International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Now marking its 10th anniversary in 2025, this day highlights the critical role women and girls play in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

For the Institute of Biomedical Science, this day is an opportunity for us to recognise the groundbreaking contributions of women in biomedical science and inspire the next generation of female scientists.

Historically, women have been underrepresented in the fields of STEM. Despite the significant strides made in recent years, gender disparities persist. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science aims to address these disparities by:

• Raising awareness about the challenges women and girls face in STEM fields.
• Celebrating the achievements and contributions of female scientists.
• Promoting gender equality and encouraging institutions to create inclusive environments.
• Inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science through role models and mentorship programmes.

 

Women in Biomedical Science

 

The field of biomedical science has seen remarkable contributions from women, both historically and in contemporary times. Pioneers like Marie Curie, who won two Nobel Prizes for her work in physics and chemistry, paved the way for future generations of female scientists. Today, women continue to break barriers and make significant advancements in biomedical research, clinical practice, and healthcare innovation.

For example, Dr. Rosalind Franklin's work was crucial in the discovery of the DNA double helix structure. More recently, Dr. Katalin Karikó's research on mRNA technology has been instrumental in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. These women, among many others, serve as inspiring examples of the impact that female scientists can have on global health and well-being.

In the UK, women are not just making contributions to biomedical science—they make up the majority of the profession. According to HCPC registration data, 67% of biomedical scientists are women. This representation is significant, as it underscores the importance of supporting and empowering women in science to ensure their continued impact on healthcare, research, and innovation.

 

IBMS Support for Women in Science

 

The Institute of Biomedical Science fosters a supportive environment for women and girls in science. Through outreach programs, mentorship programmes and a range of valuable resources available to members, the IBMS helps to:

• Provide young girls with access to scientific education and resources.
• Connect aspiring scientists with female role models and mentors.
• Create networking opportunities for women in biomedical science.
• Advocate for policies that support gender equality in biomedical science.

One of our key initiatives, 100 Years of Women in the IBMS, celebrated the historic contributions of female members and reinforced the fact that women form the backbone of biomedical science today.

We also continue to support inclusivity in the profession through #IBMSPride, which helps members attend Pride events across the UK and provides resources for those wishing to participate.

 

Recognising Excellence: Biomedical Scientist of the Year

In 2024, we celebrated Leonie Wheeldon, who was named Biomedical Scientist of the Year. Her achievements exemplify the impact that dedicated biomedical scientists—and especially women in the field—continue to have in advancing healthcare and laboratory science. As we move into 2025, we look forward to recognising even more outstanding women who are shaping the future of biomedical science.

 

Get Involved

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action. By recognising female scientists’ achievements and addressing the barriers they face, we can build a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. The Institute of Biomedical Science is committed to supporting and empowering women and girls in science, ensuring that their contributions continue to drive innovation and improve lives around the world.

Join us in celebrating this important day by:

• Sharing stories of inspirational women in science.
• Taking part in events and discussions on gender equality in STEM.
• Encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science.

Together, we can inspire the next generation of female biomedical scientists to reach new heights and make a lasting impact in the world.