Women in STEM Scholarships
The British Council’s Women in STEM scholarship scheme was developed in 2021 to support talented women to become a new generation of scholars who are beginning to break down the barriers that women of colour face in science. Each year a small cohort of high achieving-high potential women are selected through a competitive process to receive a Women in STEM scholarship. This enables them to enrol at a UK university to pursue a taught master’s programme in their preferred scientific discipline without the financial barriers or concerns they would otherwise have faced. These scholars are encouraged to network across the different universities and countries to offer support and advice as they navigate establishing themselves in often male dominated fields.
Warwick has participated in the Women in STEM scholarship scheme since its inception and since the first cohort of women from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan who all studied in Life Sciences, the geographic and academic profile of our scholars has diversified. Having been invited to participate alongside Imperial College in a UK Government funded stream of Women in STEM for the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education project, Warwick’s current cohort of six women are all from Southeast Asia. Enrolled on master’s degree programmes in Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering and Engineering Business Management, the women have ambitions to be ambassadors for encouraging more girls to study science at school and university and to support women working in STEM fields in their respective home countries.
After graduating from Warwick, some of our earlier Women in STEM scholars have successfully secured roles aligned with their academic interests including
- Research Associate within climate change policy development
- Product Analyst within EdTech
- Regulatory Affairs Analyst within the pharmaceutical Industry
- Equipment Project Manager within the automotive industry
- Technology Auditor
- World Science Movement Project Leader
Interested to be a Women in STEM scholar?
Information about Women in STEM scholarship opportunities at Warwick will be published at the end of 2025. Please check back later in the year.
Women in STEM conference
On an unusually sunny March day, almost 100 women gathered for the first time at the University of Glasgow. Many different countries, UK universities and academic interests were represented in the room but there was one thing they all had in common: all of them were recipients of a prestigious Women in STEM scholarship and had taken time away from their studies to attend the British Council’s Women in STEM conference.
The two-day programme offered scholars the opportunity to hear from inspiring women who have forged a successful career in a STEM field; to listen to the stories of the scholars who have gone before them; to receive specialist training that will support their development; and perhaps most importantly to connect and celebrate with each other.
Scholar Reflections
Nguyen Thao, Vietnam
“This is my first time visiting a UK university other than Warwick, where I am currently studying. It is also my first time setting foot in Glasgow and exploring every corner of this historic and prestigious university in Scotland.
Listening to women leaders in STEM has been incredibly inspiring, reinforcing my passion and aspirations for my career. I wish all female students in STEM in my country - Vietnam could hear these powerful stories and gain the same motivation from this event.
One of the highlights for me was the insightful sharing from Prof. Karen Halliday and Prof. Sheila Rowan on the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in scientific achievements. As a student who studied basic science, their words truly touched my heart. It reminded me that as long as I stay persistent on my path, great things will always be ahead.”
Win, Myanmar
"What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to connect with Women in STEM alumni and network with scholars from around the world, exchanging ideas and experiences that foster collaboration and mentorship.
My pledge is to advocate for gender equality and inclusivity in STEM, ensuring more women can access opportunities and break barriers.
From the talks, I am taking away key insights on EDI, challenging gender stereotypes, and the importance of effective communication. These lessons will guide me in empowering women in STEM, enhancing visibility, and fostering a supportive community for future generations."
Dirce, Timor Leste
“Attending the conference was an incredibly inspiring experience. What stood out to me most was realizing that, regardless of where we come from, women around the world face similar challenges in STEM and in their personal lives. Prof. Karen Halliday’s discussion on the Leaky Pipeline reinforced that these struggles are a global phenomenon.
Each speaker shared powerful insights, and what I appreciated most was their honesty in discussing their struggles despite their success. Dr. Sofiat Olaosebikan emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and how having the right support helped her seize opportunities. Prof. Sheila Rowan shared how people doubted her research, yet with encouragement, she persevered—even when she was the only woman in her field. She also reminded me not to fear being the "odd one out." Prof. Antonia Ho spoke about overcoming her fear of public speaking and highlighted the importance of authenticity. Prof. Andrea Nolan reflected on the progress women have made in male-dominated fields, which gives me hope for the improvement of women's lives in my country. Dr. Jen Bardsley addressed imposter syndrome, encouraging me to see self-discovery and growth as ongoing journeys. Their openness made their experiences even more relatable and inspiring.
Beyond the talks, I truly enjoyed networking with ASEAN-UK SAGE WIS scholars from Imperial College London, as well as many other ASEAN scholars and scholars from around the world. Visiting the University of Glasgow, exploring the city centre, and experiencing the magical atmosphere of Edinburgh made the event even more memorable.
This conference reinforced how vital support systems are. I wouldn’t be here without my husband’s encouragement and willingness to take on the "mom" role during my study away from home for this scholarship opportunity. In my pledge, I wrote: “I want to give back, and that is why I am here. I am here because someone wanted to give back.” While I may not yet know exactly how I will give back, one speaker encouraged me that even small actions can make a meaningful difference.”
Chou I, Cambodia
"Attending the Women in STEM Networking Conference was an incredible experience! The diverse range of speakers, insightful panel discussions, and interactive workshops provided me with valuable perspectives on breaking barriers and empowering women in STEM. It was inspiring to connect with like-minded people, exchange ideas, and share experiences. This was a fantastic opportunity, not only for the engaging conversations but also for potential collaborations. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned and staying connected with everyone I met!"
My pledge: How amazing it is to be a woman in the STEM field! Studying STEM subjects is not just about building a career—it also shapes the way we think critically, guided by evidence and curiosity. If you’re passionate about STEM, go for it! We’re here to create a better, more inclusive STEM community and can’t wait to welcome you on this meaningful journey together.
My two key takeaways:
Networking is important - surrounding yourself with a supportive community and collaborating with them can lead to fantastic achievements.
It's okay to feel scared, but when you realize you're scared, that's your cue to jump in!