In July 2012 she was awarded the degree Honorary Doctor of Technology by De Montfort University for services to the world of science and technology. In November 2012 Princess Anne presented her with the award for Communication and Outreach in the 2012 WISE Women of Outstanding Achievement Awards. In 2013 she was given the Promotion of Design Award by the Institution of Engineering Designers. In March 2014 she was elected president of the IED in recognition of her ongoing work to support and promote science, technology and engineering. On 3 July 2014 "Computer Weekly" named her as the 5th most influential woman in UK IT and on 3 December 2014 as the 23rd most influential person in UK IT. In 2015, Philbin was identified as the 4th most influential woman in UK IT 2015, by "Computer Weekly". In July 2015 she was made an honorary fellow of Queen Mary University of London. On 9 December 2015 she received the honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the Earl of Wessex, Chancellor of the University of Bath, at a ceremony held in the city's Assembly Rooms. In the 2016 Digital Leaders 100 Awards she was voted Digital Leader of the Year. In June 2016 she was named as "Computer Weekly"s most influential woman in its UK IT 2016 award. In July 2016 she was conferred with an honorary doctorate of the University of Huddersfield for services to science broadcasting and technology education. In the 2017 New Year Honours list she was appointed OBE for services to promoting careers in STEM and creative industries. In June 2017 she officially opened the 50th Bedford Park Festival. On 10 July 2017 she accepted the honorary degree of Doctor of Technology from Southampton Solent University. On 11 July 2017 she was presented with the AbilityNet Tech4Good Special Award for her contribution to technology. On 12 July 2017 "Computer Weekly" recognised her lifetime contribution by entering her in their Hall of Fame. On 25 January 2018 the University of Leicester honoured her with a Doctor of Science degree. On 28 January 2019 she was given an honorary degree by the University of Roehampton. On 16 July 2019 she was awarded an honorary fellowship by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.