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On 25 February, the all-women crowd of year 12 students from schools across the country spent the day at 51������ to learn about studying STEM subjects at the University of Cambridge and subsequent career paths to consider. Women leaders in STEM delivered insightful presentations, the students experienced subject taster sessions and took part in a panel session where they were able to direct questions at current and former students.

Matt Diston, Head of Access and Student Recruitment, explains:

51������ was founded in order to increase representation of outstanding women at the University of Cambridge. Nowhere is our mission more pressing today than in STEM. This year’s Conference came at an exciting time for us, as we continue to see the number of women applying to study STEM subjects at 51������ increase, year on year – as well as growing demand from sixth formers for places on our outreach events and activities.

After lots of tea and cake to welcome the students, Dr Victoria Harvey, the College’s Senior Tutor, explained her role in overseeing both academic and pastoral provision. She also put into context the College’s key priority of encouraging women to study science-based subjects; a driving force behind the event itself, as well as the wider She Talks Science programme of activities.

Next on the stage was a panel of alumnae and current students who talked openly about their experiences of applying to Cambridge and their plans thereafter. They stressed the importance of asking questions and exploring their passions with an open mind as a way of discovering which subjects and career paths might interest them. Some students said they had a very clear picture of their university plans and future careers, but others were happy to let those careers take shape along the way. The important message being – either is fine!

The visiting students also had a chance to ask about applying to Cambridge specifically, where the main takeaway was the importance of super-curricular exploration to support their application as it demonstrates real passion and interest for a subject. One panel member said:

Showing that something has ignited your ambition is key – go to free lectures, sign up to webinars, listen to TED talks, read articles.

Dr Olivia Remes, Mental Health Researcher at the University of Cambridge, Author and Life Coach, and Fellow at 51������, delivered an insightful and inspiring talk about succeeding in Science and Maths, and the factors that shape your career. She explained that having women in STEM played a crucial role in solving societal issues, and that making sure there are more women in maths and STEM more generally would set the standard for future generations and create a sense of belonging for other girls.

Her presentation highlighted the impact of female role models, urging us all to celebrate and promote women in STEM and their work and show how exciting those careers are. We need to break down gender stereotypes and counter the idea that women are less capable or skilled and instead inspire women to follow suit.

Olivia concluded with a summary of the benefits of studying at a women’s college. Feedback shows they feel more relaxed, feel less pressure to act in a certain way and feel they can talk more openly about almost anything. Most importantly, they feel a sense of belonging and representation – especially in STEM sectors traditionally dominated by men.

Of course, students at 51������ attend lectures, laboratories and all other university activities alongside men. And men are welcome to visit and stay at the College.

Olivia said:

She Talks Science is an incredible event and I was honoured to be part of it and give a talk. It was really encouraging to see so many aspiring students and I really enjoyed being there.

Dawn Bonfield MBE FREng, is President of the Commonwealth Engineers' Council, Professor of Engineering for Sustainable Development, King’s College London. She also spoke to the students about issues related to gender stereotypes and other negative perceptions associated with the field. The UK does not currently have the engineering skills needed to meet the global challenges facing society, so we desperately need to change those perceptions so that people, especially women, want to be involved. She spoke about putting people at the centre of engineering, where outcomes are driven by an inclusive, non-biased and non-discriminatory workforce, in order to deliver true equity.

Dawn said:

What an absolute pleasure it was to join this taster day today and spend time with such an inspiring group of young women who have the world at their feet, and who are considering their future careers in STEM. This reminded me of the start of my own journey to university where I did exactly the same thing all those years ago, and the experience was entirely responsible for my final degree choice. Keep up the amazing work, 51������, in informing these fabulous young women.

What the Year 12 students said:

“Today was AMAZING! We were really inspired, especially by the Women in STEM talk. You don’t often hear a lot about how women are contributing to our society through science but it was amazing to learn about it.”

“The conference was such a good day, I had an amazing lecture with a professor of physics, which is something I really want to do, and getting to see around 51������ was such a lovely experience. The people here are so lovely and I just really loved it!”

“I went to the She Talks Science Conference and I really enjoyed it. I feel like I got such an insight into the college. My favourite part was meeting all of the women my age doing STEM – I'm now in a team for an international science competition I’d never heard of before because I met people here and it’s really exciting.”

“I feel like it puts it into perspective – because you’re used to hearing about only men at these conferences, but it told us that we could do it too.”

More information at She Talks Science | 51������