THE WOMEN IN CHEMISTRY GROUP

The first Women in Chemistry conference was founded in 2019, at the initiative of three PhD students, Dara O’Brien, Rhona Savin, and Neelam Mughal. Their idea was to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), by inviting six female chemists to talk about, and celebrate, their career journeys with an inclusive audience. The idea was not only to discuss issues of equality and diversity in the chemical sciences, but to showcase women themselves at centre stage for IWD. The response was hugely positive, and it is now an annual event. Seeing the enormous response to the conference and appetite for change, Dara went on to found the Women in Chemistry Group with the Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee in the University of Nottingham School of Chemistry. The group was established as an umbrella-group within the EDI committee, with a particular focus on women’s (and related) issues.

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The Women in Chemistry Group continues to operate as a voluntary organisation of young researchers, academics, and professionals within the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham. Over the past 6 years, we have organised our annual ‘Celebrating Women in Chemistry Conference and Careers Event’  held in honour of International Women’s Day. The conference features inspiring women speakers within academia and industry, providing an insight into their research and career development. It is a fully inclusive careers event for young researchers, that also provides an environment to foster stimulating debate while discussing issues of gender equality and diversity within the scientific community. This year, we have expanded the conference with female speakers in STEM, showcasing experience and knowledge beyond the field of Chemistry.

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We strive to highlight and bring awareness to the barriers that women face, but we also take immense pride in creating an event that celebrates the successes and contributions of women within chemistry. Our event creates an atmosphere unlike any other conference, where delegates feel involved and valued and are able to share their own personal experiences. We hope that everyone leaves our event feeling inspired, optimistic and empowered for their future. We encourage people of all genders to attend the event to stand in solidarity with women scientists and show their support as allies. 

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We look forward to celebrating with you soon!