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Salford academic is celebrating the achievements of women in science, engineering, and construction

A new exhibition based on an idea by a Salford academic is celebrating the achievements of women in science, engineering, and construction and technology (SECT) who act as role models for the next generation.

Dr Haifa Takruri-Rizk who is leading the University of Salford’s share in the partnership is behind the idea of the exhibition called ‘the SECT Factor’ which aims to address the under-representation of women in SECT areas today through profiles of successful women and discussion on how to achieve a balance between the demands of home and work.

She said: “This exhibition is designed to provide visible female role models in the field of SECT, to inspire and encourage young women and girls into a rewarding and challenging career.”

The SECT Factor is funded by JIVE, a project of the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) and is at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester during the month of March.

It will be opened by Hazel Blears MP and features a talk from ‘Britain’s Best Boss 2006’ (as voted for by Working Families), Bruce Draper, about work-life balance.

On show will be stands dedicated to current inspirational women, such as Salford graduate Rachel Pisani, who is the first woman in the UK to manage a power plant and Sima Adhya: a Manchester-born space mission scientist.

The exhibits also include profiles of women who have been pioneers in the field of SECT such as chemist, Dorothy Hodgkins who determined the structure of insulin; and Nobel Prize winner Barbara McClintock, who showed how genes turn physical characteristics on and off.

Women qualified in SECT who would like help and advice to return to a SECT career, or women who would like to support and inspire other women into SECT, should visit the website of the Jive North West Hub www.jivenorthwest.co.uk for more information
Media contact:
Rachel Conway
Press and PR Manager
University of Salford
T: 0161 295 5370
r.conway@salford.ac.uk

Jamie Brown,
Communications Officer
University of Salford
T: 0161 295 5361
j.brown@salford.ac.uk

Release link: http://www.rgc.salford.ac.uk/rgc/news/