International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The United Nations established this day to:

• Recognise the achievements and contributions of girls and women in the scientific community
• Encourage, inspire, and empower women and girls to pursue careers in science and technology
• Break down barriers and stereotypes that have historically limited their participation and achievement.
   

This year, the International Astronomical Union is hosting global events to promote gender equity and equality, and to show that the Universe is open to everyone! In 2025 these events will focus on three outstanding astronomers: Annie Maunder (1868–1947, astronomer, astrophotographer and science communicator), Maria Mitchell (1818–1889, astronomer, librarian, naturalist, and educator), and Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (1900–1979, astronomer and astrophysicist).

The Wellington Astronomical Society is hosting a presentation "From Sophia Brahe to Beatrice Hill Tinsley: a brief history of women in astronomy" by radio astronomer and astrophysicist Dr Yvette Perrott, Senior Lecturer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

• Dr Perrot will be at Space Place, Carter Observatory, Kelburn, Wellington, from 7.30 pm on 11 February
• Her talk will also be livestreamed on Zoom.
• For the meeting details see the event page.

Dr Yvette Perrott graduated in physics from the University of Auckland, moving to Cambridge University on a Rutherford PhD Scholarship in 2010. She completed her PhD in the Cavendish Astrophysics Group in 2013, and was awarded a Junior Research Fellowship at Trinity College. In 2017 she was awarded a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship. She teaches in the Astronomy programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.