Women in chemistry: learnings from one of the greatest

Bringing Chemistry to Life

Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

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Many discussions have that “ah ha moment” making them memorable. It doesn’t happen often that you get half a dozen of these moments in less than an hour. It’s conversations like this one that make running this podcast worthwhile and really fun.

Lesley Yellowlees, Professor of Inorganic Electrochemistry at the University of Edinburgh, first woman President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and uber-accomplished chemistry with a never-ending list of academic and scientific achievements, needs no introduction. What needs attention is the many things she has to share and her unique style of doing so. She is personable and makes a palpable connection between herself and her science by sharing her journey through the experience, learnings, achievements, but also challenges and failures of one of the most influential chemists of today.

We speak about electrochemistry, its long history and recent popularity, but also about the importance of fundamental research in fueling progress as well as scientists’ responsibility in communicating the value of science to the general public. All of this from someone that has been a pioneer in her field and dedicated herself to be the first of many, rather than a one-and-only. What Lesley Yellowlees has done, and continues to do, to level the opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in STEM is regarded as a milestone in the history of the field of chemistry. And she reminds us, there is still a lot of work to do!

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