2024
Associate Professor Christen Mirth, Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, School of Biological Sciences
“Like many other women in Science, I have found myself on the unfortunate side of unconscious bias throughout my career. While rarely deliberate, I understand how everyday sexism can erode your self-confidence and tire you out. For women and non-binary people with intersectional identities, the effects of unconscious bias amplify, increasing the burden. I work with a team of committed, energetic staff on the EDI committee to raise awareness of equity, diversity, and inclusion, to promote active allyship, and to create change in workplace culture. Our yearly International Day for Women and Girls in Science event plays an important role in highlighting the important contributions of our excellent female and non-binary scientists and aims to promote a culture of inclusion where everyone is valued.
Dr Felicity McCormack, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
"Being a woman in the geosciences can be challenging due to gender inequities and underrepresentation of females in these careers. These challenges are largely systemic, and there's a lot of research out there on how institutions can improve diversity and inclusion for women. In my own career, I've found it helpful to build a solid support system and to find excellent mentors. The importance of celebrating an international day for women in science cannot be overstated: it showcases achievements of women in science, champions diversity, and provides inspiration for all generations.
Professor Jessica Purcell, School of Mathematics
"On this UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I celebrate the triumphs and tribulations that define my journey as a female mathematician. I've navigated challenging computations and complicated theorems, and achieved many successes that defy the stereotypes of earlier generations. Yet, challenges persist. Women are still underrepresented in mathematics, and improving this requires that we continue to overcome gender biases, and advocate for equality. In mathematics, each theorem proved and every mathematical frontier explored is a testament to resilience. Today, I stand not only as a mathematician but as a symbol of possibility for aspiring women in science. Let’s celebrate this day by acknowledging the strides made and inspiring a future where diversity is the cornerstone of scientific excellence. Happy UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science!"
Associate Professor Vanessa Wong, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
“Let's reflect on the importance of making science inclusive for all today on the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The exclusion of certain demographic groups and the perpetuation of inequality are detrimental to the scientific community, and places constraints and barriers on our collective pursuit of knowledge and breakthroughs. Recognising this, I am committed to embedding the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion into our scientific practices and workplace. By fostering an environment that embraces diversity, we promote fairness and inclusion in our science to make a larger collective impact in our scientific discoveries. Happy UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, as we commit to building a more inclusive and vibrant scientific landscape together!”
Associate Professor Kay Hodgins, School of Biological Sciences
“Celebrating the UN International Day of Women in Science highlights the imperative of embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the scientific community. It's not just a moral obligation; it's a crucial step for unlocking the full potential of scientific endeavours. The synergy of diverse teams amplifies scientific rigor, brings forth unique perspectives, and diminishes biases. Inclusivity becomes a beacon that sparks inspiration for future generations, aligning seamlessly with ethical imperatives. Prioritising EDI ensures the creation of a just, innovative, and impactful scientific community. This, in turn, benefits researchers and society alike, as it addresses intricate challenges and propels the frontiers of knowledge.”