Four students from Woodfarm High School took centre stage alongside international academics and scholars at the British Council's Women in STEM event today at the University of Glasgow, meeting and engaging with women pursuing advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Woodfarm students are part of the British Council's international education programme Learning Sectors, supported by Formula 1, which will reach 700 schools across the UK, Brazil, India, and South Africa. This initiative helps young people aged 7-16 develop skills for careers in STEM fields through cross-border collaboration.
As part of the programme, the Woodfarm pupils have been collaborating with peers at Delhi Public School, Raipur, India on joint STEM projects to solve real-world challenges.
"Our S2 girls attending the Women in STEM conference are part of our 'Media Team' explained JP Murray, Principal Teacher of STEAM Initiatives at Woodfarm High. "They meet with pupils in India to relay information and provide cultural context to their projects. Through the project they're exploring together the potential application of bio-electrics in motorsports and sharing STEM theory."
Heather, an S2 pupil, said about the project: "Working with students in India through the Learning Sectors STEM Futures Challenge Project has already opened my eyes to how science can connect people across the world. Now I get to meet women who are actually living my dream career!"
Her classmate Erin spoke about attending the Women in STEM conference today saying: "It was super exciting to meet the international scholars. I never thought I'd get to ask questions to women scientists from all over the world. I'm hoping to study Veterinary science and meeting these women who've already made it to master's level makes me feel like I can do it too."
The conference, hosted by the University of Glasgow at their Advanced Research Centre, brought together 100 scholars from the British Council's Women in STEM scholarship programme who are currently studying across 20 UK universities, including 19 scholars at four Scottish universities.
Aisha, a Women in STEM alumna who graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a master's in Sustainable Engineering and Renewable Energy, was impressed by the Woodfarm pupils. "Their enthusiasm reminds me why I fell in love with science. We're from different generations and countries, but our passion for discovery is exactly the same”. Speaking about her Women in STEM scholarship she added: The scholarship has opened the world for me – and I'm using my industry experience to contribute to sustainability efforts, while also serving as a STEM ambassador to encourage young women in both the UK and India. I'm really proud of how far we've all come."
The Woodfarm pupils participated in the closing pledges session, where attendees committed to actions that will help tackle the underrepresentation of women and girls studying and working within the STEM sector.
Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor - External Engagement and Vice Principal - External Relations at the University of Glasgow, welcomed the pupils and scholars saying: "We are delighted to host the British Council's Women in STEM conference at the University of Glasgow, and to welcome the pupils from Woodfarm High. The event has been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in STEM, whilst also building meaningful connections that will drive further progress. Women remain under-represented in STEM fields, so we hope that an event such as this, which showcases inspiring speakers, provides networking activities and encourages dialogue on a wide range of issues, will further empower attendees to break down barriers and collectively build a more inclusive and equitable future."
The two-day conference featured prominent speakers including Professor Sheila Rowan, Chair of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow and Professor Andrea Nolan, Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology and formerly Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University.
Under the theme "Connect. Inspire. Learn. Celebrate," the event offered networking opportunities, skills development workshops, and panel discussions—all designed to create meaningful connections and empower women in STEM.
The gathering comes just before International Women's Day and embraces this year's theme to #AccelerateAction for women's equality, particularly in scientific and technological fields.
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For more information, please contact:
Rosalind Gould, Media and Campaigns Manager, UK, British Council
07770 934 953