Science for Her: Four Inspiring Women in Research

For International Day of Women and Girls in Science, four scientists at the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM) share their career paths and discuss how they overcame obstacles to follow their own paths and advance science.

This event was organized by the CRCHUM Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee, and was attended by around one hundred members of the research community who had the opportunity to learn about Vikki Ho, Lise Gauvin, Marie Gasser, Dr. Marie-Josée Hébert and their unique career paths.

The panel was moderated by Aïssata Sako, program director at the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (Quebec-Atlantic Node)

Celebrating Successes

Researcher Vikki Ho, finds that sharing her experiences, challenges, wins and daily life at events like this is important, still today. It helps future generations of female scientists to imagine themselves in similar roles and jobs.

This sentiment is shared by Dr. Marie-Josée Hébert, Vice-Rector for research, discovery, creation and innovation at Université de Montréal.

Dr. Hébert is also a CRCHUM researcher and the Chair of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Governing Council, so she would know! Across Canada and around the world, the role that women play in making scientific progress is undeniable.

“In the past few years, scientists have made inequalities more visible, by documenting them. Today, we know that increased diversity and increased visibility of women and minorities is a source of creativity and scientific advancement,” says researcher Lise Gauvin.

“Having diverse perspectives is good for science,” summarizes Dr. Hébert.

Making your voice heard

Marie Gasser, postdoctoral fellow and the postdoctoral fellows representative on the scientific committee, notes that for her it’s important to “showcase student research and make room for the younger generation.”

“We have a collective responsibility to be in the spotlight to inspire young girls and women to seek out scientific careers. Don’t do it for yourself, but for your institution, your community,” says Dr. Hébert.

Seeing female role models, with similar sociocultural realities, can help teenagers and young adults make the choice to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.

“There are several women who, when we crossed paths, inspired my career choices and my personal life. These women made me the young scientist that I am today,” says Marie Gasser.

On the topic of work-life balance, the four researchers agreed that society has evolved and that women in science can absolutely have a fulfilling and impassioning career even if they become mothers. What’s the secret? Having their family’s support and letting their research team run point when necessary.

Much of what was said by the panelists echoes UNESCO’s Imagine a world with more women in science campaign, which marks the 10-year anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

This campaign invites the global community to not only envision, but also work toward, a more gender-balanced scientific community where every voice is heard.