Women in Science

Today, Ada Lovelace Day, sees the launch of an initiative to celebrate women in maths and computing. As a new branch of the existing Suffrage Science scheme, it will encourage women to enter science, and to reach senior leadership roles. Despite much effort, gender imbalance persists in the fields of maths and computing. Suffrage Science aims to make a difference. The scheme was founded five years ago by the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre. It began with a life sciences focus before expanding in 2013 to include women in engineering and the physical sciences. The new branch recognises the increasing importance of mathematics and computing to the life sciences. At the launch event, 12 women (pictured) will receive awards to celebrate their scientific achievements and ability to inspire others. Every two years, the award will be handed on to a new group of women, thereby extending the scheme’s reach.

Written by Deborah Oakley

Deborah Oakley

Writer

Deborah is researching healthy cognitive ageing at the University of Cambridge. She previously worked as a science communicator in London, working closely with the BPoD team.

• Image by the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre
• Image copyright held by the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre