The University of Nottingham is celebrating the achievements of women in science, engineering, technology and medicine. The event on Wednesday October 13 will be attended by some of the University’s most prominent female scientists.
The aim is to demonstrate what women can achieve and encourage other female researchers in the early stage of their careers to pursue their goals.
The event at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science will be opened by Karen Cox, Pro –Vice-Chancellor, a professor in cancer and palliative care and former Head of Nursing at The University of Nottingham. It will be hosted by the country’s only female Professor of Brewing Science, Katherine Smart.
Female experts from science, engineering, technology and medicine (STEM) will also be on hand to talk to about their work and inspirational researchers will be presenting posters about their research.
One of the key speakers is Dr Julie Greensmith, an expert in Computer Science. Julie said: “I am currently researching the development of an immune inspired algorithm, the Dendritic Cell Algorithm and the application of intelligent methods and data mining to thrill and fear discrimination. This means I get to ride a lot of roller coasters, all in the name of research.”
Professor Smart is a world leading expert in brewing science. She is the Scientific Director of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s Sustainable Bioenergy Centre Programme Lignocellulosic Conversion to Ethanol (LACE). Professor Smart is also leading the foundation of the Food and Biofuel Innovation Centre. Both centres are based at The University of Nottingham.
Professor Smart said: “The University is committed to the advancement and promotion of the careers of women in STEM. It is important for us to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers and technologists and to encourage them in their research and career development. This event will showcase some of the very best research in STEM at the University and it is a privilege to be celebrating the achievements of these outstanding young women”
Representatives from UK Resource Centre from Women in SET (http://www.theukrc.org/) and Athena SWAN (http://www.athenaswan.org.uk/html/athena-swan/) will also be at the event.
Professor Richard Bowtell, Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy said: “I’m looking forward very much to participating in this celebration of the achievements of female scientists and engineers and to discussing some of the work which has taken place in my School during the lead up to a successful application for an Athena SWAN Silver award.”
The event takes place on Wednesday October 13 2010 between 12.30 and 14.30 at The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD.
In 2005 The University of Nottingham established a committee (WinSET) to represent the concerns and monitor the career progression of women in science, engineering, technology and medicine based Faculties (STEM).
Posted on Tuesday 12th October 2010