Breaking Barriers In Science

Meet seven women transforming science with climate breakthroughs that are changing our world.

We can’t solve global challenges with only half the world’s talent.

Closing the gender gap isn't just about equality – it's about the caliber of the science, technology, and innovation serving our world.

McKinsey & Company’s 2020 Diversity Report found that organisations with greater gender diversity outperform their competitors. They identified that the most gender-diverse companies are 48% more likely to have above-average earnings when compared to the least gender-diverse companies.

Diversity of thought, opinion, and experience all lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. Yet despite the clear advantage of diverse work forces, only one third of the world's researchers are women.

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re showcasing seven RE:TV contributors who are breaking boundaries in STEM.

Jane Scott is a Researcher at the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment at Newcastle University. She studies how mycelium and other biomaterials can transform our material economy.

Smita Singhal is the Founder and Director of Absolute Water. Using innovative technology and specially-bred worms, the company filters wastewater so it becomes clean and drinkable.

Jennifer Holmgren is a Chemist and the CEO of LanzaTech. Through her work and research, Jennifer is helping to build a circular carbon economy by recycling waste carbon into new products.

Deborah Brosnan is a Marine Scientist and Climate Risk Expert. Deborah researches and implements nature-based solutions in the marine environment, reinvigorating ocean habitats while building coastal resilience.

Erika La Plante is a Geochemist and one of the Co-Founders of Equatic. Applying her expertise in mineral dissolution, Erika helps Equatic accelerate the rate that sea water captures CO2 from the atmosphere.

Charlotte Lusty is the Head of Seed Collections at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. She oversees the collection and preservation of nearly 2.5 billion seeds at the Millennium Seed Bank.

Juliet Davenport is a Climate Scientist and Renewable Energy Expert. She founded the UK’s first 100% renewable energy provider, Good Energy, and holds several advisory roles across the energy landscape.

We need diverse voices and perspectives as we build a more climate-resilient future. Our challenges are too urgent to keep anyone out of the room.