Celebrating International Women's Day 2025

Anne-Lise Gerard, Bioinformatician, Children's Cancer Institute: “As a Bioinformatician at the Children's Cancer Institute, I analyze transcriptomic and proteomic data to gain a deeper understanding of the immune system's response to cancer. I am proud to be part of a team led by a woman, especially knowing that women make up just over a third of bioinformaticians worldwide. Having recently completed my PhD, I hope to inspire other women who are just starting their careers.”

Aoife McGarrigle, Print & Lithography Technician, Glasgow School of Art: “I’ve been a technician at Glasgow School of Art for 24 years. I teach stone and plate lithography and I’m also the team leader for the Printmaking team. Across the whole technical support department, I’m proud to say we have healthy gender balance. I feel Art Schools lead the way in championing gender equality in technical roles.”

Chelsea Mayoh, Principal Bioinformatic Scientist, Children's Cancer Institute: “As the lead RNA bioinformatician for the ZERO program, I use my technical skills to change the outcome of many children with cancer. During my time at CCI we have applied personalised genomic medicine to over 2000 kids, many of which would not be alive today without the program. I hope to inspire the next generation of women in STEM.”

Emma Sherab, Technical Demonstrator in Publishing and Journalism, Bath Spa University: “I teach students to become skilled and adaptable creatives who understand the importance of visual and written content in the multimedia industry. I work with a highly skilled team of women who are active in both industry and academia.”

Gemma Matthews, Technical Demonstrator for Publishing and Journalism, Bath Spa University: “I teach students how to use design software to create books, magazines and websites. I am part of a strong team of women who use their creative talents to prepare students for industry.”

Martine Graf, Senior Technician (School of Environmental and Natural Sciences), Bangor University: “I am working in the field of soil & environmental sciences and what I love most about my work is the variety, room for creativity, and satisfaction of seeing experiments through from conceptualisation to publication. My job involves a lot of work in agricultural fields, as well as detail-oriented lab procedures, and data curation and interpretation. I enjoy being involved in every aspect of a project and having the chance to apply my skills and learn new things each time.”

Tessa Cobb, Technical Demonstrator for Publishing, Bath Spa University: “I show students how to design books, magazines and websites, particularly in children's publishing. Together with other technically talented women in my department, I inspire and coach students to take their first big steps into this creatively fulfilling industry.”

Hundreds of women have completed the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership, a national programme designed to elevate and advance opportunities for women, who are current or aspiring leaders in technical roles. Pictured: Participants of the 2024 Herschel cohort.