Every year, we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, a time to honour women’s achievements and reflect on the progress toward gender equality. Within the MAPS faculty at UCL, where I study MSc Space Science and Engineering, women make up around 45% of undergraduates, with this number dropping to 28% at higher academic levels. Despite historical underrepresentation, women have played fundamental roles in shaping our understanding of the universe.

Professor Sarah Matthews, solar physicist

One such figure is Professor Sarah Matthews of UCL’s Department of Space and Climate Physics. As a leading solar physicist, Professor Matthews has dedicated her career to studying the Sun’s activity and its impact on space weather. Her research on solar flares and coronal mass ejections is crucial for understanding how these phenomena influence Earth’s magnetosphere, affecting satellites, communication networks, and power grids. As part of the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter mission, she has helped advance our predictive capabilities for space weather. 

Reflecting on this experience, she shared, “the best thing about all space projects is always the people - the diversity of skills and cultural experiences, and being part of a team. You share the highs and the lows, and certainly being part of the team when Orbiter was selected was pretty amazing.”

Encouraging representation through mentorship

Despite barriers that have historically limited female participation in STEM, Professor Matthews remains committed to scientific excellence and mentorship. Representation matters! Young women are more likely to pursue STEM careers when they have visible role models. Seeing women lead research, head space missions, and make discoveries fosters a sense of belonging. Having her as a personal mentor during my studies has been truly inspiring.

Highlighting the importance of mentorship in STEM careers, Professor Matthews advises young women and girls: “Try to find a mentor who can help you navigate the opportunities (and potential pitfalls), and most importantly tell you ‘You aren’t an imposter!’” 

Her guidance and encouragement have played a significant role in shaping my academic journey, reinforcing my confidence and passion for space science.

Striving for equality

Encouraging more women to pursue science careers is not just about fairness - it strengthens scientific progress. Research has consistently shown that diversity in teams leads to greater innovation and improved problem-solving. Different perspectives bring fresh ideas, challenge biases, and drive creative solutions. Increasing female participation in STEM creates a well-rounded scientific community ready to tackle global challenges. 

Professor Matthews acknowledges that gender disparities in STEM start early: “the messages that girls get from a really early age are still unhelpful,” she notes, referencing gendered toys and school environments. “Even later, many women in STEM feel they have to do more to be judged as ‘equal’ to their male counterparts.” 

International Women’s Day reminds us that achieving gender equality in STEM requires advocacy, mentorship, and policy reform. Highlighting scientists like Professor Matthews acknowledges their achievements and inspires future generations to push boundaries further. Science thrives on diverse perspectives and mutual support and encouragement, and we need more women in STEM to create a more innovative future!

Author: Alina Bashkirova
Photo Credit: Professor Sarah Matthews at the 15th Appleton Space Conference