To celebrate the centenary of women being allowed to be Fellows of the RAS we were platinum sponsors of Ada Lovelace Day 2016. Ada Lovelace Day was founded by Suw Charman-Anderson in 2009 and aims to raise the profile of women in science,technology, engineering and maths by encouraging people around the world to talk about the women whose work they admire. This international day of celebration helps people learn about the achievements of women in STEM, or inspiring others and creating unusual role models for young and aged alike.
Credit: Paul Clarke http://paulclarke.com
The Education,Outreach and Diversity officer at the RAS, Sheila Kanani, and was asked to present at this year's Ada Lovelace Day Live! event; the annual 'science cabaret' accompanying Ada Lovelace Day. ALD Live is an entertaining evening of geekery,comedy and music suitable for everyone over the age of 12.
Credit: Paul Clarke http://paulclarke.com
Sheila spoke about the RAS and the centenary celebrations, commemorated some of the first female Fellows and spoke about Caroline Herschel and her work in winning the Gold Medal, and before making a comet on stage to an audience of 400.
Credit: Paul Clarke http://paulclarke.com
"I was honoured speak at Ada Lovelace Day Live this year,the centenary of electing women as Fellows to the RAS. Both celebrations of past and present women in science and engineering are an excellent tribute to those who contain forged the path to allow scientists like myself to get to where we are today. Without the strong female role models I've had I would never contain thought that astrophysics was 'for me'. I hope that in speaking at the event I become a role model for future women in science and engineering, and that one day we might commemorate them in the same way!"
Source: ras.org.uk