This week (20-24 April 2026), we are celebrating women who work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Due to these sectors still being largely male-dominant, it is important that we spread awareness and encourage more women and girls to consider a career in STEM and the exciting opportunities that can come with it.
Although women make up around half of the UK population, they account for only around 26–29% of the STEM workforce…only 3 in 10 STEM roles are done by women. This drops further in fields such as engineering and technology, where women represent under 17%.
Find out more about STEM and read ‘Helen’s Journey’ Step into STEM
Check out the list of incredible women below who have worked in different STEM industries.
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958)
Franklin is known for her contribution to the discovery of the DNA structure. In 1950, Franklin discovered two forms of DNA.
This investigation led to a three-year scholarship where Franklin could undertake further investigation on her discovery. During her investigation, Franklin found the basic dimensions of the DNA strands, as well as the helical structure.
Unfortunately, Franklin passed away in March 1958 due to several illnesses at the age of 37.
After Franklin had passed, research into the discovery of the DNA structure was continued by James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, and they were later awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for solving the DNA structure that Franklin had begun to discover.
Read more on ‘Franklin’s discovery’: “22 women whose ideas changed how we see the world forever”
Katherine Johnson (1919-2020)
Johnson was known for being a mathematician working on NASA’s early space mission.
During NASA’s early years, Johnson solved many equations by hand and was one of the “computers”.
Johnson worked in a segregated computing unit which in 1958 went into liquidation unofficially until the NACA became NASA. Due to Johnsons work and research, her work at NASA’s Langley Research Centre eventually shifted to Project Mercury where Johnson took part in the nation’s first human space programme.
Find out more about what Johnson did at NASA! Katherine Johnson: mathematician and NASA pioneer
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Curie, a Polish scientist, specialised in chemistry and physics. She was known for her contributions in the discovery of cancer treatment and the discovery of radium and polonium.
In 1903, Curie had won a Nobel Prize for her research in radioactivity along side her husband and many other researchers. Curie went on to win another Nobel Prize in 1911 for the contributions she has made to chemistry and finding a way to measure radioactivity.
Following this, Curie carried on with her research during the First World War. She is known for finding a way to detect injuries on the battlefield where she developed a portable X-ray machine.
Find out more about Curie’s research here: Marie Curie the Scientist
Do you think a career in STEM is for you?
Here at Careers Worcestershire, we can offer you 1-1 support and give you advice and guidance on your next steps (this could be within a STEM sector or any career path that you are interested in).
Check out our Careers Worcs 16-24 Hubs to book an appointment to see one of our career advisers.
- Worcester – Careers Worcestershire – @ The Hive, Worcester
- Redditch – Careers Worcestershire – Redditch Hub
- Kidderminster – Email careersadmin@careersworcesterhshire.gov.uk
- Bromsgrove – Email careersadmin@careersworcesterhshire.gov.uk
Not only can we provide advice and guidance, but we also offer support with education, training, employment and Health and Wellbeing support.
You can also read more inspiring Women in STEM stories on the official WiSTEM Worcs page at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wistem
