22/12/2025
Sika is proud to celebrate Sarah Langley, who has been recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award at the 2025 NCE Tunnelling Awards. The award honours individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the tunnelling and underground infrastructure sector. In this Q&A, Sarah reflects on the recognition, her work at Sika, the evolution of the industry, and what continues to inspire her career.
What does receiving the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award mean to you?
It’s incredibly humbling. To be recognised by a community I respect so deeply is a real honour. Professionally, it validates years of technical work, collaboration across the industry, and advocacy for a more inclusive tunnelling sector.
What contributions do you feel led to this recognition?
I’m proud to be known as Sika’s go-to expert for tunnelling and underground infrastructure, supporting major global projects and providing strategic and technical guidance across markets.
I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of high-profile UK projects, including Crossrail, HS2, Thames Tideway, Silvertown Crossing and numerous London Underground station upgrades, as well as contributing to the design stages of future road, rail, water and hydropower schemes.
Alongside project work, I actively represent Sika at industry events and forums, contribute to technical presentations and case studies internationally, and play an active role in the British Tunnelling Society through committee work, mentoring and university lecturing.
Are there any projects that have been particularly significant for you?
I’ve led Sika’s involvement across all HS2 sub-lots and contributed to major projects spanning sewage, rail, highways and renewable energy infrastructure. These projects have shaped my understanding of the complex design and performance demands involved in tunnelling.
My role typically spans the full project lifecycle - from early-stage client engagement and conceptual design discussions through to technical problem-solving and on-site support. Some of the most rewarding moments, however, have come from mentoring younger engineers and colleagues and seeing them grow into future industry leaders.
How has Sika supported your work in the tunnelling sector?
Sika has given me a truly global platform to combine technical authority with hands-on project support. From shaping specifications and solving design challenges to launching new technologies such as SikaProof® for Tunnels, I work closely with colleagues worldwide to deliver integrated, customer-first solutions for complex underground projects.
What do you see as Sika’s key strength in tunnelling and underground infrastructure?
Sika’s strength lies in integrating research and development, design knowledge and on-site practicality. We don’t just supply products - we work closely with engineers and contractors to solve problems and deliver durable, technically robust outcomes throughout the entire project lifecycle. Our global presence allows us to support flagship infrastructure projects, backed by field experience and strong local relationships.
How do you see the tunnelling industry evolving?
The sector is evolving rapidly. Sustainability, carbon reduction and circular materials are becoming increasingly important, alongside digital engineering, AI-assisted monitoring and data-led decision-making.
Urbanisation is driving more complex underground solutions, while water security and renewable energy are emerging as major global priorities. The organisations that succeed will be those that combine technical excellence with adaptability, creativity and people-centred thinking.
What excites you most about the future of the industry?
What excites me most is the human element - the fact that our industry is becoming more diverse, more inclusive, and more open to new ways of thinking. The tunnelling community is full of extraordinary people redefining what leadership and excellence look like, and embracing neurodiversity and difference as genuine strengths.
The next generation is coming in with curiosity, boldness, and a belief that nothing is impossible when the right people are at the table… or in the tunnel.
You often speak about diversity and inclusion — how do you see these values shaping the engineering and tunnelling community today?
Diversity and inclusion are no longer optional - they are fundamental to innovation. A tunnel, or construction site might be concrete and steel, but the industry is powered by people. When people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and cognitive strengths come together, better decisions are made, risks are better understood, and design solutions become more robust.
What advice would you give to women and young professionals aspiring to build a career in tunnelling or engineering more broadly?
My proudest achievement is having been able to turn a personal passion into a rewarding career.
- To the next generation of engineers, designers, innovators, and visionaries:
- Be curious and courageous — ask questions, explore, and don’t be afraid of complex challenges.
- Find your people — mentors, peers, allies. The right support network is powerful.
- Back yourself — your perspective is valid, valuable, and needed.
And remember nobody starts with all the answers. We grow by turning up, leaning in, and learning from those around us.
What’s next for you?
I’m excited to continue expanding Sika’s role in major global tunnelling and underground projects, mentoring colleagues, fostering talent and building internationally connected teams that deliver real value. My motivation comes from seeing Sika, our people and our projects succeed on a global stage.
Congratulations to Sarah on this well-deserved recognition - a powerful reflection of her impact on the industry and Sika’s continued commitment to engineering excellence.