Celebrating the Women in STEM of our past and present — while inspiring those of the future
In the spirit of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science this year, Exeter College’s MCR passed a motion to galvanise students and staff across all levels in celebrating the ground-breaking contributions of Exeter’s Women in STEM.
What followed was a months-long campaign: a cross–Common Room collaboration showcasing the stories of Exeter’s Women in STEM at every career stage. The initiative culminated in a flagship event on 17 May, bringing together students from secondary school to postgraduate level for a day of inspiring talks and panels featuring some of Exeter’s (and Oxford’s) most prominent academics.
The programme opened with welcome remarks from MCR President Rea Tresa, followed by talks from Earth Sciences undergraduate student Natalie Turner and DPhil candidate Hannah Sanderson, who shed light on their research and outreach activities. The day continued with two thought-provoking panel discussions: Women Who Count: Maths Across STEM (featuring Exeter Fellows Prof Cornelia Druțu, Prof Sandra Kiefer, and Prof Marian Knight OBE, chaired by DPhil student Anda-Raluca Epure), and From Culture to Cure: Women Translating Scientific Research into Medicine (with Exeter Fellows Dr Sarah Howles, Dr Georgia Isom, and Dr Katherine Bull, led by undergraduate Lauren Laughlin), where panellists shared highlights and lessons learned throughout their personal and professional journeys. The keynote talks from two more Exeter Fellows, Prof Kerry Walker (Hearing with Our Brains) and Prof Catherine Green OBE (Making Vaccines in Pandemic Times), were delivered with remarkable clarity and passion.
The speakers represented a wide spectrum of disciplines — from Earth and Medical Sciences to Mathematics — with work ranging from geometric group theory to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines that saved millions of lives. Despite the diversity of fields and career stages, common themes emerged: the power of mentorship, the importance of women uplifting one another, resilience in the face of adversity, and the critical role of science advocacy.
As one secondary school student put it:
“Attending the Women in STEM presentations was an incredibly inspiring experience. I had the chance to connect with passionate and driven women from across the field. Their stories and achievements reminded me of the power of perseverance, especially through hard times like COVID, and the importance of building a community. I left feeling more motivated than ever to continue my journey in STEM.”
The initiative was co-organised by a diverse team of undergraduate and graduate students, generously supported by Exeter College. The committee itself reflected the values of the event — with members from different genders and academic backgrounds, including many people who were neither women nor in STEM. That same spirit of inclusivity was mirrored by the attendees, who travelled from Cambridge, London, Dundee, and beyond. The diversity of participants and perspectives underscored a fundamental belief: real change doesn’t happen in echo chambers, and that creating inclusive, empowering spaces is a shared responsibility.
A standout feature of the event was the beautifully designed memorabilia, created by Radhini Gawarammana (MCR Stash Officer) and Tina Rainey (MCR Social Secretary), allowing attendees to take home keepsakes from a truly unforgettable day. A poster exhibition showcased the work of current students and celebrated distinguished alumnae, fostering intergenerational exchange and academic dialogue. Meanwhile, the Ask a Scientist corner, led by Tedi Yankov (MCR Library Officer), provided a more informal space for conversations, allowing guests to speak directly with researchers over snacks and during the post-event networking lunch.
This event is part of Exeter College’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that Oxford remains a place of inspiration and opportunity for future generations.
