering.

Faculty members from more than 80 institutions have applied to participate in WIRES. The results of the summit will be disseminated internationally in partnership with groups including the American Society for Mechanical Engineers and European Science Foundation. Realff leads the organizing committee, together with Gretchen Kalonji (Director of International Strategy Development at the University of California's Office of the President). The research component on participants' experiences with international collaboration, research, and gender equity is led by Colatrella and Fox. Colatrella, Fox, and Realff are Co-directors of the Georgia Tech Center for the Study of Women, Science, and Technology (WST).