Celebrating Women Shaping the Future of Scientific Publishing
On the United Nations’ International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognise the researchers, editors and reviewers who drive science forward and open new paths for the next generation.
‘Despite numerous initiatives over several decades, women currently comprise only a fraction (13%–28%, depending on the discipline) of those following engineering, physics and materials-science careers, particularly at the senior level. Consequently, role models for early-career women scientists are sorely lacking.’ (B Gaggio et al 2026 J. Phys. Energy 8 011002)
We share insights, advice and lived experiences from women across the IOP Publishing community, helping to showcase female role models in science today.
Myla Lloyd, Publisher for JPhys Energy
On the recently published perspective, ‘Anecdotes and guidance notes: surviving and thriving as a woman in science’
“As a woman in science publishing, I’m inspired every day by the research we share, especially when it highlights the remarkable contributions of women in science. I’m proud to help amplify their perspectives in this latest paper.”
Pearl Mensah
IOP Director of Membership & Inclusion
“The IOP has been focused on improving gender equality for over 30 years through our members and leaders, our Women in Physics group and Project Juno. Today we continue this work through our co-created Physics Inclusion Award, the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund and our Limit Less work. Improving participation among underrepresented groups in every aspect of physics is at the heart of what we do, and we celebrate today the brilliant female role models in our science and beyond who are inspiring both the current and next generation of physicists.”
Women strengthening our editorial boards
Professor Shobha Shukla
Editorial Board Member for Nanotechnology
“I focus on assessing the originality and depth of new work, supporting the peer review process, and helping ensure that the journal maintains its high standards for scientific quality. In a period marked by information overload and the growing presence of AI-generated content, I see the Editorial Board’s work as increasingly important for maintaining trust and distinguishing robust, meaningful nanoscale science.”
Dr. Ayat-Allah Bouramdane
Editorial Board Member for Environmental Research: Energy
“I like the mutual respect between editorial members. Being part of the Editorial Board keeps me up-to-date with emerging topics and can open doors for collaboration and to a wide network of experience.”
Female Representation in Peer Review
Dr. Bárbara Bermúdez Reyes
“There is room for everyone in science and technology, and I am sure that, in the near future, women will be at the forefront of the development of these fascinating disciplines.”
Peer review representation is vital to reducing bias and ensuring that every voice in the scientific community is heard. Increasing female participation in this process is especially important, as diverse perspectives strengthen the integrity and impact of research.
Dr. Bárbara Bermúdez Reyes shares her personal story of her passion for contributing to science, the discoveries that have shaped her journey and her commitment to encouraging more women to pursue careers in research.
Dr. Berenice Posada-Ramírez
“I am committed to sharing my knowledge with girls and young women, helping them discover that the everyday phenomena that surround us are both elegantly simple and profoundly complex. Through this outreach, I strive not only to make science more accessible but also to encourage them to envision themselves in physics, to understand that their questions are powerful and that they, too, can play an important role in expanding our understanding of the universe.”
Dr. Berenice Posada-Ramírez’s fascination in light and everyday phenomena grew into a career in optics and a commitment to encouraging girls and young women to see themselves in physics, while advocating for fairer, more inclusive publishing through practices like double‑anonymous peer review and diverse editorial leadership.
Dr. Sarah McFall-Boegeman
“My most meaningful experiences are the ones that have helped me grow as an individual and as an advocate for others. I am proud of myself for using my voice and giving others space to do the same”.
Dr. Sarah McFall-Boegeman’s curiosity about why things happen drew her into chemistry and a career in science, where the joy of seeing students experience discovery continues to motivate her. Advocating for equity and empowering other women to use their voices, she calls on all publishers to champion women year‑round to help reshape scientific culture.
Women driving scientific discovery
Professor Shivani Gupta
“Being published is more than academic success. It means that despite the odds, I was able to make a meaningful contribution to science. It stands as proof that it’s never too late to start again and make your mark.”
Tetiana Shevtsova
“Being published means that our work has found a voice in the scientific community. It validates the importance of our research and encourages me to keep pushing boundaries in the field of green chemistry and sustainable polymers.”
High oleic soy-based alternating copolymer for surfactant/emulsifier applications
Hema Brindha
“This publication holds a special place in my heart. It’s not only a key step toward completing my Ph.D. requirements, but also a meaningful reminder of why I chose nanoscience—to explore, to question, and to create something that matters.”
Multifunctional combustion-synthesized nano-ceria: insights into ex-vivo goat cartilage tissue internalization and bioimaging
Women in Physics Education
Dr. Aurora Gutierrez-Sosa
2025 IOP Teachers of Physics awardee
“What motivated me to become a physics teacher was my experience in research where I saw that there were not enough women. I realised that women often bring a different way of looking at problems compared with men, and I wanted to see more women in science. I felt they needed role models who could actually push them and give them the confidence to have that job.”
