UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Celebrating our women researchers and students in SBS who are pursuing careers and leading innovation across the biomedical sciences - and beyond.

Less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education.

“Globally, female students’ enrolment is particularly low in ICT (3 per cent), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5 per cent) and in engineering, manufacturing and construction (8 per cent). Long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are steering girls and women away from science related fields,” the United Nations says.

The UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February is a call to action, focussing on full and equal access and participation in science, achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Here are a few of the School of Biomedical Sciences' inspiring women researchers and students.

Eavesdrop on Experts: Being bold in medical research

Watch Professor Fabienne Mackay, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, discuss the experiences and career outcomes of our students, as well as her ground-breaking lupus research.

Professor Megan Munsie features on the BBC’s Stem Cell Hard Sell

Professor Megan Munsie joined international experts voicing their concerns about the marketing of unproven stem cell therapies to vulnerable patients on BBC Radio 4's Stem Cell Hard Sell investigation.

Global leader in immunological research recognised in PM’s Prizes for Science

A/Prof Laura Mackay, Dept of Microbiology and Immunology, SBS, named Life Scientist of the Year.

New appointment: Welcome Professor Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka

World authority on pre-clinical studies of diabetic retinopathy named new Head of Anatomy and Neuroscience.

Dr Jaime Foong awarded Melbourne Research Fellowship

Dr Jaime Foong, a Senior Research Fellow in the Dept of Physiology, secured the Fellowship in October.

Prof Katherine Kedzierska part of $34m grant to study influenza in children

Professor Katherine Kedzierska from the Dept of Microbiology and Immunology is part of a global research project which has received US$34.3 million to study children’s immune responses to influenza.

Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik features in Nine News report on prescription antacids

Dr Schneider-Futschik, of the Dept of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, was interviewed by Nine News to discuss a new study linking prescription antacids with an increased risk of developing allergies.

Professor Erica Fletcher awarded H Barry Collin Research Medal

Professor Erica Fletcher, of the Dept of Anatomy and Neuroscience, is the second woman to receive the prestigious award in its 41-year history.

Professor Karen Day appointed Member of the Order of Australia

The malaria researcher in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology has been recognised for dedication to improving global health.

Biomedical Sciences Day inspires high school students

Year 10 and 11 students from around Victoria have been given a taste of what the biomedical sciences and a Bachelor of Biomedicine have to offer.

School of Biomedical Sciences alumna Dr Sakshi Singh crowned Miss India Australia

School of Biomedical Sciences alumna, Dr Sakshi Singh, was crowned the 2018 Miss India Australia winner and first runner up in the 27th Miss India Worldwide grand finals.

Biomed graduate a boost to regional Tasmania’s dental services

Local media and east coast residents welcome Qiannan Huang after she completes her Bachelor of Biomedicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery at Melbourne.

Pretty little things: seeing the beauty in science

Nadia Rajab, a PhD student at the Centre for Stem Cell Systems, was recently invited to submit images of her work for its inclusion in the “Pretty Little Things” artwork project by The Cutaway.

Meet Georgia Carney

Studying the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne has made Georgia even more passionate about health science.

Meet Georgia Taylor

Originally from Wellington in New Zealand, Georgia moved to Melbourne to study the Bachelor of Biomedicine.

For more stories go to the SBS news site or view the Meet Our Talent series.