Further information
Visit the gallery exhibition in the College Main Entrance from 9-13 March and see a series of 100 portraits celebrating women scientists and engineers from all academic levels at Imperial in support of Women’s day.
The photo exhibition
The photo exhibition, which marks International Women’s Day, provides a window into the world of science at Imperial College London and the increasingly important role played by women scientists.
100 Women – 100 Visions, has been designed and commissioned by Imperial’s student society for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) and includes photos of both students and staff – from undergraduates to professors. Participating women represent all areas of research within the College. The portraits are taken by photographer Jackie King, recipient of the ‘British Professional Photographer of the Year’ and ‘UK Portrait Photographer of the Year’ awards in 2005.
The event is organised by Electrical and Electronic Engineering PhD student, Ellin Saunders and Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD student Eirini Spentza, with the valuable help of many enthusiastic student volunteers. Ellin says:
“We wanted to illustrate the real diversity of individuals who study and work here, in order to help change the perceptions of this historically male-dominated environment. Women are still generally underrepresented – particularly higher up in the academic ranks – but there is an excitement about the future among us and a commitment to change across College which we felt was important to capture and communicate.”
Ellin adds: “Our inspiration to take one hundred portraits comes from the women at Imperial College London themselves. They are an inspiring group of people. We wanted to create a colourful series that would capture the influx of the next generation as well as senior members of staff who have already had a profound impact on their fields through world-leading research. The creative aspect of this project is also a reflection of the fact that science and engineering is about more than numbers and formulas and is far from dry or boring.”
The event offers the opportunity to hear from Imperial’s Rector, Sir Roy Anderson, who will officially open the exhibition, and Professor Dot Griffiths, Chair of the Academic Opportunities Committee, set up in 1998 to ensure a level playing field for female academics.
Professor Dot Griffiths, says: “Imperial College is fortunate in having so many talented women in science, engineering and medicine and we are committed to removing barriers and creating an environment which supports and encourages them at every stage of their careers.”
The project is funded by the Imperial College Union, the Academic Opportunities Committee, the three Academic Ambassadors for Women, and the Human Resources Equalities Unit.
A positive contribution
The enthusiasm with which the female community at Imperial College welcomed the project was overwhelming, with many more than 100 women wishing to take part. The experience itself also lived up to expectations – participants greatly enjoyed the process of working with Jackie King to create a portrait that depicts them as women scientists and engineers, and many commented on how proud and inspired they felt to represent their fields of study.
Organisers and participants alike hope that the project will help increase the visibility of women and promote equal opportunities throughout the College. In particular, personalising women in science in this way is widely recognised as an important cause. The project has also been applauded for demonstrating the great variety of research carried out within Imperial College London and the presence of female staff and students across all these disciplines.
The student society for Women in Science, Engineering & Technology (SET)
The Imperial College Women in SET student society was created in 2007 to encourage female science and engineering graduates to pursue careers in SET but also to encourage young girls to consider pursuing science, engineering and technology degrees at university. Through the events we organise we aim to challenge the preconceptions students have about scientists and engineers, raise the profile of SET careers for women and provide budding women scientists with visible role-models they can aspire to.
In the last two years the society has organised many large-scale events including symposiums with prominent women scientists on the panel, for students interested in research and academia; networking evenings with various speakers from industry, covering all science and engineering disciplines; workshops focusing on CV’s and job applications as well as softer skills and awareness for women scientists and engineers. We also work with schools to encourage more girls to choose engineering and science degrees at university, and organise an Engineering Open Day for Girls.