International Women & Girls in Science Day celebrates women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). From the climate crisis to pandemics, women around the world are playing vital roles in solving the most pressing issues of our times.
In celebration, we’re hosting a blog series featuring women from across the Heart of the South West‘s STEM sectors. In this blog, we speak to Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter, about some of the university’s incredible female researchers, and her advice for women and girls considering a career in STEM.
Lisa is a Professor of Virology (the study of viruses). She studied for her PhD at the BBSRC Institute for Animal Health (now the Pirbright Institute) and the University of Kent, graduating in 1998, before embarking on her academic career. Lisa took up the post of Vice-Chancellor at the University in September 2020, having previously been Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Leeds from 2016–20.
The University of Exeter is working on innovative research and projects that are tackling some of the greatest challenges facing the world. On climate and environment, the University is home to five of the world’s top 21 climate scientists, and has more than 1,400 researchers working broadly across environment and sustainability. Exeter researchers work collaboratively across the university and with partners to deliver truly interdisciplinary environmental research that drives real impact and change.
Lisa said: “We have colleagues delivering globally impactful research across all areas of climate, environment and sustainability. These include Professor Tamara Galloway, Professor of Ecotoxicology, who was awarded the Volvo Environment Prize 2022 for her pioneering work to alert the world to the devastating impacts of plastic pollution in the environment. Our work to tackle the climate emergency and ecological crisis extends far beyond the walls of our University, and we partner with external organisations, businesses and community groups to translate our research into real-world actions so that together we can build a more sustainable future.”
“In human health, we have recently received funding of £15m in partnership with the NHS, to set up the region’s first Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which will enhance our ability to translate scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients, and enable us to develop new treatments and run more clinical trials so that effective treatments can be put into practice sooner. This is being led by Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University, and is an example of the strength of leadership that exists among female colleagues at the University.”
“For far too long, women have been underrepresented in STEM subjects. A diversity of voices is essential if we are to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world in the subjects of environment, human health and society, in order to meet these challenges and forge ahead with truly life-changing discoveries. We should ensure that all careers in STEM are open to all and that artificial barriers or stereotypes do not hinder women and girls from pursuing fabulous careers in STEM.”
The University of Exeter has projects and initiatives in place to support women and girls in STEM.
“Our STEM: Beyond Boundaries project, led by Dr Houry Melkonian, takes the form of monthly ‘STEM Days’ in which our female students studying for a STEM degree meet with female pupils in local schools and colleges, with the aim of breaking down barriers and overcoming challenges (such as stereotypes and psychological factors) to girls pursuing STEM pathways. The project is designed to increase school and college pupils’ awareness of the opportunities for study in STEM through a range of informative presentations, quizzes, videos and Q&A sessions with current Undergraduate and Postgraduate female students. “
Initiatives such as Soapbox Science are also leading the way in supporting and encouraging women and girls into STEM subjects. This exciting public outreach initiative provides a platform which promotes women and non-binary scientists and the research that they do. Soapbox Science is an opportunity for brilliant women scientists to showcase their research, and crucially inspire women and girls to study scientific subjects and pursue scientific careers.
Lisa added: “I’m also very proud of our involvement in the 100 Black Women Professors Now project, which will see seven University academic colleagues join the initial cohort, from our Health and Life Sciences and Environment, Science and Economy faculties. This will add more perspectives to our scientific research, giving us a more inclusive approach with which to develop global solutions.”
We asked Lisa if she had any advice for women and girls thinking of pursuing a career in STEM, and she said: “As a Professor in Virology, I understand the challenges facing women and girls interested in a STEM career. Based on my experience throughout my career, my advice to women and girls interested in a STEM career is:
- Don’t let perceptions or stereotypes limit what you want to do and how far you can go
- You will meet obstacles along the way – be persistent and determined and challenge where needed
- Support each other and champion each other
- Encourage girls to speak up from an early age – at home, at school, in the playground
- Reach out for advice from a mentor or someone you admire”
Read the rest of the blogs in this series.
Discover more about the University of Exeter.
