Celebrating Women in
Research
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on 8 March, recognises the achievements of women and advocates for gender equality.
At Warwick, we’re marking IWD by spotlighting inspiring women driving global change through their research – from space physics to film and bioimaging.
Explore their stories and discover how their work is shaping the future and inspiring the next generation.
Professor Michele Aaron
Professor Michele Aaron believes in the power of film to spark change.
From championing queer cinema to sharing the realities of end-of-life care, her work amplifies voices often left out of mainstream media.
Professor Aaron founded the Screening Rights Film Festival, showcasing films on human rights and social justice.
Now, she’s breaking new ground with projects on Jewish-Palestinian solidarity and LGBTQIA+ end-of-life experiences.
Professor Wiji Arulampalam
From Sri Lanka to the UK, Professor Wiji Arulampalam built a four-decade career in economics, becoming one of the world's most highly cited researchers in her field.
Her work on unemployment scarring shaped economic policy, proving how research can drive real-world impact. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she thrived through collaboration and resilience.
Now preparing for retirement, she reflects on a career guided by passion, not a plan – an inspiring reminder to embrace opportunities fearlessly.
Professor Kate Astbury
Professor Kate Astbury is uncovering forgotten voices from the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras. Her research on prisoner-of-war theatre has shed light on Black Caribbean revolutionaries and lost performances, challenging historical narratives.
A champion of public engagement, she brings history to life through theatre, exhibitions, and media.
After 25 years at Warwick, Kate continues to ensure the past isn’t just remembered – but reimagined.
Dr Saskia Bakker
Dr. Saskia Bakker manages Warwick’s Advanced Bioimaging Research Technology Platform, aiding researchers with advanced microscopy.
With a background in pharmacy and virology, she transitioned to a technical career, ensuring imaging technologies are accessible. Saskia enjoys training scientists and witnessing their excitement as they explore samples.
Passionate about supporting research, she champions Warwick’s commitment to technical professionals, driving innovation across various disciplines.
Professor Sandra Chapman
As a child, Sandra dreamed of the stars – now, she leads ground-breaking space physics research.
Overcoming gender barriers, she became Warwick’s first female physics professor and pioneered space research. Her work on solar cycles reshaped space weather predictions, impacting satellite operations.
A passionate mentor and advocate for women in STEM, Sandra has also battled breast cancer and epilepsy, demonstrating resilience. Her journey is a testament to pushing boundaries and reaching for the stars.
Professor Emma MacPherson
Professor Emma MacPherson is transforming medical imaging with terahertz technology, a safer, more effective way to detect skin cancer.
Leading cutting-edge research at Warwick, she is also paving the way for women in physics – becoming the first female winner of a major international award in her field.
Emma’s work with the NHS could revolutionise early cancer detection, proving that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.
Professor Rachel Moseley
Rachel Moseley’s journey to academia wasn’t conventional – but it was full of passion.
From art school to film studies, she carved her own path, proving the arts are vital and valuable. Now Vice-Provost at Warwick, she champions creative education, cultural research, and gender representation in media.
A leader, author, and advocate, Rachel is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. She believes that curiosity, resilience, and empathy are key to success – and that creativity has the power to shape the future.
For more information or interview requests, please contact: Stevie Connoll – Media & Communications Officer (stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791)