Celebrating women and girls in science: reflections from women advancing research and innovation

Scientific discovery depends on diversity – of thought, experience and background. Yet women remain underrepresented across many areas of the research pipeline. At the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, we are committed to building a culture where women can thrive in the lab, in the clinic, in data science, and in the strategic and operational roles that underpin research.

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we bring together reflections from three of our senior leaders – our Deputy Directors Professor Patricia (Trish) Lalor and Professor Alex Richter, and our Head of Infrastructure Dr Victoria (Vicki) Day – who share their journeys, their challenges, and their hopes for the next generation of women entering scientific and research careers. 

Early sparks: finding the way into science

For Trish and Vicki, a single moment early in life was key in igniting their passion for science.

During work experience at school, Trish vividly remembers visiting a microbiology lab in her local hospital and being captivated by the work happening behind the scenes. “I still remember the smell of the agar plates used to grow bacteria samples”, she says. “I was amazed that something I saw as a ‘lab experiment’ could directly help diagnose patients.”

For Vicki, it was a school dissection of a pig’s heart that sparked fascination rather than discomfort. “I wasn’t put off by the gore”, she remembers, “I was transfixed by understanding how it worked!”

Alex found her way through the blend of structure, creativity and human connection offered by medicine: “There was a moment early on that made me think ‘this is what I want to do’: it was when I discovered Clinical Immunology as a junior doctor. It brought together everything I was drawn to: complex science, problem-solving, and working closely with patients. It’s a specialty where you’re constantly thinking, adapting, and joining the dots, and that immediately felt right for me.”

“Clinical immunology brought together everything I was drawn to: complex science, problem‑solving and working with patients.”

Professor Alex Richter

None of them had family role models in science; instead, each built their own path, supported by mentors, teachers and family members who believed in their potential.

Careers that evolve – and embrace change

Although all three now hold senior roles, none of their journeys were linear.

Trish describes herself as adaptable rather than having a grand plan for life from the outset: she followed what felt intellectually exciting and collaborative. Academic research offered the variety and problem‑solving she craved, which later naturally unfolded into leadership.

Alex’s career also hasn’t followed a fixed plan; it has been “shaped by curiosity, opportunity, and a willingness to say yes to things that felt meaningful, even if they weren’t part of an original blueprint”. For Alex, leadership was never the goal in itself – but a way to create broader impact beyond individual patients. “I’ve always been motivated by improving systems – whether that’s how diagnostics are developed, how services are delivered, or how teams are supported to do their best work. It wasn’t about seeking leadership roles as an end in themselves, but about stepping into opportunities where I felt I could contribute and help shape something better.”

“It wasn’t about seeking leadership roles as an end in themselves, but about stepping into opportunities where I felt I could contribute and help shape something better.”

Professor Alex Richter

Vicki made a pivotal change when she moved from bench science into research operations. What started as uncertainty became a perfect fit: “When I made the move, I really wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do. However, I soon realised I loved meeting researchers from so many different backgrounds, talking about their work and then helping to make it happen. It felt like I could have a bigger impact – supporting a range of researchers and studies that ultimately benefit patients.”

“As I moved roles from the lab into research operations, it felt like I could have a bigger impact – supporting a range of researchers and studies that ultimately benefit patients.”

Dr Victoria Day

Their reflections highlight an important truth for early‑career scientists: careers in science rarely follow a single, predictable track – and that can be a strength.

Supporting the pipeline: building skills, confidence and community

A key part of the BRC’s commitment to women in science is our focus on training and researcher development – something central to Trish’s role as Academic Career Development Lead.

“By equipping researchers with skills, networks and opportunities, we give them the best chance to go on and do brilliant things.”

Professor Trish Lalor

She speaks passionately about the importance of mentorship and connectedness – both of which shaped her own career and remain core to how she supports others.

Alex echoes this: “What’s surprised me most about my professional journey is how much of it has been shaped by people and relationships. The support of teams, collaborators, mentors, and patients, and the responsibility that comes with that trust, has mattered far more than any individual achievement.”

Vicki champions the wider research ecosystem, emphasising that science relies on more than academic roles alone. Clinical, operational and strategic positions are all essential – and should be celebrated equally.

Women in science: progress, challenges and cultural change

All three leaders recognise both the improvements and the persistent barriers for women.

Balancing family life with demanding roles remains a significant challenge – especially during the early and mid‑career stages. Short‑term contracts, unclear progression routes and limited flexibility can make research careers difficult to sustain.

Vicki highlights the need for more stable career structures, such as long‑term postdoctoral roles, which could retain talented scientists seeking security.

Alex and Trish both reflect on how returning to work after having children can feel overwhelming, but emphasise that supportive environments – and acknowledging the realities of caring responsibilities – can make a transformative difference.

While representation at senior levels has improved, all three agree that structural change, not just individual resilience, is needed to ensure women enter, stay and thrive in research careers.

What inclusive research culture means

So, what does an inclusive research environment look like? Trish, Alex and Vicki’s visions share several common themes:

• respectful, diverse teams
• shared goals rather than competition
• flexibility, trust, and recognition of different career trajectories
• support that goes beyond technical skills

As Trish puts it:

“A safe and diverse team where everyone’s opinion is heard and respected – that’s what support looks like.”

Professor Trish Lalor

Advice for future women in science

When asked what they would tell women at the start of their careers, Alex, Trish and Vicki offer the following insights:

• Be brave and take opportunities, even before you feel ready.
• Stay curious; your path doesn’t need to be mapped out from the start.
• Believe in yourself, especially when stepping into something new.
• Be persistent – progress often comes from consistency, not instant breakthroughs.

“Trust that your interests, skills and values will come together over time”, says Alex. “And importantly, don’t assume you have to fit a single mould to succeed, there’s room in science for different ways of thinking, working and leading.”