International Women’s Day 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 until 13th 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 celebrate the growing community of female researchers
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.

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: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/eventssummary/event_2-3-2009-9-47-49

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