International Day of Women and Girls in Science

We’re celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by shining a light on the inspirational women scientists working across the Trust.

Women and girls across the globe are celebrating this day which marks the importance of both science and gender equality for international progress. It also acts as a reminder of the fantastic career opportunities available in science. 

Whilst women make up the majority of the NHS workforce, just 30 per cent of the world’s researchers are women.

Change is happening slowly, with many women now thriving in fields such as pathology, pharmacy, radiology, audiology and microbiology, all playing a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a huge number of medical conditions.

The global pandemic has helped to raise the profile of science related careers, particularly in healthcare, with the role of women researchers and scientists more prominent than ever.

For the last two years many women have been leading the way in advancing the world’s scientific knowledge of the virus, developing techniques for testing and developing an effective vaccine.

Bethany Davies is a Trainee Biomedical Scientist, in the Pathology Team at the Great Western Hospital. She has had a keen interest in science and the human body from a young age, which made a career in healthcare science a natural choice.

After studying Medical Science at Leeds University, Bethany began her career as a Biomedical Support Worker, before starting her training as a Biomedical Scientist.

Bethany said: “My work is really interesting as I love seeing what’s inside people, how the human body works and how we can fix it. In pathology we look at blood, urine, tissue samples and even COVID test samples.

“I work with a wonderful team of people and different clinicians from all over the hospital come to us with unusual cases to help them solve. I’d eventually like to specialise in cellular pathology.

“Although most patients won’t know I exist, and I’ll never get to meet them, I find it really rewarding to know I’ve helped them.

“I think the pandemic has helped to raise the profile of what we do in the labs and I hope more young people are now curious about a career in healthcare science.

“I think it’s so important to encourage an interest in science at a young age and my team works with local schools to try to get young people excited about science.”

This celebration is led by UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that promote women and girls’ access to and participation in science.

To learn more visit https://unesco.org.uk/events/international-days/international-day-of-woman-and-girls-in-science/.

For information on NHS careers in healthcare science visit www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science

For vacancies at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust visit www.jobs.nhs.uk/