Celebrating International Women's Day 2026

Oorosa Ali, Software Tester at QCIF Digital Research: “Building better softwares requires more than just finding bugs; it requires the unique perspective to ask the questions that others might overlook. I’m proud to contribute to a field where my technical rigor helps break glass ceilings while ensuring our technology remains unbreakable.”

Debbie Allen, research scientist at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University: "I have been involved in plant trait and crop science projects for 36 years. I’m usually to be found in the laboratory, doing chemical analysis of plant material, or in our environment-controlled facility or glasshouses, setting up and monitoring plant experiments. I'm currently working on the Nue-Leg project which aims to optimise nitrogen from legumes such as clover to reduce emissions in grassland farming. The project is led by our long-term commercial partner Germinal Horizon and involves a range of other industry partners and organisations."

Karen Askew, research technician at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University: "My work as a research technician at IBERS is interesting and diverse. One day I can be phenotyping in the greenhouse or in the field and the next performing compound analysis in the laboratory and in between these running samples on the departmental CT scanner. I enjoy learning new techniques, interacting with different teams across the Institute and assisting other researchers in moving their projects forward."

Marlene Barrera, Technical Officer, University of Chester: "I am a Chemical Engineer working as a Technical Officer since 2022, supporting the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering teaching laboratories at the University of Chester. As the only woman in my technical team, I’ve valued the supportive dynamic we’ve built and take pride in supporting my colleagues in return. Working with students at all levels, developing experiments and guiding their research, continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my role".

Dr Julia Behnsen, Research Technical Professional (for X-ray micro-CT) at University of Liverpool: "I’ve never really thought if I can work in science as a woman. I’ve only ever thought, oh, that looks interesting, and just gone for it."

Jenny Bradley, Senior Science Technician in School of Environmental Sciences at University of Liverpool and Chair of University of Liverpool’s Technical Network collecting sediment samples in the field: "I take pride in being a woman in science; I hope to set a positive role model for my young daughter and other girls by encouraging them into science. I simultaneously manage both research and teaching Environmental Science labs, and need resilience to deal with the multitude of challenges that come my way! Being a working mother comes with many challenges, but I love having a technical role as I have huge diversity in both the tasks I undertake and the people I work with."

Dr Hannah Constantin, Materials Characterisation Research Technician, University of Nottingham: "Times have changed in the 10 years I've worked as a lab technician, there are more women in these types of roles, and it's fantastic to see, but we've still got a long way to go!"

Michelle Deakin, Clinical Skills and Simulation Technician, University College Birmingham: "I'm proud to represent women in Simulation-based Education. Through the use of TEL technologies, I support healthcare students and academic staff to create positive learning environments where knowledge, skills and confidence for clinical practice can grow."

Amelia Dingley, Technical Manager (Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences/Psychology) at Brunel University and London Co-Chair of The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Technical Special Interest Group: "Being a woman in sport and exercise science means continuing to open doors for others. During my master’s, seeing women like Katie Marshall working as a technician inspired me to pursue this career, and now I’m passionate about empowering others in the same way."

Mai Doan, Workshop Manufacturing Engineer based at the Precision Fabrication Workshop at UCL EAST. In the picture, Mai is operating the 5 Axis CNC. Her role is to design and manufacture novel scientific equipment. "Technical work is creative, hands-on, and constantly evolving. I hope more women feel encouraged to explore and build careers in these areas."

Jasmine Downes, Senior Laboratory Technician – Chemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology Teaching Laboratory, University of East Anglia: “I enjoy preparing chemicals, glassware, and equipment for the students’ practical sessions, ensuring the laboratory environment meets their needs and everyone is working safely. I work with other women in our team to deliver a high-quality technical service to those studying chemistry, pharmacy & pharmacology. Through participating in outreach activities showcasing technical careers, I hope to inspire girls and young women to recognise their own skills that could help them thrive as a technician.”

Alice Fidell, Department of Biosciences, Durham University: "I graduated from Durham in 2024 with a degree in Biological Sciences, and am now a technician working on the molecular and developmental responses of plants to copper toxicity. I'm part of an interdisciplinary project with several other UK universities, with a focus on the bio recovery of metals from the environment."

Dr Nicola George, Research Technical Professional for Archaeological Science and Facility Manager for Professor Elizabeth Slater Archaeological Research Laboratories, University of Liverpool: "Visibility is important because it enables people to see themselves in spaces they may not have previously considered. I am dedicated to creating more opportunities that make laboratories and technical environments both inclusive and inspiring for the next generation."

Meg Golding, Technical Demonstrator in the Institute of Arts and Humanities at the University of Worcester: “I was inspired by women I met in the industry and I hope to carry that on and inspire future generations of creatives. It’s exciting to be cultivating creative possibilities that open doors for students to explore and develop their practice.”

Katy Gough and Jessica Johnston, Clinical Skills Technicians and Trainers from the School of Nursing at the University of Chester: "Being a woman working as a nursing simulation technician means you’ve got to be ready to fix just about anything at a moment’s notice, from glitchy mannequins to stubborn tech. It also takes creativity and a hands-on attitude, because you’re constantly jumping in, thinking on your feet, and helping bring realistic learning scenarios to life. It means blending technical expertise with empathy to create realistic learning environments that prepare future nurses for real-life care. "

Dr Carolina Grandellis, Head of the Earlham Biofoundry at the Earlham Institute: “As part of my role I lead a team of scientific and technical experts in large-scale experimentation and synthetic biology. I think for not only women but everyone looking at STEM careers you should follow your curiosity. Initially I got into bioengineering because I wanted to make contributions to agriculture, using genetic engineering tools to create better crops. I think in any field but particularly science and engineering it's important to be passionate about your field, in my case it's the potential of these technologies to tackle some really important challenges facing our world." Dr Carolina Grandellis is the Head of the Earlham Biofoundry – a facility within the Earlham Institute that contributes large-scale, high-throughput engineering of biological systems, promotes the use of automation, and advances bioscience research and innovation in the UK.

Nikita Harvey, School of Pharmacy NMR Facility Manager, University College London: Nikita has managed the UCL School of Pharmacy's nuclear magnetic resonance facility since 2023, taking care of two high-field NMR spectrometers which cater to around 70-80 research students and staff per year. She provides specialist training, advice and guidance to the users, and takes pride in keeping the lab running safely and smoothly.

Marie Held, Image Analyst, University of Liverpool: ""Image analysis is a technically demanding, rapidly evolving field that is still defining its standards. Despite this, the community is highly collaborative, and it offers a meaningful opportunity to shape best practices, training, and the future direction of the discipline."

Sian Jones: “I’m a Senior Research Technician at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University, where I’ve worked for the past 30 years. During this time, I’ve contributed to peer-reviewed research on improving breeding, diversity, and flowering in the bioenergy grass Miscanthus, as well as genetic mapping of the species. I’ve also done a Masters in Research. My more recent work with the Biomass Conversion and Biorefining research group has expanded into innovative projects converting biomass into animal feed and biochar for sustainable steel production. ”

Dr Shokooh Khandan, Technical Specialist in Digital Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University delivering a session on AI for students as part of FutureMe Week at Manchester Met: “I find my role exciting because I'm involved in supporting computer science master's students and AI students, and I’m also involved in research. The research side of my role consists of support for projects, working with students, academics, external funding bodies and companies, and I love that everyone is very supportive.”

Helen Love, Ceramics, Glass and Mould Making Workshop at Gray's School of Art, Robert Gordon University: : "I’ve been a technician since 2002, and as a woman in this field, I’ve often needed resilience. At Gray’s School of Art, technicians teach, shape the curriculum, and often spend more contact time with students than tutors. This contribution can sometimes feel unseen, but working directly with students and helping them develop creatively is what continues to make this role deeply rewarding."

Charlotte Palmer, Technical Manager (Makerspace) for the Engineering Department at King’s College London: "I want the next generation entering this field to spend their energy on doing what they love, in a space where they feel they truly belong – and I hope through my work I’m helping to make that possible."

Dr Jessica Pimlott, Technical Specialist in Electrochemistry at Manchester Metropolitan University collecting water samples in Eryri national park to use in research concerning the development and testing of sensors for water quality monitoring: "My Technical Specialist role has given me the opportunity to be part of research that directly responds to real world challenges facing human and environmental health. I’m lucky to work amongst amazing female scientists that uplift and encourage each other to advance the field of electrochemical sensing."

Nadia Rahman MSc, MIScT, CSci, FIBMS, Histopathology Laboratory Manager, Queen Mary, University of London BCI Pathology Core Facility: "Being a woman working as a chartered scientist and lab manager in a pathology core facility is a testament to professional achievement and leadership. While challenges persist, my role provides a platform to influence scientific progress, foster inclusive environment and inspire others."

Ana Rubio Denniss, Senior Makerspace Technician, King's College London: "'As a woman working in robotics and design, I am committed to making these spaces more welcoming and inclusive by cultivating environments where technical confidence can grow without gatekeeping."

Rebecca Russell Cooper, Production Lead at the University of Leeds: "As one of two women on our 11-person production team, I’m proud to contribute across every stage of our work - from producing award-winning online courses, to directing live broadcasts and supporting our clients, staff, and students. It’s a role that carries real responsibility, and I’m grateful to play a meaningful part in shaping the quality and impact of what we deliver in Digital Education at the University of Leeds.”

Mezida Saeed, Advanced Imaging Specialist, COMPARE Advanced Imaging Facility, University of Birmingham: "Advanced imaging sits at the intersection of biology, physics and technology, where different ways of thinking expand what we can see and understand in living systems. Bringing people from diverse backgrounds into these fields strengthens science by introducing new perspectives and ideas."

Dr Renuka Sharma, Data Scientist (Computer Vision and Ecology), QCIF Digital Research: "Working across the interdisciplinary fields of computer vision, ecology, and healthcare has been incredibly rewarding in my career. I’m motivated to make an impact by bringing diverse perspectives into science and technology."

Virginia Silió, Imaging Technical Specialist at University College London: "Working in microscopy as a woman means being part of the technical backbone of research. I’m proud to contribute my expertise to help make good science happen."

Jo Simmons, Senior Technician - Clinical Skills and Simulation, School of Health, Life Sciences and Education, University College Birmingham: "Being a female technician in clinical skills and simulation makes me proud knowing that the work I do directly contributes to safer patient care. Even though I’m not at the bedside, I help create the training environments where future healthcare professionals learn, practise and grow. Every scenario I prepare, every piece of equipment I set up, and every technical challenge I solve, supports someone else’s ability to save a life or deliver compassionate care. I’m proud to be a woman in a technical field, showing that engineering, technology,and clinical education are spaces where women belong, lead and excel. I know I’m helping break stereotypes simply by doing my job well."

Jennifer Simpson, Head of Bioimaging at The Pirbright Institute: "I love working in microscopy, especially running a group which aids in breaking the science stereotype of those in higher positions."

Amber Sparrey (photo credit to Scarlett Hoadley), Technical Manager for the Institute of Arts and Humanities at the University of Worcester: “As a woman in senior management within the arts and humanities, visibility matters. I want students, especially underrepresented creatives, to see that technical spaces belong to them too."

Julia Spoors, Infectious Diseases Facility (CL3) Manager, Newcastle University: "I began my technical career developing rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases; today I manage a CL3 facility and train the next generation to work safely with high risk pathogens. This is what women in science can do."

Laura Stirrat, Research Technician/Lead Facility Manager, University of Strathclyde: "Training and supervising young researchers continues to drive my love for science."

Dr Victoria Sy is a Postdoctoral Scientist working within the CL3 Virology Science Technology Platform at The Pirbright Institute, supporting high containment research on high consequence viruses. She provides specialist training and technical expertise to researchers and students working at CL3, with particular focus in in vivo vector studies involving mosquitoes and arboviruses. As a woman in virology and vector biology, she is proud to contribute to critical research while helping others build confidence in high-containment work and, she hopes, discover the same enthusiasm that motivates her. https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/our-science/scientists/dr-victoria-sy

Xiaodong Wang, Senior Technician in the Biomedical Research Unit at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in New Zealand: "I have worked as a Senior Technician in the Biomedical Research Unit at the Malaghan Institute for 25 years, supporting world-class immunological research and clinical trials through technical expertise and precision. I have also trained and mentored new staff, helping to build strong foundations of knowledge and skill across the Malaghan team. I take great pride in the dedication, passion and commitment to science that have defined my career and hope to inspire the next generation of women in science."

Joanna Wells, Microscopist at The Pirbright Institute: "I’ve worked in the Bioimaging core facility for 6 years, having also completed my undergraduate placement year in the same team. I train users on microscopy techniques and equipment and provide troubleshooting assistance, as well as directly carrying out experiments for users. I’m proud to be part of such a supportive woman-led team and am grateful to have been able to learn a wide range of technical skills without having a Masters or PhD."

Dr Jenna Wraith, Head of Sustainable Futures Department and Principal Data Scientist, QCIF Digital Research: “I’m grateful to work in a field that brings ecology, data, and technology together to support better decisions for biodiversity, and I hope representing women in leadership roles in this space encourages others to pursue similar paths.”

Farah Zahir, Head of Statistics and Principal Data Scientist (Biostatistics), QCIF Digital Research: “Being a woman at the intersection of medicine and statistics means bringing clinical insight, analytical rigour, and resilience to every decision I make. I’m proud to bridge science and care while helping create space for the next generation of women in medicine and data.”