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). 

Serena Viti is a Professor of Astrophysics at University College London. She began her career working on the spectroscopy of very cool stars but soon became interested in star formation and astrochemistry. She is the secretary of the European Astronomical Society, and she routinely serves on national and international scientific panels and committees. 

How did you get into science? 

Serena Viti: I always wanted to have a career in science… probably because that is what I enjoyed most at school. In fact, I think I decided to be an astronomer at the age of 6 when I got a book for my birthday called (translated directly from Italian); “The Book of Whys?” and the most intriguing (to me) questions were about space. 

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

Serena Viti: A difficult question to answer briefly! I personally never really thought about my gender within my work context. Maybe, thinking back, especially in the early days of my career when the gender balance was not so good, there may have been situations where the general behaviour was very male-dominated, but I cannot honestly say that I felt it in any detrimental way. There have been a couple of occasions in my work life where I felt a specific person unconsciously (so with no bad intentions) pre-judged or had opinions on my work which he would have never had if I were a male! 

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

Serena Viti: Be proactive and resilient but, most importantly, always choose to research what excites you!  

Be proactive and resilient but, most importantly, always choose to research what excites you!  

Serena Viti

Serena Viti is a co-author of Observational Molecular Astronomy; a detailed introduction to molecular astrophysics. The book offers researchers exciting opportunities to learn about the evolutionary state of the Milky Way and distant galaxies.  

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, which includes titles in your interest area including journal articles and book collections, 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.