This global initiative is implemented by UNESCO and UN Women in collaboration with intergovernmental agencies and institutions, as well as civil society partners, that aim to promote women and girls in science. The day's purpose is to promote full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls.
With over 65% female staff, the NIHR BioResource truly value the important role they play in our ongoing efforts to transform the genetics of health research. We're sharing a series of inspiring quotes from members of our team, including male colleagues, about their experience, or the role others have played in their life and career in science.
We're Tweeting all day from our Twitter account - @NIHRBioResource. A big thank you to everyone who has participated.
Nathalie Kingston, Director:
“I always loved science and studied Immunology at University. I am passionate about health research and its impact on the treatment of diseases. Science should be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, and I am lucky and proud to work alongside many talented women. We are much stronger working together.”
Kathy Stirrups, Head of Samples team:
“Ever since my first proper science lesson I knew this new subject was what I wanted to do. I loved understanding how everything worked and getting practical and discovering things for myself. Also science is such a team activity, I’ve met people with such diverse skills and backgrounds. I’m very pleased to have followed a varied career in science and proud that in many small ways I have helped a lot of different biomedical projects progress and see them transform healthcare or further our collective knowledge.”
Neil Walker, IT Director:
“I've worked for over 30 years in data management in epidemiology and genetics, and women have always been the backbone of that research. My specialism is nerdy - but that is definitely not a boy thing: the NIHR BioResource's data team is majority female.”
Hannah Stark, Operations Lead:
"Having done a degree in English literature I certainly didn’t see myself working in science/research. I am very proud to work in the BioResource and, in however small a way, contribute to the improvement and understanding of health issues.”
Edmond Wood, Communications Manager:
“My secondary school science teacher was the first to instil a love of science in me. She was clearly so passionate about it and explained how I could link it to my main interest at the time, sport, and that got me to pay attention! Despite a BSc, I’m no scientist, but I’m surrounded by inspirational #WomeninScience including my wife, a neuroscience researcher, and many colleagues here at the NIHR BioResource including our Director and most of the senior leadership team”.
Rose Eichenberger, Governance and Ethics Manager:
“Even though my role is purely administrative, it gives me satisfaction to know that I contribute to the improvement of healthcare and medical science. It is also fascinating to learn about the various research projects we are part of and to meet so many amazing scientists.”
Natasha Morgan, Rare Disease RNA Phenotyping Project Manager:
“Science has given me the opportunity to explore many exciting areas both scientifically and professionally. Along the way I have met and worked with fantastic people.”
Ingrid Scholtes, Research Nurse:
“Working in science means asking questions and looking for answers to give hope for a better future.”
Aisha Sebyatika, Research Nurse:
“I am excited and inspired to be part of an innovative and emerging bioscience field of genomics, which is making a positive impact to human health.”
Sarah Meloy, Research Nurse:
“I'm really proud to play a tiny part in the big field of scientific research as I love the thought of everyone working together to improve the lives of all the people on this planet through increased knowledge and scientific discovery.”
Emma Hales, Rare Disease RNA Phenotyping Study Coordinator:
“I feel proud to work in science and to be part of a community striving to make significant advance in healthcare and improving the quality of people’s lives.”
Daniela Caputo, Interim Lead/Senior Research Nurse:
“I feel very strongly about the role of women in science. Theory and practice are deeply linked in science; women understand and apply this connection with natural flair and instinct.”
Roxana Paraschiv, Study Coordinator:
“Working in science offers me the opportunity to contribute to the valuable goal of advancing health research by recruiting and guiding volunteers who are willing to join our BioResource panel.”
Sabine Hein, Senior Study Coordinator:
“It is amazing being a woman in STEM; many of the top scientists I've encountered throughout my career were women and it's a true inspiration. My top advice is to always conquer that one thing you think you might not be able to do, because 100% of the time, you most definitely can. It might not be easy, but that's part of the fun. The most important thing is to never doubt yourself - just go for it!”
Hannah Williams, Senior Study Coordinator:
"I feel very privileged to have a career in medical research. The work we do everyday matters and makes a difference to people’s lives; it doesn’t get much better than that!"
If you're interested in joining the team, head to our careers page to see our current openings, and we're always looking for new volunteers to join the NIHR BioResource participant panel. Learn more about what that entails and how you're sample is used in health research.
Sign up to the global network of women in science which focuses on The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Global Network brings together women in science and experts from around the world, high-level government officials, representatives of international organizations and the private sector to join efforts in achieving the three pillars of sustainable development, namely economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.