Research from The United Nations for 2023 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) reveals that women represent 33.3% of all researchers. 

In support of IDWGIS 2023, we are highlighting a selection of our female authors and editors in the hope that more women and girls will be inspired to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Ruth Durrer is a Professor at the Department of Theoretical Physics at Geneva University. She has written more than 230 research papers and reviews on different topics in cosmology. Her main research subjects are the Cosmic Microwave Background and large-scale structure, topological defects, cosmological phase transitions, cosmic magnetic fields, and gravitational waves.

How did you get into science? 

Ruth Durrer: I was always interested in nature and loved maths. So, I just followed my interests. 

What’s it like to be a woman in STEM? 

Ruth Durrer: It is sometimes hard since women still always have to prove themselves to many men (not all!). 

Can you provide one sentence that gives advice to researchers starting their careers in STEM? 

Ruth Durrer: Follow your interests. Do what you like to do and do not too much get into science politics (it’s too frustrating and does not help you). 

Women still always have to prove themselves to many men (not all!). 

Ruth Durrer

Ruth Durrer’s book, The Cosmic Microwave Background 2nd Edition, has revolutionized cosmology. The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) the radiation left over from the Big Bang, is arguably the most important topic in modern cosmology. The graduate textbook describes CMB physics from first principles in a detailed yet pedagogical way.  

International Day of Women and Girls in Science  

This week we celebrate the eighth International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). Beyond fostering a balanced and fair environment for our aspiring women and girls, why is it so vital that we foster gender equality and equity in science?  

This year, the United Nations, which hosts the annual event, contemplates another dimension to articulating meaningful change in STEM industries. Their goals for 2030 provide inspirational agenda that encourages sustainable and equitable development across five key areas:  

•  Clean water and sanitation  
• Affordable and clean energy 
• Industries, Innovation, and Infrastructure  
• Sustainable and Inclusive Communities and Cities 
• Revitalize the Partnerships for the goals  

Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ United Nations 

Want to read more from our inspirational female authors? 

Access our Free Read Collection where we’re offering access to sample book chapters and journals articles in a vast range of STEM subject areas, and help us raise awareness in the best way we know how: by reading and making research accessible.  

Resources will be available from today, with more content coming as we build up to International Women’s Day on 8th March.