Hi! My name is Clara, and I am graduating in July 2025 from my MSci Physics degree, here at the University of Nottingham. Over my final year, I have been lucky to get more involved in the Physics and Astronomy community, especially through my role as Outreach Officer for PhysSoc, our student-led physics society.
PhysSoc has a brilliant and supportive relationship with the department, leading to a variety of inclusive, engaging events and this year, we have been working on reviving the Women in Physics Network, which had gone quiet since the pandemic.
Diversity in science is essential - driving better ideas, broader perspectives, and a more inclusive scientific culture [1]. As a woman in physics, you can sometimes feel out of place and isolated, especially within wider UK and global scientific spaces. Seeing role models who you feel represent you is one of the most important success factors for young physicists [2] and that is why we want to support our students who align with this experience.
The Women in Physics Network aims to foster that community. We run casual, welcoming events where students can meet over tea, snacks and games with no pressure, just connection. In sunnier weather, we might walk to the Highfields Lake on University Park campus or hang out in the Physics rooftop garden. Students have also previously organised their own meetups in local parks or pubs, and the network is here to support those connections.
One of the most valuable aspects of the network is the lovely opportunity for students of different years to meet, share advice, and support each other - academically and personally. We hope the network continues to grow and help all students who feel underrepresented in physics to find their place and their people.
[1] Based on the science, diversity matters. Nat Comput Sci 5, 91 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43588-025-00778-w
[2] Archer, L., Moote, J., MacLeod, E., Francis, B., & DeWitt, J. (2020). ASPIRES 2: Young people’s science and career aspirations, age 10-19. London: UCL Institute of Education. https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10092041/15/Moote_9538%20UCL%20Aspires%202%20report%20full%20online%20version.pdf