International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated with a portrait exhibition showcasing Loughborough's talent

On 11 February, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated around the world as part of an initiative launched by the United Nations.

The aim is to end bias against women and girls, ensuring that they receive full and equal access to science education and participation. Although much progress has been made across STEM disciplines, women are still under-represented across the fields and a significant gender gap remains to be solved.  

At Loughborough, we will be marking the day with a portrait exhibition showcasing 23 women scientists from different disciplinary backgrounds and career stages within the School of Science and beyond. From Doctoral Researchers specialising in Applied Physics, Senior Lecturers who are experts in Psychology, and Laboratory Managers in the Department of Geography and Environment to Senior Technicians in Chemistry, there is a wide breadth of roles and subject areas covered.  

The portraits will be accompanied by some information about each individual, including their research interests and what started their passion for a career in science. Not only will the exhibition showcase the extraordinary work of female scientists, but it will also illustrate the diversity and relevance of the contributions they are making to society, with the hope of inspiring and empowering future women and girls to become the next generation of scientists.  

The exhibition will formally launch at 4.30pm on Friday 17 February in the Edward Herbert Building Atrium with a drinks reception, which is where the portraits will be displayed until 24 February before they are moved to other locations across the Loughborough campus. 

If you would like to attend the formal opening of the exhibition, please register your place online.  

A permanent digital version of the exhibition will also be made available online. More details will be provided for this soon.