The Clinical Sciences Centre based at Imperial College in London has launched a new initiative to celebrate women in maths and computing. As a new branch of the existing Suffrage Science scheme, it will encourage women into science, and to reach senior leadership roles.
Women make up no more than four in ten undergraduates studying maths. Suffrage Science aims to make a difference. There are currently two sections, one for women in the Life Sciences, and one for those in Engineering and the Physical Sciences. Now there is a third specialism, for women in Maths and Computing. Twelve women will receive awards to celebrate their scientific achievements and ability to inspire others. Oxford Mathematician Frances Kirwan FRS is one of the first recipients of the award for Mathematics.
The awards themselves are pieces of jewellery, designed by students at the arts college Central Saint Martins-UAL, and inspired by science. One, a silver bangle, holds a secret. Engraved on the inside, and hidden beneath a layer of silver, is what many mathematicians consider the most beautiful equation in mathematics, Euler’s equation.