C H A P E L G A R T H
A SCIENCE CABARET ON ADA LOVELACE WEEK:
AN EVENT DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A LOCAL/GLOBAL BUSINESS
From the left: Prof Raffaella Ocone; Prof. Gozie Offiah; Dr Marta Cecchinato; Dr Martine Barons; Dr Marcella Sutcliffe and
Prof. Sophie Nixon.
Ada Lovelace Day has become an established recurrence as a day to celebrate the achievements of Women in STEM around the world. Thanks to the tireless work carried out by Suw Charman-Anderson and the Finding Ada Foundation, the network of independent events celebrating Ada Lovelace has grown, with Ada Lovelace Day becoming Ada Lovelace Week and with the number of venues around the globe hosting such events growing (https://findingada.com/)
In autumn 2023, it felt like the time had come to bring an Ada Lovelace event to North Yorkshire. At Chapelgarth, the number of women scientists attending academic writing retreats had started to grow and there was evidence that such protected focused time for writing was increasingly proving very valuable for female scientists writing bids and funding applications. One example of many a regular attendee, Sophie Nixon, from Manchester University, had not only succeeded in securing a fellowship but was subsequently awarded funding for an ambitious collaborative project. This impressive achievement became a stepping stone towards her career progression to professorship.
With Ada Lovelace Week approaching, we decided it was time to take stock, shine a spotlight, and celebrate, within academia, the amazing careers and achievements of Women in STEM. Determined to find a prestigious platform to host a Women in STEM Science Cabaret, we set out to identify a business partner: Labman Automation turned out to be the perfect match – just a few minutes away from Chapelgarth, yet with a global presence in the world of robotics and AI, it was the perfect hosting venue, attracting an audience which topped more than two hundred attendees – quite a fete for an academic-related event in rural North Yorkshire!
Prof. Raffaella Ocone delivering the keynote at Labman Automation.
We set out to identify a selection of diverse women in STEM who had either previously attended a writing retreat at Chapelgarth or might be interested in attending one in the future. Amongst them were
Professor Gozie Offiah. In the blog, Gozie reflect on her experience of participating in the first-ever Ada Lovelace Science Cabaret delivered in the North East in England.
Professor Gozie Offiah, Senior Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, delivering an inspiring talk at Labman Automation.
I first attended a writing retreat in Chapelgarth in 2018 while undertaking my PhD, which focused on exploring gender issues in surgery across Scotland and Ireland. As a part-time PhD student, I struggled to juggle full-time work, family life, and PhD writing. I heard about the Academic writing retreat via the Leadership Foundation Aurora Programme. So, in Autumn 2018, I set off from Dublin, Ireland, to North Yorkshire for the writing retreat, wondering what to expect.
When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised and loved the surrounding scenery. I was unsure what I would achieve, but willing to give it a go. I was encouraged that Dr Marcella Sutcliffe, who was running the academic retreat, was an academic herself. I spent three days at Chapelgarth. I completed a chapter of my thesis but I also felt revived, nurtured and empowered. Indeed, being at the retreat inspired me to encourage other female researchers and academics in STEM to attend writing retreats in order to achieve their goals.
As a passionate advocate for women in STEM, I was therefore delighted to receive an invitation from Dr Marcella Sutcliffe, asking me to participate in the inaugural Ada Lovelace Science Cabaret in the North East of England. This unique event proved to be a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the extraordinary contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. It brought together a group of women with brilliant minds and similar aspirations.
Raffaella Ocone - Professor of Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering - kneeling in front of her portrait - part of a travelling exhibition, 'Women in Science in Scotland', brought to Labman Automation for our Ada Lovelace event by the Royal Society of Edinburgh .
The event was held at the Labman Automation in collaboration with Chapelgarth. On the event day, I travelled from Dublin to North Yorkshire with excitement and enthusiasm. The venue, Labman Automation Lab, was transformed into a haven for intellectual discourse, creativity, and a shared commitment to advancing diversity in STEM. The Ada Lovelace Science Cabaret provided a platform for me to reflect on my journey within the academic realm, from a career in surgery to becoming an educationalist and to policy and leadership. Before the event, the speakers met at Chapelgarth for a nice tea and coffee before driving to the Science Cabaret. I had not met any of the women before then but the camaraderie among these women in STEM, united by a common mindset, created an empowering backdrop for the experiences that unfolded throughout the evening.
very.
Dr Marcella Sutcliffe (Writing Retreats at Chapelgarth with Prof Gozie Offiah.
The cabaret was a dynamic blend of science, storytelling, and artistic expression. Each presentation, delivered by inspiring women in STEM, wove together narratives that transcended the boundaries of traditional academic discourse. From captivating demonstrations to thought-provoking discussions, the event showcased the multifaceted nature of scientific exploration. One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to connect with fellow academic retreaters who shared my passion for fostering inclusivity in STEM. Engaging in conversations with women from diverse backgrounds, each contributing a unique perspective, reinforced the importance of creating spaces where everyone's voice is heard and valued. The Ada Lovelace Science Cabaret provided a platform for showcasing scientific achievements and acknowledging the personal journeys that shape the professionals within the STEM community.
The cabaret wasn't just an event but a catalyst for change. It underscored the need for continued efforts to break down barriers and stereotypes that persist in STEM disciplines. By celebrating Ada Lovelace's legacy, we honoured her pioneering spirit and amplified the voices of women who, like her, are making indelible marks on the scientific landscape.
In conclusion, participating in the first Ada Lovelace Science Cabaret was a transformative experience for me. It reinforced my commitment to championing diversity and inclusivity in STEM and left me inspired by the remarkable women who share this collective journey. Returning to where I started, my PhD focussed on addressing issues of gendered cultures. Events like the Ada Lovelace Science Cabaret are beacons towards a more equitable and vibrant scientific community where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the wonders of disco
Celebrating a winning partnership with Andrew Whitwell, (Labman Automation) also known as 'Mr Labman'.
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