About the day

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually. In 2024 it will take place on 9 February.

Collage of women in science

Are you a woman or girl, interested in science? The women from the University of Edinburgh would like to show you some of the fantastic science we do at the Easter Bush Campus!

We investigate lots of different areas, usually (but not always!) based around animal health and disease.

We’re all different: we grew up in different areas of the world, we had individual experiences during school, and many of us were the first people in our family to go to University. But we all share a love of science and answering questions, and we hope these pages will inspire you to keep asking questions about the world around you every day. That’s what makes a great scientist!

2024 Schedule of Events

Female colleagues are invited to take part in a poster contest to celebrate the work of women at the Easter Bush Campus.

As well as creating an exhibit of the amazing research that we perform, there will be prizes available through both judged and public voting for the best posters. Two winners will also have the opportunity to present their research on Friday 9th February during the lecture program described below.   

In order to take part, please upload your poster by Friday 26th January. Public voting will commence on Monday 29th January (information to follow).

We look forward to receiving your poster!


Location: Roslin auditorium

0915-0930: Welcome

Speaker: Lisa Boden, Head of School

0930-1000: A History of Women in Veterinary Medicine

Speaker: Andrew Gardiner, Senior Lecturer

1000-1030: Why culture is key for healthier research for everyone

Speaker: Julia Dorin, CMVM Deputy Dean for Research Culture & Integrity

1030-1100: Coffee, tea and biscuits provided

1100-1145: Gender equality: where are we today and what is needed for the future?

Speaker: Fiona Mackay, Professor of Politics, Steering Group member (governance lead) GENDER.ED - the University of Edinburgh's interdisciplinary hub for gender and sexuality studies

1145-1200: Poster prize winner talks

1200-1300: Lunch break

1300-1400: Research: Gender disparities in veterinary medicine

Speakers: Ishita Parakh, Alina Paczesna, Kathryn Pratschke, Poppy Bristow, Kelly Blacklock, Jill MacKay

R(D)SVS, School of Social and Political Science


Location: William Dick Building

In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Dick Vet and Roslin Institute will be hosting a suit drive to benefit Dress for Success Scotland, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success worldwide has provided clothing, confidence and career boosts to more than 1,000,000 women since 1997.

Donations can be dropped off at The View (William Dick Building) for 2 weeks from 9th February 2024.


Location: Roslin Ground Floor seminar room

1430-1515: Women in the Workplace

Open discussion forum with the leads of Athena Swan (Roslin and Vet School), whereby women can submit questions beforehand and we can answer them, or women can turn up and ask questions. E.g. returning to work after parental leave, requesting flexible working hours, saying no to meetings outside core working hours etc.

  • Lead: Cat Eastwood
  • Jayne Hope
  • Kelly Blacklock
  • Poppy Kemp
  • Victorian Swan 

1515-1600: Shaping the future

Discussion with EDI leads to hear about anyone who is currently facing a gender issue to try to make changes to policy. Board with post-it notes so people can leave anonymous messages about their biggest gender struggles or dreams for the future.

Lead: Silvia Perez-Espona and Jeni Harden

 


“LabCamp: International Day of Women and Girls in Science” - a free, hands-on DNA workshop open to all pupils in S5 and S6 at the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre.

Supported by inspiring women in science from across Easter Bush Campus and running during the school February break, young people from across the central belt will use lab techniques including PCR and gel electrophoresis to study their own DNA. The day will also include opportunities to chat with our women scientists, find out about their work and careers in science, and take a tour of science facilities on campus.


 

General Assembly 2022

Eleven schools from across the UK, representing over 500 pupils were invited to a live online Assembly event, with three speakers from the Easter Bush Campus. At the end of the talks, an open Q&A session was enthusiastically utilised by the pupils. 

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

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