Announcing the 2025 Suffrage Science Awardees in Engineering and Physical Sciences
The Suffrage Science Awards honour pioneering women in science, with the March 2025 awards focusing on Engineering and the Physical Sciences.
The scheme began in 2011 with a focus on women in the Life Sciences starting with a group of 11 women. It has since expanded and in 2014, one of the awardees was our own Vice Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey. The scheme now recognises women in Engineering and Physical Sciences, as well as in Mathematics and Computing, celebrated on Ada Lovelace Day.
The beauty of this scheme is that each of the women who have been awarded a piece of Suffrage Science heirloom jewelery, nominate who they wish to pass on their award to every two years. Many of our award winners over the years have shared how this means so much more to them that one of their peers wants to give them recognition for their work. It also means that each heirloom creates its own 'family tree' as the award gets handed from one awardee to the next, creating an international network of inspiring female role models across all the Suffrage Science branches.
Since the Suffrage Science awards started, there have been 160 holders of the heirlooms creating a network of inspirational women from across the globe.
We are delighted to celebrate the 2025 Engineering and Physical Sciences awardees here:
Dr Alice Bunn OBE, Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Nominator Dr Hayaatun Sillem says: “I cannot think of anyone who does more to improve everyday equity and inclusion for those of us working in engineering and the physical sciences.”
Professor Danielle Julie Carrier, University of Tennessee
Nominator Professor Valerie Orsat says: “Valerie became my role model as a successful women in engineering and I have followed both her research and her leadership accomplishments through the years.”
Professor Francisca de Haan, Central European University and International Institute of Social History
Nominator Professor Ina van Berckelaer-Onnes says: “She is an advocate for good education and responsible positions for women in society. She is a thorough researcher and excellent speaker. I am deeply impressed by her substantive contribution in this area.”
Dr Iryna Herzon, University of Helsinki
Nominator Dr Elin Röös says: “Dr. Herzon’s approach stands out for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Her research also underscores the importance of examining sustainability through multiple lenses, addressing not only ecological challenges but also the social and economic dimensions of farming.”
Dr Peace Korshiwor Amoatey, University of Ghana
Nominator Dr Mary Anti Chama says: “Peace is dedicated to providing transformational learning experience for her students. A significant aspect of her mentorship is her collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students on research projects, resulting in several co-authored publications.”
Dr Catherine Le Visage, Nantes Université
Nominator Professor Gerjo van Osch says: “Catherine is an excellent scientist working in the field of regenerative medicine, biomaterials and drug delivery. She operates right at the intersection of pharmacy, biology and engineering in France and is a true European and even global scientist. Catherine is very energetic, spreading a lot of positive energy and it always productive and fun to have her around!”
Professor Priyamvada Natarajan, Yale University
Nominator Dr Samaya Nissanke says: “I am nominating Professor Priya Natarajan, chair of the department of astronomy for Yale, for the Suffrage Science Award 2025 in Engineering and the Physical Sciences. Priya’s scientific expertise spans from black hole formation, their evolution and their interplay with their host galaxies, to dark matter, and to gravitational lensing— where she is renowned for her scientific creativity and boldness, and for applying cutting-edge methods from multi-messenger astronomy to machine learning. Her groundbreaking work on supermassive black holes gained global recognition with JWST’s discovery of an ancient galaxy harboring an unexpectedly massive black hole.
Beyond research, Priya embodies the very essence of the SUFFRAGE award—not only through her scientific achievements but also through her powerful voice in science communication and her relentless advocacy for women in STEM, and equity and inclusion more generally.. A bestselling author (Mapping the Heavens), prolific op-ed writer, and thought leader, her influence extends across disciplines—including art and design. She has mentored countless students and postdocs and pioneered NASA’s first double-blind review process, transforming telescope time allocation and increasing opportunities for women.
For many, Priya is more than a scientist—she is a mentor, role model, and trailblazer. Her leadership illuminates not only astronomy but also the broader fight for equity, knowledge, science and critical thinking in an era that needs them the most. It is an honour to celebrate her remarkable contributions. Thank you so much, Priya.”
Professor Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, University of California Santa Barbara
Nominator Professor Natalie Stingelin says: “She is a great mentor, an incredible role model, and a strong advocate for women in science and engineering. She is the main person behind the establishment of a global foundation, the VinFuture Foundation in Vietnam. Most importantly, she convinced the Founders to establish special prizes for innovators from developing countries and female scientists.”
Professor Rachel Oliver, University of Cambridge
Nominator Professor Ruth Cameron says: “Rachel is a materials engineer, inventor and spinout founder who was awarded an OBE in the recent 2025 New Years Honours List for services to Materials Engineering. She is an inspiring advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion in science and engineering.”
Dr Suzanne Ramsay, European Southern Observatory
Nominator Dr Gaitee Hussain says: “As well as being a recognised leader in the field of astronomical instrumentation, Suzie is also an active researcher in star formation, and strongly believes in service to the community, regularly serving on senior boards and advisory committees. She is a role model to so many of us.”
Dr Jayne Wallace, Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Nominator Professor Syma Khalid says: “Jayne is an excellent role model for women scientists in both industry and academia. She has risen through the ranks at ONT to her current role as VP – a truly inspiring achievement. Jayne has always been very modest about her own impressive achievements while simultaneously encouraging and nurturing others, particularly young women.”
Dr Gerlind Wallon, European Molecular Biology Organization
Nominator Professor Maria D. Martin-Bermudo says: “Gerlind has advocated an enormous effort to build a strong, wide-ranging and supportive community of scientists in Europe and beyond. From her actual position, as Deputy Director of EMBO, she continues tirelessly and determinedly working to promote diversity, inclusion and cooperation in science, always with optimism and a big smile”
To find out more visit www.suffragescience.com
