Women at Imperial: Know no bounds
“This society gives me a sense of belonging where people value me and my work”
To mark Women at Imperial Week, the co-Presidents of the Society for Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Physics shared the work they do to create inclusive spaces in the Department of Physics, how they are creating networking opportunities, and why it’s important to highlight underrepresentation in science.
Creating space for underrepresented groups
Having access to a supportive network is something that drew both co-Presidents to join the society and take roles on the committee.
Amaya Calvo Sanchez is now a PhD student and first got involved in the society during her undergraduate degree. She valued the sense of community, particularly whilst studying during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This society gives me a sense of belonging where people value me and my work”
Coming from an all-girls school, Amy Thornton, Physics MSci student, found new challenges studying physics as a woman at university and suffered with imposter syndrome. Joining the committee has helped her gain confidence.
“I would never have considered myself good enough to do a PhD, but being part of this committee has changed that and I’m eager to pay it forward.”
They want to create space for anyone who needs it in the Department of Physics and recently renamed the society ‘Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Physics’.
Networking leads to opportunities
The society runs social events as well as educational activities such as seminars, development courses and outreach opportunities. The aim is to create a network within Physics connecting undergraduates, postgraduates, postdocs and staff.
Amaya stresses the value of networking for undergraduates in the early stages of their career: “Having access to conversations with people who are further on in their career is really impactful.”
Amy credits writing for the society’s interview series with inspiring her research interests.
“Last year I interviewed a PhD student in the Plasma Physics Group and that really sparked my interest in fusion energy and plasma physics. I’m now thinking about PhDs in that area.”
The society run a mentoring scheme to support undergraduate students with the transition to PhD, and the scheme previously won EDI Seed Funding.
Inspiring the next generation
Taking part in outreach activities is Amy’s favourite part of being involved in the committee and something she finds really rewarding.
“Having Year 12 students say to me ‘your talk has inspired me’ – I just don’t think that feeling can be matched”.
Amaya emphasises the value of awareness events like International Women’s Day and Women at Imperial Week.
“We need to continue to share experiences and talk about women in science to raise awareness among people in policy and leadership positions”.
Imperial role models
Amaya and Amy agree there are plenty of women at Imperial that have inspired them.
Amy praises the work of Jasmine Ajaz, outreach coordinator for the society.
“Her work in schools will have an impact, influencing girls studying GCSE and A level physics so that they feel like they can go on to study at university.”
Amaya highlights the work of Isabel Rabey, Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Physics.
“She shows such leadership and passion, defending the best interests of gender minorities on multiple staff committees.”
Get involved with the society
The society are looking for new members, particularly PhD students and postdocs.
To find out more, contact the committee.
Read next
Find out more about the Society for Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Physics.
Read interviews with women in physics on the society’s blog.
Follow the society on Instagram and X.
Discover more about Women at Imperial