Today (11 February) is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a United Nations-led initiative to highlight the huge impact that women and girls have in science – including TSC research.

The main reason for the awareness day us to encourage more women to take jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (also known as the ‘STEM’ subjects). By promoting women in STEM, we can encourage full and equal access and participation for women and girls in science.

Only around 3 in 10 graduates from science, technology, engineering and mathematics are women – a figure that needs improving. To highlight this important topic, we want to introduce some of the incredible women pushing forward our understanding of TSC.

Celebrating women in TSC research

Research and clinical work into TSC boasts many incredible women who have dedicated their professional lives to unearthing new findings in this condition. Every day, women across the UK are improving lives in the TSC community, working hard in laboratories, research institutions, hospitals and care facilities.

Dr Elaine Dunlop (Cardiff University)

Elaine is laboratory researcher, currently working on a project that focuses on the development of a model of the human circulatory system using human cells, so that scientists can study LAM (‘lymphangioleiomyomatosis’) in more detail. LAM is a condition of the lungs affecting around 4 in 10 women who live with TSC.

We spoke with Elaine about her work in TSC and the importance of women in science:

PhD Student Natasha Lindsay (King’s College London)

Natasha is currently carrying out a PhD into TSC and early onset epilepsy at King’s College London, alongside her role co-ordinating the EDiTS study.

We asked Natasha for advice to women and young girls interested in pursuing a career in rare disease research: 

“Take every opportunity that you can to learn more within the field of rare disease research, as there are so many resources available to harness this kind of career path. If you want to broaden your knowledge, don’t be afraid to reach out to charities, researchers, healthcare professionals and experts in the field, to ask questions and make connections.”

Click here to read Natasha’s insights into her life as a TSC researcher and what it’s like to be a woman in the field of TSC research.