“World leader and supportive mentor” Dr Róisín Owens receives 2019 Science Suffrage Award

The vital research of Newnham College Fellow Dr Róisín Owens has been recognised at the Engineering & Physical Sciences Suffrage Science Awards at the Royal Society on International Women’s Day 2019.

Dr Owens (above, right) received one of 12 awards made to leading female scientists and engineers in these biannual awards.

A unique feature of the Suffrage Science Awards is that each year’s winner nominates their successor, based on their scientific achievements and ability to inspire others.

Dr Rylie Green, of Imperial College London (above, left), one of the 2017 award holders, nominated Dr Owens, saying: “Róisín is a world leader in development of in-vitro models for understanding pathologies and characterising cell interfaces. Róisín is also a supportive mentor to female scientists and engineers, encouraging participation and growth of women in STEM.”

Dr Owens’ current research centres on application of organic electronic materials for monitoring biological systems in vitro, with a specific interest in studying the gut-brain-microbiome axis.

She has previously received several awards including the European Research Council starting (2011), proof of concept grant (2014) and consolidator (2016) grants, a Marie Curie fellowship, and an EMBO fellowship.

Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham and herself a past President of the Royal College of Physicians, said “This award recognises the ground-breaking cross-disciplinary work that Róisín is doing. She is a wonderful role model to young scientists. Some of this work may have far reaching benefits to patients.”

The Suffrage Science scheme was initiated by Professor Dame Amanda Fisher, Director of the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) in 2011.

Dame Amanda says “Now in its eighth year, these heirlooms create a self-perpetuating network of talent and contacts to help others succeed in science and engineering. This year’s awardees join a community of over 120 women scientists. Since 2011 the awards have travelled from the UK, across Europe to the USA, Hong Kong and to Uganda, illustrating the international nature of science and engineering, and the global effort to improve female representation.”

The awards celebrate women in science and engineering and encourage others to enter science and reach senior leadership roles. The awards themselves are items of jewellery, inspired by the suffrage movement, and are passed on as heirlooms from one female scientist to the next.