Women who Pioneer

Women have historically been catalysts of scientific progress, yet their contributions to STEM have too often unfolded in the margins, recognised late, if at all. Even today, women make up only about 35% of students in STEM-related disciplines, and representation remains uneven across the board.

Still, that narrative is beginning to shift. Across research centres, engineering firms, and data-driven industries, women are redefining the future of innovation with perspectives that expand our understanding of what science can achieve. When women’s voices are heard, research becomes more comprehensive, solutions become more responsive, and the technological landscape reflects the societies it is meant to serve.

However, progress hasn’t come without obstacles. Many women in STEM fields continue to work within environments where visibility is uneven, and expectations feel unbalanced. Yet these challenges have fostered resilient, collaborative, and determined communities.

The PIONEER Project is strongly rooted within this movement. Highlighting the stories and insights of women across diverse scientific and technical disciplines, it underscores the importance of visibility and the influence of experience in sparking change. These interviews capture a glimpse of that momentum. In the words of PIONEER’s researchers, engineers, and innovators, we explore not only their accomplishments but also the motivations and aspirations that shaped their paths.

Their reflections remind us that the future of STEM is not just about innovation, it is about inclusion, accessibility, and the individuals who make progress possible.

Written by: CORE Innovation Centre