New photo exhibition marks International Women’s Day with a window on women in science

One hundred portraits to celebrate the diversity of individuals who study and work at Imperial - <em>Media invitation</em>

Imperial College London media invitation

For immediate use
Thursday 5 March 2009

One hundred portraits of women in science, engineering and medicine will be displayed at Imperial College London from Monday 9 March to celebrate International Women’s Day and the UK’s growing community of female researchers.

100 Women – 100 Visions has been designed and commissioned by Imperial’s Student Society for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology and includes photos of both staff and students. The photographs will be on public display throughout the week in the College’s main entrance on Exhibition Road, South Kensington Campus.

 

Journalists are invited to attend the launch, which takes place at 17:00 in the College’s main entrance on Monday 9 March.

The event is organised by Electrical and Electronic Engineering PhD student Ellin Saunders and Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD student Eirini Spentza. 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 under-represented - 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.”

The portraits were 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 portraits celebrate the growing community of female researchers

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 also 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 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 Academic Ambassadors for Women, the Equalities Unit and the Faculties of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

International Women’s Day is marked on Sunday 8 March. For more information about the exhibition please see: www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/eventssummary/event_2-3-2009-9-47-49

For more information please contact:
Naomi Weston, Imperial College London press office
Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 6704
Out-of-hours duty press office: +44 (0)7803 886248
Email: n.weston@imperial.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. High resolution photos are available on request.

2. About the Academic Opportunities Committee

The Academic Opportunities Committee (AOC) was established as a Rector’s Advisory Committee to create a level playing field for women academics at Imperial College by removing barriers that may exist in appointment or career advancement, and to ensure that the numbers of such qualified women in the College are as high as possible.

A number of initiatives have been introduced at the College to support women and help them with their career advancement.

The Female Faculty Ambassadors scheme, introduced in October 2007, aims to provide support for female members of staff. The Ambassadors support fellow female academics in their professional development and recommend tutoring or mentoring facilities if they are needed. In addition, they work with the Principals and Deputy Principals on annual events and activities for women in the Faculties.

Other College initiatives include the Elsie Widdowson Fellowship Awards, which support female academics who want to concentrate fully on their research upon returning from maternity/adoption leave.

The College also won an Athena Silver SWAN award in 2006 for its demonstrated commitment to recruiting, retaining and advancing women academics.

3. About Imperial College London

Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 13,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality.

Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve health in the UK and globally, tackle climate change and develop clean and sustainable sources of energy.

Website: www.imperial.ac.uk