One of Aberdeen University’s former scientific luminaries is at the heart of a new photography exhibition in Edinburgh.
Professor Dame Anne Glover, the president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, has spoken of her delight at being involved in the celebration of Scotland’s leading female scientists. And she brought along a piece of basic Lego as one of the inspirations behind her far-travelled journey, which saw her become the first-ever Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland from 2006 to 2011 .
The 62-year-old previously held a Personal Chair of Molecular and Cell Biology at Aberdeen University, along with honorary positions at the Macaulay and Rowett Institutes.
Other objects featured in the 21 portraits included solar-powered cells, carbon dioxide locked up inside rocks, models of molecules, a sixth-year school report on biology and even a melted kettle element.
A short self-penned essay next to every photo explains every woman’s expertise and what inspired them to become a scientist and why they do what they do.
Speaking at the exhibition, Dame Anne said: “The RSE is privileged to have amongst its Fellowship some of the most innovative female scientists in the world today.
“By celebrating some of them here, we can hopefully inspire many others in realising what a wonderful and diverse career path science can be and take pride in ourselves as a nation in the calibre of scientists who study, work or carry out research in Scotland.”
Dr Rebekah Widdowfield, chief executive of the RSE, said: “While our recent report, Tapping all our Talents, showed some good progress in the number of women pursuing a career in science, we know that more still needs to be done to attract women to study and work in science and to retain them within the profession.
“The report highlighted the importance of positive role models and providing the instigation for this exhibition which seeks to help increase the visibility of some of Scotland’s fantastic women scientists. It demonstrates both the impact of their work and the pleasure that these women gain through their life in science.”
Women in Science in Scotland is also part of this year’s Edinburgh Science Festival, alongside a special discussion presented by the RSE, Being a Woman in Science: Changed Times?
The photographic exhibition will run until the autumn.
