11 February 2017

GWCT Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Today is the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is being celebrated in all fields of science, including at the GWCT, where it’s conservation science has brought benefits to game and wildlife management for over 80 years.

Women In Science Feb 2017

Gender equality in science is a key issue and there are still areas where opportunities for women are behind those offered to their male colleagues.  However, at the GWCT there is an even balance of female scientists working on a wide variety of projects across the UK.  For example, Lizzie Grayshon, the GWCT Waders for Real Project Ecologist, is working on lapwing research in the Avon Valley in Hampshire.  Dr Niamh McHugh, postdoctoral ecologist in the Farmland Ecology team, works on efforts to enhance lowland agriculture for the benefit of farmland birds.  Dr Julie Ewald, heads up the GIS (Geographical Information Systems) team that works with spatial data, as well as undertaking long-term analyses of arable flora and fauna from our Sussex Study

 “During the decades that the GWCT has been conducting its research, there have certainly been more and more women entering the field of conservation science,” Dr Ewald explains.  “In addition to research posts, we offer work placements to undergraduates, and research opportunities to masters and PhD students.  Its encouraging that we currently have more female students on undergraduate placements than male students, demonstrating that more and more young girls are choosing scientific careers, which is a great message.”

On 22 December 2015, the General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish an annual International Day to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology communities and decided to proclaim 11 February of each year the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.


Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk