We spoke to six women – undergraduates and researchers from the University of Warwick – to learn about their experiences of nurturing talent in girls and women in stem. There remain barriers entry with the UN reporting only 12% of members in national science academies are women. And for women and girls marginalised by culture, disabilities, rural deprivation and those who identify as LGBTQ+ – the barriers to entry and progression are even higher.

It’s been 10 years since the UN announced the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science to highlight the gender gap in Stem-related fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the slow progress of women into senior positions. As of 2023, the number of women graduates in Stem had increase by 5% to just 35% since 2014, when the Awareness Day launched.

Dr Abimbola Ayorinde

Associate Professor of Health services and public health research, University of Warwick

What inspired your passion for science?

"I have always been interested in science. My parents are both nurses and growing up in Nigeria we had a pharmacy, and I was fascinated about how drugs work. I remember having a discussion with my dad where he told me about pharmacology, this inspired me to study physiology and pharmacology at university."

How was your early educational experience in science?

"I moved to the UK when I was 15 and started my A-levels. I don’t remember seeing many girls in science, especially in subjects like physics and chemistry. I was quite marginalised because I was young for my year group, Black, and new to British culture. However, I had strong support at home and within our community, which helped me focus, not dwell on the difficulties and pursue the degree I wanted."

Did your ambitions in science research change?

"During my undergraduate degree, I completed a sandwich year at a university in America where I worked in a great lab and contributed to a project that was eventually published. Through this, I realised I wanted to work in applied science with a direct impact on people. After graduating, I worked on a hospital project screening patients for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and in an NHS Research and Development office. This confirmed my desire to focus on applied science."

What inspires you in research?

"I’m particularly inspired by the impact research can have on communities and how communities can shape research. Research isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about sharing that knowledge and ensuring it reaches those who need it most. When I first got involved in community engagement, it was an emotional experience because many people don’t have the ‘common knowledge’, or resources to improve their lives. As researchers, we can get caught up in our own bubble, but that experience emphasised the need to work alongside the community to make a tangible, lasting difference."

What skills do you bring to your research?

"With a background in epidemiology, I specialise in quantitative studies, evidence synthesis, and stakeholder engagement, often referred to as co-production or patient and public involvement. I approach research with an inequalities lens, ensuring that marginalised communities are included. I actively seek to broaden my skill set. Currently I’m exploring new participatory research methods such as nominal group technique in collaboration with colleagues from Imperial College."

What is the impact of your research?

"My research focuses on improving public health through working with communities, particularly those overlooked in traditional research, to ensure real-life benefits. The West Midlands Knowledge and Action Partnership for Race Equity, a community-driven initiative I helped establish, fosters mutual learning, research and community empowerment for ethnic minority groups. My research influences policymakers and service providers by synthesising information that supports decision-making, helping to shape policies that improve health and reduce health inequalities."

What has your experience been like as a woman in science and as a Black woman in science?

"Progressing in research often depends on publications in high impact journals and securing big grants. Much of my work focuses on evidence synthesis and stakeholder engagement which often does not receive the same level of funding or traditional academic journal publication compared to some other research fields. So, there is that disparity in terms of how different types of scientific contributions are valued. Being a woman, and even more so a Black woman, adds another layer of complexity and challenge in terms of recognition and opportunities. I am resilient and I have learned to keep pushing forward, looking for opportunities and making the most of them when they come my way."

How has your career progressed?

"As a woman of faith, I believe that when you give your best to work that aligns with your values and purpose, the right opportunities come your way. Collaborating has helped me grow professionally and expand my network. I've been fortunate to work with people who believe in my work, and I make the most of opportunities, whether it’s a small grant, big grant, a new partnership, or project."

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