Students seek partnerships to support women in science, technology, engineering and maths

Students at the University of the Highlands and Islands have issued a call to find organisations and individuals who can partner with them to support women interested in science, technology, engineering and maths careers.

The university’s STEM Femmes group works across the university partnership to provide networking opportunities and support and to promote science, technology, engineering and maths subjects to the next generation of women.

Members of the group are looking to expand their network by collaborating with professionals, businesses and community groups across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire.  

Stuart Hall, the university’s Equality and Diversity Advisor, explains:

“The University of the Highlands and Islands aims to support a diverse and prosperous region. We would love to hear from anyone working in STEM disciplines, whether as educators, innovators or employers, who feel we can work together to maximise our impact in supporting women in STEM. Collaborative projects may include podcasts, workshops, promotions, research and events - anything where groups feel they can use or provide a platform, a network, advice or that they could benefit from enthusiastic role models and ambassadors to fly the flag for women in STEM.”

The university’s STEM Femmes group received national recognition earlier this year. Equate Scotland, an organisation which promotes and encourages the advancement of women in science, engineering, technology and the built environment, presented the group with its student-institution partnership award.  

Bryony Beck from Elgin, who is studying for an MSc in sustainable rural development through Lews Castle College UHI, is one of the university’s STEM Femmes champions. She said:

“My plans are to connect female students across the STEM online student networks and get them more involved in campus events through video-conferencing and social media. I am also hoping to set up an online module for female STEM students on our virtual learning environment so it provides an area for online students to network and discuss.”

To find out more about STEM Femmes or to offer support, email Stuart Hall at stuart.hall@uhi.ac.uk.