Leicester to hold photographic exhibition of womens involvement in space
A free public exhibition of photographs which show how women have contributed to the space sector is being held at our University between 8 - 18 March.
It portrays women in the industry which were taken by professional female photographers from almost every continent of the globe.
Held at the Department of Physics and Astronomy the exhibition will be opened by Professor Dame Julia Slingo, chief scientist at the Met Office, who will cut the ribbon and talk about her experiences as a female climate scientist during the opening ceremony in the Department of Physics Lecture Theatre B.
Organiser Dr Rhaana Starling, lecturer in Physics and Astronomy, said: “The photographs show space through the eyes of women and girls, and we are thrilled to welcome distinguished scientist Professor Dame Julia Slingo to open the exhibition."
Dr Starling said the exhibition is aimed at encouraging young women to consider space science as their future, as well as highlighting equality and diversity issues within the sector – which the project says is still under-represented by women.
The exhibition will be opened on International Women's Day, spans National Science Week, and is being held whilst British astronaut Tim Peake is still up on the International Space Station.
Alongside the exhibition, the University is running a photo competition for schoolchildren and asking them to snap themselves 'doing science'.