//#WomenInScience 2025
Posted 11/02/2025 1:00am
Annually, on 11 February, UNESCO recognises and celebrates females in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are playing an important part in Imperial’s exciting ambition to create healthier futures for our consumers, and one core focus area is creating an inclusive environment to support equity for all genders in our workforce.
We’re proud that across our Science and Innovation functions, over half of our colleagues (almost 60%) are women who are flourishing in a wide variety of areas, disciplines, and leadership positions.
To mark 2025’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we spoke to a number of our female scientists and technologists across the business to find out more about the role STEM has played in their lives and careers.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?
Erika Grandolfo, Scientific Affairs Manager
“When I think back to the person I was time ago, I realise just how close I came to missing the greatest opportunity of my life: becoming a scientist. Yes, a proper one, with test tubes and experiments in a laboratory. And I owe it all to another woman – my secondary school science teacher!
“Despite my laziness, poor scores and complete lack of interest in the subject, she continued to teach me with passion and creativity, sharing everything she knew. I still vividly remember the hours spent in that old, forgotten laboratory, where she introduced us to “the scientific method.” Those little experiments she showed us would soon spark my curiosity, leading to the desire to learn more and more about how our bodies work and the harmonious, yet intricate, ways in which the world around us functions.
“To her, I owe a priceless gift: scientists have the great responsibility to educate and explain complex concepts to those who know less, with simplicity and clarity, so that they can see that science belongs to everyone, regardless of gender, social or cultural background.”
Did you face any challenges early on; if so, how did you overcome them?
Jodi Mackin, Laboratory Manager
“Starting out in science, I faced three major challenges: self-belief, age discrimination, and work-life balance. Here’s how I navigated each of these obstacles.
“Early on, I struggled with self-doubt, especially surrounded by more experienced colleagues. My family’s constant support kept me grounded, and I found inspiration in women like Dr. Laura Pettler and Carolyn Bertozzi. By focusing on both my strengths and weaknesses, I realised that growth comes from continual learning and embracing imperfections.
“Being seen as ‘too young’ was a barrier I encountered early in my career. I responded by speaking up and advocating against age discrimination, emphasising that skills and dedication matter more than years of experience. I also took it upon myself to improve in areas where I lacked experience, proving that age does not define one’s potential.
“I initially pushed myself to work long hours, fearing that anything less would hold me back. However, I soon realised that this wasn’t sustainable. To protect my well-being, I started practicing guided meditation and set clear boundaries between work and personal life. I also learned that it’s okay to make mistakes and that being realistic about my workload was key to maintaining balance.”
“Looking back, these challenges shaped me into a stronger and more confident scientist. I learned the importance of self-belief, advocating for myself, and maintaining balance. For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: embrace growth, trust yourself, and never sacrifice your wellbeing in pursuit of success.”
Has there been a standout moment in your career so far when you felt particularly empowered or successful?
Tasnim Abusalem, Clinical Research Scientist
“I wouldn’t highlight just one moment; there are more, but I’ll focus on two that stand out as particularly empowering and successful in my career so far.
“Before joining Imperial, during my time in skin research, I was closely involved in clinical trials where we tested products on patients with the potential to improve their quality of life. Seeing the positive impact of our work, from the visible improvements in their condition to how much they valued our efforts, was incredibly rewarding. Witnessing first-hand how research can directly transform lives left a lasting impression on me. It was a powerful reminder of the tangible role science plays in advancing healthcare and improving people’s wellbeing.
“The second moment came during my time at Imperial, when I presented at the CORESTA congress. It was my first time speaking on such a large stage to such a diverse audience. Preparing and delivering the presentation in a short timeframe wasn’t easy, but it turned into an invaluable learning experience. It also highlighted the power of science to create a lasting impact in the field.
The Q&A session that followed was empowering, as it gave me the chance to engage in meaningful scientific discussions and exchange ideas with experts in the field. Both moments, although very different, have been instrumental in strengthening my commitment to contributing to impactful research.”
Are there any misperceptions about women in STEM, and how would you address them?
Sarah Weaver, Science Academy Senior Manager
“I’ve come across many misperceptions about women in STEM, from people being perceived as socially awkward, ‘nerdy’ and lacking creativity to being put in a box and referred to as a ‘science person’ with a narrow focus and skillset – TV programs like The Big Bang Theory do little to dispel this misperception. I think that the word ‘STEM’ doesn’t always conjure excitement and roles in STEM can be (incorrectly) perceived as a little boring.
“There is so much more behind roles relating to ‘Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths’ with many important skills developed working in these areas. Creativity is celebrated – how can new ideas be generated without being creative? Communication is key – coming up creative ways to engage people without a STEM background is important to enable understanding. Collaboration is important – working as a team is often a key to success. I believe that the skills developed working in STEM are transferable and do not limit someone; they actually help people thrive in any challenge they are given.
“Yes, someone working in STEM may have a specific passion for science or engineering but that does not define them as a person. Irrespective of gender, I would encourage people to look past someone’s role, be curious and involve them. They often have a diverse range of skills which, alongside their passion, means that they have a lot to offer.”
Is there anything obvious that still needs to change in educational/workplace environments to encourage more females to enter and thrive in STEM?
Jill Jones, Head of NGP Formulation & Processing
“Absolutely; I think there’s a lot that we can do as a business and on an individual level.
“Encouraging early interest through engaging and hands-on activities can build confidence and spark ambition. Colleges and educational programs should actively promote STEM. In a previous company, we ran an apprenticeship programme supported by a local college/university for 18-to-24 year olds. It offered a great opportunity for candidates to obtain experience, education, and on-the-job training. This is how I kickstarted my career too; I was interested in science and engineering, and was lucky to win an apprenticeship working in product development and pilot manufacturing.
“Addressing unconscious bias is another priority; it can influence hiring, promotions, and everyday interactions. Training programs to recognise and mitigate these biases can help create a more inclusive environment.
“Providing role models and mentors can inspire and guide young women. Likewise, building communities and networks where women in STEM can share experiences, challenges, and advice can provide much-needed support and encouragement.
“Finally, implementing flexible work policies, including remote work options and flexible hours like Imperial offers, can help women balance their careers with personal responsibilities and make STEM careers more accessible.”
Our sincere thanks to all our interviewees for sharing their experience and insights.
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