DOHA: Leading Qatari and British female scientists and science policymakers have highlighted the importance of science in their lives at the ‘Women in Science Day’.
The event was organised as part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture by the British Council, and hosted by Qatar University (QU). The panel included QU professor of Physics Prof Ilham Al Qaradawi, QU Head Health Sciences Department Dr Asma Al Thani, Shell Vice President Gas Development, Technical, Dr Clare Harris and British Council Science and Innovation Advisor, the Gulf, Qatar, Dr Yasemin Koc.
The discussions explored how science careers can enable women to contribute to solving some of the world’s most urgent challenges, offered motivating examples from the speakers’ careers and celebrated the achievements of women scientists around the world.
The panellists later joined the audience to take part in a workshop led by Head Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics of Higher Education Academy (HEA) Dr Janet DeWilde and HEA Discipline Lead for Engineering and Materials Dr Gill Cooke. The workshop considered how academics can enable science and engineering students to develop confidence through teaching, learning and assessment.
British Council Qatar Director Martin Hope said: “We are very excited to have introduced the Women in Science Day, celebrating the achievements of female scientists in both countries. Science and research are hugely important to Qatar, and there are already a number of flourishing research partnerships between the UK and Qatar. As the Year of Culture is nearing an end, it is important to ensure that our two nations continue to strengthen our already solid relations through scientific and cultural exchanges.”
QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad said: “By providing high quality internationally-accredited undergraduate education in science and engineering, an array of graduate programmes, and investing in research centres of excellence, QU seeks to build a competent cadre of future scientists and researchers.
She said the worrying fact was that not enough young men and women choose to pursue careers in science, so it falls to us as educators from all backgrounds to have a serious conversation about the state of science education and the ecosystem for science-based professions in the country. The Peninsula
