Women Involved In Antarctic Research Should Be Duly Recognised - Australian Scientist

By Cecilia Jeyanthi Victor KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Due recognition for women involved in Antarctic research should be given because of their enormous influence in this field, said Australian scientist Jan Strugnell. She said it was found out that 60 per cent of women across the world were involved in Antarctic research, but only 10 per cent won awards for their expertise and contribution. "We want to raise the profiles of these women and celebrate their achievement in Antarctic research,” she said when interviewed on the sidelines of the "Women in Antarctic-Wikibomb" event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here Tuesday night to recognise their contributions. When asked if she was hopeful that more women would be recognised in the near future, Strugnell said she wanted to see more women nominated for awards relating to their research and become more visible as aspiring role models for young female researchers. Strugnell added recognition and appreciation should also be awarded to women involved in conservatism, scientific administration and medical research. Meanwhile, a Malaysian researcher from the National Antarctic Research Centre, Dr Siti Aisah Alias said she was studying fungi in the Antarctic and leading a local women’s team made up of microbiologists. "We are studying the diversity of fungi in the Antarctic, this is one complex area of study as not many scientists mention on the diversity of fungi. "There are 600 species of fungi in the whole world and only one per cent is found in the Antarctic. Thus, we have a strong women’s team, which happens to be pioneers here, researching on fungi," she added. This event was held in conjunction with the 34th Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Biennial Meetings, including the 2016 Open Science Conference, from Aug 20 to 30. This is also an international effort led by the SCAR in a bid to increase the visibility of women involved in Antarctic research as well as to stimulate girls around the world to pursue science careers. Prior to this event, SCAR invited the community to nominate influential female researchers and those involved in supporting research, both past and present to be included on Wikipedia (called a Wikibomb). It received a huge response, with 170 nominations from 30 countries. Malaysia is the first Asian country to host the SCAR Biennial Meetings and Open Science Conference. -- BERNAMA