Inspirational Posters displayed in the Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy

Historically women have been under represented in the STEM subjects in general but particularly in physics, although positive changes are happening. One such change is the positive representation of women in science by the Perimeter Institute. The Perimeter Institute have designed and released a series of posters titled ‘Forces of Nature’ which focuses on celebrating women in science that were often overlooked in their time. Such as Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who was a pioneer in relating the spectral classes of stars to their temperatures, rather than their elemental composition as was previously believed, and also suggested that stars were made of mostly hydrogen and helium. However, leading scientists at the time rejected her conclusions, although later experimental evidence confirmed her 1925 thesis as correct and was described as the most brilliant ever written in astronomy. Cecilia then went on be become a professor at Harvard university and chair of the astronomy department. She continues to be a huge inspiration and an empowering force to women in physics today.

Another example of one of the women featured in the ‘Forces of Nature’ collection is particle physicist Bibha Chowdhuri. Bibha was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in physics and was a pioneer in the field of cosmic ray research with her co-discovery of mesons. Her ground-breaking work and research paved the way for future discoveries and breakthroughs in the field of particle physics but despite this she received no recognition in India.

This collection of posters is now proudly displayed throughout the Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy, and serve as an inspiration to the young women in STEM that study there.

Taking inspiration from the Forces of Nature collection, the School of Physics and Astronomy recruited artist and illustrator Josh Field and commissioned a similar poster series of inspirational members of the Cardiff University Physics and Astronomy department. This series featured several empowering role models such as professor Haley Gomez, who studies the formation and evaluation of cosmic dust and earned the Fowler Award by the Royal Astronomical Society and the Frances Hoggan Medal by the Learned Society for Wales. Further more, Haley was recognised for her long-standing devotion to public engagement with an MBE in 2018. To top this all off she is the first female head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University and is a true inspiration to young female physicist.

Another member of the School of Physics and Astronomy who was included in the series is entrepreneurial educator Richard Lewis. Richard is dedicated to improving education and enhance the student learning experience. He has created an award-winning MSc curriculum that mobilises students as active researchers. Additionally, Richard collaborates with several UK higher education institutions to develop remote laboratories to widen student engagement. In recognition of all of his diligent work, Richard was awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship by Advance HE in 2019.

The full collection of Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy inspiring role model posters is displayed below followed by the full Forces of Nature collection.

Inspiring Role Models of the Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy – illustrated by Josh Field.

‘Forces of Nature’ – The Perimeter Institute.