Lancaster’s Department of Chemistry hosted a Global Women’s Breakfast on the theme of “Diversity of Women’s Careers in Chemistry”, inviting guest speakers from a range of different chemistry backgrounds.

The event – which was run as a part of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry’s Accelerating Equity in Science Day on the 11^th February – was organised within the Department thanks to a grant administered by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Open to people of any gender, the day was intended as both a celebration of women within the field of chemistry, as well as an opportunity for chemists to share the challenges they have faced over the course of their careers as a minority within the physical sciences, and how they overcame them. The event was dedicated to Dr Lorna Ashton, a vibrant member of Lancaster’s Chemistry Department who passed away very recently.

The day opened with a careers talk from Kate Price Edwards (Head of Faculty Engagement and Curriculum Development in the LU Careers Team), and was followed by a panel talk featuring women in industry and academia, professional services and technical capacities, answering questions posed by the audience about their experiences as a women in chemistry.

Following on from the panel discussion, the attendees split off into groups to create mind maps and posters on the theme of “Diversity of Career Paths in Chemistry”, which led to animated discussions on a variety of related topics, such as the academia vs industry pipeline, future career ambitions, and how to encourage women to remain in STEM. Guests were also encouraged to think about their future career aspirations, which pathway and choices appealed to them, and what could inspire them from the sessions. The day itself was very well attended, and attracted staff, undergraduates, and postgraduates both from within the Chemistry Department and beyond.

Commenting on the success of the day, organiser Dr Sophie Rawnsley-Lau, a researcher in the Department of Chemistry, said: "I really enjoyed joining the insightful conversations between the speakers and event guests, learning and listening to their experiences about their careers and as women in chemistry was invaluable. I am very thankful for everyone that organised, participated, and funded the Global Women’s Breakfast event. I hope this has inspired them to continue their journey towards helping to achieve gender equity in the sciences and their career goals."

Attendee and panel member Victoria Walker, Associate Director of CK Group added: “I really enjoyed speaking at the Global Women’s Breakfast hosted by the Chemistry department at Lancaster University on Tuesday. It was great to be a part of the conversation around women in chemistry and I appreciated hearing about the views and experiences of the other panellists. Many thanks to the organisers for inviting me!”

Head of Department Dr Nick Evans also commented: “By hearing people's actual experiences, as well as sharing of ideas, through the panel and round table discussions made this an excellent event.

“Through the Breakfast, I am sure networks have been formed and enhanced, and we hope these will support the advancement of women - and indeed anyone - in their scientific careers.”

Resources from the event are available to be downloaded online.