Exhibition to put female engineers in the picture

A new photographic exhibition will pay tribute to women of outstanding achievement in science, engineering and technology.

The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC), the Government backed organisation that is working to boost the participation and progression of women in scientific careers, has announced plans for a new photographic exhibition that will pay tribute to women of outstanding achievement in science, engineering and technology.

During its inaugural year the exhibition will feature six photographic portraits of women who currently work in scientific careers.

Annette Williams, UKRC Director, comments: "If you look at the portraits that adorn the walls of our great institutions and public buildings it soon becomes apparent how few women are actually featured".

"That is what is so exciting about this exhibition".

"We want to create a legacy for the future: a collection of modern photographic portraits that will celebrate and capture contemporary women in science, engineering and technology".

"We are looking for female pioneers, inspirational women who are breaking new ground in a traditionally male dominated industry and leading the way for others to follow".

The exhibition is to be launched on International Women's Day, 8th March 2006, at the British Library as part of the UKRC's second annual conference, which will explore issues that impact on women reaching senior management and leadership positions (women represent just 24.1% of those working in science, engineering and technology and of all SET managers only 12.5% are female).

Rt Hon Tessa Jowell, Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, and Minister for Women, has been approached to open the exhibition as this amalgamates her culture and women's ministerial role.

All women working in science, engineering and technology or built environment occupations in the UK are eligible to nominate either themselves or another candidate to take part in the exhibition.

To do so they will need to convince judges that they are making a significant national or regional contribution to science, engineering or technology in one of the following three categories: scientific discovery/SET innovation; the communication of SET; and breaking through the glass ceiling into leadership.

According to the UKRC, above all the judging panel will be looking for women who are inspirational and can be regarded as female pioneers and role models for future generations of SET women.

The UKRC hopes that the collection of portraits will grow in number year-on-year and will become a valued part of national heritage and culture.

SET organisations and other interested individuals can also nominate the women scientists, engineers and technologists they would most like to see included in the exhibition.

The deadline is Thursday 22nd December 2005.

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