Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11th marks a significant day in the fight for equality and empowerment. Today we’re celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the critical need to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, where women and girls have been historically underrepresented. On this day, we celebrate the contributions of women in science, while also focusing on the barriers they continue to face. It’s a reminder that fostering an environment where everyone has equal access to opportunities in STEM is not just a matter of fairness. It’s a matter of progress. In this blog, we’ll celebrate the incredible achievements of women who help make our breast cancer science happen. Hear from our funded PhD grant student, Arya, and her supervisor, Giorgia, about what STEM means to them.

Dr Giorgia Cioccoloni

Q: Why is researching breast cancer important?

A: Numbers. Despite extensive research and clinical efforts in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, many women still suffer from breast cancer. We now have a good number of treatments available. However, not all types of this devastating disease can be fully cured, allowing women to become cancer-free. Plus, early diagnosis remains a challenge, and we are still far from fully understanding all the risk factors that contribute to breast cancer. Reducing the chances of developing the disease to a minimum requires much more research.

Q: Why should we be funding research into breast cancer as a female-dominated illness?

A: Simply because so many women are still fighting against it. Statistics show that 99% of breast cancer cases occur in women, and one-third of new cancer diagnoses in women involve the breast. Alarmingly, breast cancer cases in the UK have increased over the past 20 years, partly due to environmental risk factors. We need more insights into why breast cancer occurs so frequently, and research funding is essential for those of us who want to contribute to solving this puzzle.

Q: What does being a woman in science mean to you?

A: Being a woman in science is still challenging at times, but the tide is turning in the right direction. The key is perseverance and resilience. I’m happy to work in a school that takes gender equality very seriously, and I witness the success and career development of my female colleagues every day.

Q: Who is your inspiration?

A: One of my greatest sources of inspiration is my first mentor, Enzo Bonmassar. He introduced me to the world of research and continued his passionate work even after retirement. But he is not the only one. Many of my colleagues inspire me every day in so many ways. Among them, Valerie Speirs and James Thorne are outstanding scientists who have dedicated many years to uncovering the mechanisms behind breast cancer biology. I feel privileged to work with them on my Breast Cancer UK project.

Q: What would you say to young girls wanting to pursue science in school?

A: Go for it, 100%! Science is a fascinating field. It doesn’t matter whether your interest lies in medicine, biology, chemistry, or another discipline, you will always have the opportunity to discover something new. There are so many unresolved theories and problems in science, and one day, they might be the ones to solve them. I love my job, so I may be a little biased, but careers in science and research are incredibly rewarding. There is nothing better than stepping into the lab, doing your experiments, analysing the results, and proving that the theory you had in your mind was right.

Arya Pilani

Q: Why is researching breast cancer important?

A: Breast cancer is an important health issue and awareness towards it should be raised. Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed and most common cancers among women. Hence, knowledge about the disease should be circulated among the population. Breast cancer can be devastating if not detected early therefore information, such as checking for symptoms at home, regular screenings and check-ups are essential.

Q: Why should we be funding research into breast cancer as a female-dominated illness?

A: Existence of gender inequality is very well known across society which consequently leads to a lack of research towards female ailments. There is still a lack of literature in the field of breast cancer which causes a discrepancy in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of death due to breast cancer. Funding into breast cancer would provide new pathways to increase both prognosis and standard of living for patients with breast cancer.

Q: What does being a woman in science mean to you?

A: Being a woman in science is altogether a very enriching and positive experience. Since a very early age, I was interested in how and why things work. This encouraged me to take a step into the subject of science. Being a woman never stopped me from asking why certain things happen around me. I am grateful that I was always encouraged by the women around me to keep asking these questions and keep being intrigued by the vast knowledge around me. Being at a very early stage of my career, I find it very encouraging to work alongside very talented women in the field of science. I’m inspired them and learn from them as I progress.

Q: Who is your inspiration?

A: My inspiration is my grandmother. She comes from a time where women were married at an early age and were asked to take care of the household instead of being in education. However, this never stopped her from encouraging me to pursue academia and become my own person. Her ideology is ‘keep learning because none of the knowledge you gain is futile’. I have always lived by her words.

Q: What would you say to young girls wanting to pursue science in school?

A: To never back down. There will be times when it will be difficult to pursue STEM however keep pushing on. Even if they fail at times or find an obstruction, keep trying, grasp every opportunity and take pride in what you do.

Giorgia and Arya’s project is funded by Breast Cancer UK. It aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between bisphenol exposure, obesity, and breast cancer.

What’s next?

While we celebrate our very own women in STEM, there’s still much work to be done. Every achievement, every breakthrough made by women and girls in science is a testament to their resilience, passion, and brilliance. However, to create a truly inclusive scientific community, we must continue to challenge stereotypes and ensure equal opportunities for all. By advocating for change and supporting future generations of women in science, we not only help close the gender gap in gender health but also unlock a future driven by diverse perspectives. Let this day inspire us to keep pushing for a world where all women and girls experience gender equality in STEM, health and education.

Has celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science inspired you? Please take a look at our grant page to read more on our animal-free research grants we fund.

• awareness
• BCUK
• Breast cancer
• breast cancer prevention
• Breast Cancer UK
• cancer
• charities
• grants
• prevention
• research
• science
• STEM