Women in science in Wales

Not many of us can reel off the names of prominent Welsh women in the science industries but all this may be about to change with the launch of the GOWS project. Pupils currently studying in Welsh schools could soon join the ranks of the following women, who have all made notable contributions to science from the peak years of the Industrial Revolution to the present day.

Lucy Thomas (1781-1847) has been popularly dubbed the ‘mother of the Welsh steam coal trade’. With her husband Robert Thomas and, after his death, with her son William Thomas, she established the widespread sale of Welsh steam coal in London.

Dr Martha Hughes Cannon (1857-1932) was born in Llandudno and became a prominent physician and suffragist in the USA. She gained a degree in chemistry in 1875 and an eight-foot tall bronze statue was erected in her honour in Utah in 1996.

Professor Gwendolen Rees FRS (1906-1994) was a zoologist and a leading expert in the study of parasitic worms. In 1971 she became the first Welsh woman to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Professor Tavi Murray lives in Mumbles, Swansea, and is a polar explorer and glaciologist. She has conducted extensive research into the impact of glaciers on rising sea levels and has led a number of glaciology projects and expeditions. She was awarded a Polar Medal by the Queen for her outstanding contribution to polar research in 2007.

Beti Williams MBE has worked tirelessly to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in technology and computing. During her role as director for IT Wales, she helped create links between Welsh universities and industry, and set up the British Computer Society Women in Wales Group. Beti was awarded an MBE in 2012 for her services to women in science, engineering and technology.

Professor Karen Holford is a chartered engineer and a chartered physicist, who has led projects in automotive design for companies including Jaguar, Rover and BMW. She has received numerous awards including a Royal Academy prize for Engineering Excellence in 2002 and Welsh Woman of the Year in Science and Technology in 2006.

Professor Meena Upadhyaya is an internationally renowned medical geneticist who specialises in researching ways to improve the lives of people with life-threatening inherited health conditions. She established the Welsh Asian Women Achievement Awards in 2011 to recognise outstanding work in various fields by Asian women in Wales. 

<< Back to GOWS homepage