Celebrating 10 years of International Day of Women and Girls in Science

11 February 2025

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of a global movement celebrating women in science which is celebrated on 11 February.  Established by the United Nations, International Day of Women and Girls in Science promotes equal access and participation for women and girls in the field. 

Over 550 scientists work at the Scarborough, Hull and York Pathology Service (SHYPS) providing vital services that support patient care and nearly 70% are women.

The day celebrates the vital role of women as leaders in science and underscores the importance of inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science through education.

Network Lead for Blood Sciences, Joanna Andrew, started her career in 1992 as a medical laboratory assistant, moving to York in 1998.  Joanna has successfully progressed in her career and now manages the blood sciences departments across SHYPS with laboratories processing over 10,000 patient samples daily.

Joanna was elected as President of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) in 2024, and her key goal is to increase the visibility of her profession.  Joanna has personally helped younger scientists to professionally develop.

“It’s important we mark 10 years of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.  I’m very proud of women in the workforce who have progressed in their careers,” she said.

York St John University graduate Ella Wharram, who works in the laboratories at York Hospital, is described as an ‘inspiring’ example of a scientist.

Now a Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology, Ella has described how her route to being appointed wasn’t as straightforward as she hoped, after struggling with A level grades.

Reflecting on her career, Ella said: “My academic path wasn’t easy, but I found my way back to science. Initially, I wanted to be a midwife but realised I was more drawn to the investigative side of microbiology.  I love the detective-like nature of my work, interpreting complex results and solving medical puzzles. After school, I worked in a pharmacy to get the clinical knowledge required, I then decided to go back to college. If any young girl reads this, who is considering a career in science, I’d love them to know there are different ways of achieving it, go for it!”

Joanna presides an organisation which is worldwide, with 20,000 members, in 74 countries. 

“It’s important we recognise how many women work in our field.  I regularly present to members to try to inspire them.  I talk to them about my career journey so far. It’s important to get the message across to girls who are currently studying science in schools to look at biomedical science as a career option.”

As part of her role as President, Joanna also visits laboratories across the UK and Europe.

“I visited Denmark recently, where I had the opportunity to go to a laboratory to see how they do things much differently. Information technology has significantly advanced and there is much more interoperability. You can go anywhere in Denmark and have a blood test.”

As part of the NHS 10 Year plan, Joanna regularly presents to conferences across the country.  She also attends award ceremonies such as the IBMS awards, where she networks with women scientists.

“It’s important we keep celebrating women in science and I’m very proud to help inspire younger women to become scientists.”