January 18th, 2011 marked a unique moment in chemistry history. On this cold, warm, wet, dry – depending on where you woke up – Tuesday morning, women chemists from around the world gathered together in conference rooms and labs to honor the achievements of women in science and discuss the current state and future direction of scientific research. Beijing, Brisbane, Moscow, Prague, Mexico City, Nairobi… scientists from cities in over 37 countries leapt into cyber-space to connect with one another and participate in “Women Sharing a Chemical Moment in Time,” an idea sparked by Mary Garson to usher in the 2011 International Year of Chemistry.
Boston University Women in Chemistry represented Boston’s faction of women scientists at their IYC Networking Breakfast at Boston University. They Skyped with fellow chemists in Alberta, Canada and discussed how women have made significant career advancements in multiple areas of science, but still lacked adequate support in maintaining both a family and a high-powered position. BUWIC concluded their talk with ideas on how the group could bolster undergraduate interest in chemistry and biology with educational events that span beyond the classroom.
Taking the lead from IYC, BUWIC strives to foster public enthusiasm for chemistry and increase public understanding of how chemistry – academic, industrial, political – can meet current and future global needs.
By Lisa Christadore
For more information: “Women Sharing a Chemical Moment in Time”
For more information on all of IYC’s events and to become an active participant, visit the IYC website
Photos from the Breakfast, 01.18.11.
