The Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES) holds its Women in Science Week in October each year to coincide with the annual Ada Lovelace Day, which is internationally celebrated. Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace was a mathematician and writer who has been adopted as a figurehead for an international celebration of the achievements of women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She is often referred to as the first computer programmer for her work on Babbage's Analytical Engine.
Women in Science Week aims to celebrate women working in science within the Faculty, the University and beyond. It hopes to highlight the issues faced in STEM subjects surrounding the representation of women, and that gender equality is a relevant and important topic for all by bringing together both staff and students from across the Faculty in a number of events.
Ada Lovelace Day is the flagship event of Women in Science Week and consists of inspirational talks from a wide variety of speakers. The event seeks to address why there is a shortfall of female representation in STEM, despite evidence that suggest females in school perform well in science subjects.
Past Women in Science Week events have included:
- Ada Lovelace Day
- NMS @ the Movies
- Women in Science Scholarship and Prize Winners Lunch
- Women in Science Week Reception