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This year, the theme for British Science Week revolves around change and adaption. So, as we approach the end of this annual celebration, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the ways that Don Whitley Scientific (DWS) continues to evolve with the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) community.
While the STEM community may have once been a largely male-dominated space, this is now changing to welcome people of all backgrounds with a growing emphasis on encouraging young women to enter these industries. DWS is proud that we can foster a community where women are made to feel safe and given the opportunities to excel in their careers.
Recently, a few members of our team were involved in an interview with Bradford College for National Apprenticeship Week, which just so happened to be the week that International Day of Women and Girls in Science falls on. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to open up about their personal experiences throughout their careers in STEM and talk about how DWS has created a diverse and changing environment.
Here's what they had to say:
“Helping people, especially women and girls, down the STEM root requires very close support, both professionally and academically. For girls in the apprenticeship sector, encouragement is essential for letting them know that it’s ok for them to be in predominantly male fields, like engineering and science. At DWS, we believe in creating an encouraging environment for women in STEM.” - Fergus Murray, Director of Engineering and head of apprenticeship programme
“What I like about engineering is that there’s always something new, a constant progression or problem to solve. It keeps my mind going, I’ve always got my hands working, and I stay focused; there’s never a dull moment.” – Madeline Carney, Engineering Apprentice
“What I love most about science is the sense of reward it brings. For example, when you’re doing an experiment and it works out well, our results are sent to an external company that will use them for drug testing or development. Knowing that that’s going into the public domain and possibly contributing to disease treatment is incredibly fulfilling.
I think there should be more women and girls in science because it increases diversity. The more diverse study groups we have, the more likely we are to achieve a variety of results, perspectives, and new ways of thinking. This can lead to greater success in fields like cancer research and in tackling diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's.” – Kirsty McTear, Microbiologist
DWS embraces change and adaption by actively welcoming diversity within the STEM community. By fostering an inclusive environment, we not only enhance our own capabilities but also contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges we face. Together, we can create a future where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated.
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