Athene Donald

Back at @royalsociety.org for day 2 future of #womeninstem starting with inclusive leadership. So important!

And here’s a different take on paths for #womeninstem

At @royalsocietyfor 1st day of meeting: Women and the Future of Science. Stimulating and provoking talks so far. 11/2 days more to go. I wrote this thought piece as framing to the meeting #womeninstem

Happy #IWD26! A day to celebrate #womeninstem past and present. Today's post discusses one from the past who did so much for chemistry education in Cambridge at the end of the 19th century. We should not forget thse pioneers. occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

With 80 years since Kathleen Lonsdale FRS and Marjory Stephenson FRS were elected to our Fellowship, Professor Dame Athene Donald FRS looks at the progress since 1945, and what we need to do to keep moving forward. #IWD2026 https://royalsociety.org/blog/2026/03/looking-back-moving-forward/

America rethinks how to train its workforce A ‘skills gap’ is not some blight on free enterprise that someone else will fix

Thoughtful take on how the US is dealing with the 'skills gap' which has resonances for the UK too www.ft.com/content/f9cd...

As it’s #IWD26 seems appropriate this message should be heard loud and clear

Remembering Nancy Lane, Jenny Brookman and Joan Mason today. Women who created platforms and strategies to support women in science. #iwd26

What inspires someone to pursue physics for life?

From discovering general relativity to the encouragement of mentors, women in our community share the moments that shaped their journeys.

This #InternationalWomensDay we’re celebrating women advancing physics and inspiring the next generation. 🌟

My annual reminder on #IWD26, a handly list of all the things ANYONE can do to help active and aspiring #womeninSTEM. There's bound to be something on this list you can do.... www.theguardian.com/science/occa...

Happy #IWD26! A day to celebrate #womeninstem past and present. Today's post discusses one from the past who did so much for chemistry education in Cambridge at the end of the 19th century. We should not forget thse pioneers. occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

As far as I know I was first female mainstream physicist elected (as opposed to astronomer) in 1999. It really has changed a lot!

As @royalsociety.org celebrates 80 years since the election of the first women FRSs, I've written a blog for them about that history (cross-posted from their on blog) #womeninSTEM occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

I think it's a problem for the wider public that there are so few books talking about how science is done and the lives of those who do it. occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

Oxbridge blues: How have Cambridge and Oxford economies performed over the past decade? Why Cambridge has pulled ahead of Oxford on jobs, productivity and housing – and what it means for both cities.

Two university cities. Two different trajectories.

This blog examines why Cambridge has pulled ahead on key economic indicators👇
buff.ly/I5fsz6C

I am a 15-year-old girl. Let me show you the vile misogyny that confronts me on social media every day | Anonymous Objectification, hate, rape threats: the politicians debating online abuse mean well, but to truly understand, they need to see what I see

This is one of the most heart-breaking & important articles I have ever read - from someone whose voices are so rarely heard, a teenaged girl.

If you want to understand online misogyny in all its devastating impact, please read this shattering piece.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

This headline. Sadly it doesn't surprise me, but jeez. And I've no doubt these attitudes persist today in some places.

Scientists spend a lot of time making judgements about others: papers, fellowships and grant applications. But how often do we have a Conflict of Interest and can we ever be truly unbiased? occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

UK’s gender pay gap ‘won’t close for 30 years’ at current rates Trades Union Congress says women have worked a month and a half for free this year and legislation is needed

TUC saying #genderpaygap gender pay gap, (£2,548 a year) means that women have in effect worked for free so far this year. At this rate equal pay won't be reached till 2056 www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...

A nicely balanced piece from @rachelsylvester.bsky.social about the extent to which 'girl power' may be relevant in government circles - or is it just these are people who are prepared to take a long-term view of the changes needed?

It's not easy to avoid a whole host of different biases when judging others. I've seen some shocking examples at grant-giving committees. Some reflections on Conflicts of Interest occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

• Women were often not listened to by higher (or even lower) ranking researchers. • Women were accused of being emotional, aggressive or pushy (usually when they were assertive after not being listened to). • They were not made aware of influential committee or leadership roles that were open to them. • They were told they were 'not ready' to be promoted, when it was clear that they had a good chance. • They were not properly celebrated after achieving prizes or awards. • They were expected to take on housekeeping duties in the workplace (without proper reward).

This list of common concerns by early career women scientists particularly resonated with me:

Can you access the online map? I just get an error

There are just a handful of women marked so far, I'm sure the #histsci community on here can suggest many more (brief submission form via link below).

Advancing gender equality in STEM education: Inspiring girls to pursue Women and girls remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), often due to persistent stereotypes and limited access to opportunities. Through education

Today is International Day of Girls and Women in Science. UNESCO show that women represent only 35% of STEM graduates around the world. We must stop losing so much talent that could improve the world for all www.unesco.org/en/articles/...

On the pros and cons of metrics, be it in our HEIs or schools....occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

On the pros and cons of metrics, be it in our HEIs or schools....occamstypewriter.org/athenedonald...

Establishing a Development Corporation in Greater Cambridge

This government is determined to unleash ambitious and high-quality sustainable growth in Greater Cambridge.

We have today launched a consultation on proposals to establish a centrally-led Urban Development Corporation for the area 👇🏻

www.gov.uk/government/c...

Katherine Blodgett, the first woman to receive a PhD from Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory www.phy.cam.ac.uk/news/the-inv...

Fuming 😡

Teacher: "you can usually tell the girls that want to do physics, they look a bit tomboy-ish"

#WomenInSTEM #ASPIRES3 @iop.org