Weekly Wrap-Up

I want to start this post by taking a moment to appreciate our growing network, and to say thank you to all you awesome women and supporters who are behind this success. I know this week is ending on a dark note for American science and that the proposed budget cuts are damn scary. We have strength in each other and we will continue to #resist every day. 

What we've done

What we like

Women Scientists of Europe Unite

Women Scientists of Europe Unite

Science and technology are integral to all aspects of our life — from medicine and the environment to energy and trade. Today, more than ever, breakthroughs in science towards solving society’s biggest challenges are best made by collaborations across national boundaries, by interdisciplinary research, and, foremost, by bringing together diverse scientific minds. Yet, while it is well established that diversity leads to better science, women, people of colour, immigrants, LGBTQIA, and disabled people continue to face ubiquitous and well-known challenges in sciences across the world and across Europe.

Take Action Tuesday

In our suggested actions this week, we focus on ways to support diversity. 

  • February is Black History Month and a great oppurtunity to support groups and causes we believe in.  We suggest helping groups that support diversity grow in your communities and on Facebook and Twitter (e.g. Vanguard STEM).

  • Let’s help each other connect with young women interested in science. Find a local science event and volunteer as a speaker or science fair judge. One immediate opportunity is the Expanding Your Horizons conference in Fort Collins April 8 and looking for volunteers. Post similar opportunities near you in the comments section. 

Just Jump In

Just Jump In

On a scientist's career path, there are a range of questions that we are confronted with. There are the obvious questions: what major should I choose? What graduate school should I attend? Which post-doc(s) should I apply for? Should I stay in academy, go into government, or find a job in a private sector?? But then there are the less obvious questions, the questions that plague many of us as humans: Why am I doing this? Does my work even make a difference? How can I make a more positive impact on society? For Kelly Fleming, a leader of 500 Women Scientist, she may have struggled with these questions, but her path demonstrates that sometimes it is best to not waver and just jump in. She is discovering that you will only make a difference if you are moving forward. 

Weekly Wrap-Up

As the world continues turning, in a rather chaotic feeling rotation, we remain grateful for all our growing network, our supporters and the progress we are making. This week we reached over 16K signatures! Tomorrow (Saturday), is International Day of Women and Girls in Science! Let's start the celebration off early, tweet us your science activities and photos with #womeninscience. Read on to see what you might have missed this week: 

What we've done

  • Discovered the necessity of creativity in science. 

  • Sent out a second newsletter, check your inbox! 

  • Shared why we will March for Science. 

  • Formed 500WS Pods around the world! Message to find one near you. 

 

What we like

  • This Decolonising Science Reading List. 

  • On science's minority talent pool. 

  • Protect our Air, Water & Land. 

  • Wikipedia women in stem edit-a-thon - Sign-up to help!

500 Women Scientists is on its way to becoming a powerful organization representing the voices of tens of thousands of women scientists all over the globe. With your gift we can pay for the vital infrastructure we need. Plus, your donations help keep 500WS resources free and open, one less barrier to women in science.