Today (11 February) marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to celebrate women and girls advancing equally in science and to raise awareness of the future that females can have in the industry. As part of this event, the UK Agri-Tech Centre met with two scientists to explore their journeys.
Breaking barriers in bioscience
Dr Angela de Manzanos Guinot PhD, founded FA BIO in 2015. Her business’s vision is to build and protect the natural ecosystems sustaining life by unlocking the potential of untapped microbes. Their bioproducts aim to replace chemical inputs while restoring soil biodiversity, work that sits at the intersection of innovation and ecological stewardship.
Angela said: “I have always had a very curious mind, fascinated by understanding how biological systems work at the microscopic and molecular levels. I didn’t grow up surrounded by scientists, but by patient parents who supported my curiosity – despite the many ‘tell-offs’ I received from my mother for destroying the pretty dresses she encouraged me to wear while I was busy climbing trees and exploring.
While I did not face direct discrimination when first exploring a scientific career, I encountered scepticism regarding the professional avenues science could actually open. Since embarking on my training, I have been inspired by resilient women who fought against the tide, like my mother-in-law, who became a world-recognised researcher despite facing significant discrimination throughout her career. I don’t believe gender impacts one’s ability to be a scientist; in fact, at FA Bio, we are majority female.
However, a ‘glass ceiling’ remains. Pairing career advancement with caring responsibilities is still extremely challenging in today’s society. We must support and protect mothers and carers to provide fair opportunities for all. It is refreshing to see more women receiving Nobel prizes and leading scientific advancements and I hope that for future generations, this level of success becomes so normalised that we no longer need specific days to recognise these ‘unsung heroes’.”
Growing a scientific career against the odds
Dr Kerry McDonald Howard, Technical Delivery Specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, dealt with challenges whilst entering the world of science.
“I have always been obsessed with the natural wonders of the world, I was definitely that child that had jars of tadpoles under their bed and who spent all hours outside exploring the wilderness around! Straight away there was a gender barrier, from having constant debates with my Mom as to why dresses were silly and would restrict my scientific exploration, to being often told I could not do something that my brother could do because I was a girl. But I was not deterred, due to my neurodivergent mind (this helped), I would not take no for an answer when it was just not logical. Being a woman, however, meant that it took a lot longer to get into the academic world.
“What greatly helped is the strong women that rallied me along at different points of my adult life; from working in pubs, to starting college, to an internship within a botanic garden. The strong female figures in my life ignited the sparks that fired me towards going for a PhD and becoming the person I am today. I now get to work with my passion and accelerate scientific innovation and technology development across the agricultural sector.”
The UK Agri-Tech Centre supports businesses to develop their innovations to be technically and commercially robust, through bespoke programmes in the UK and globally, helping agri-tech businesses go further, faster.
Both Angela and Kerry are living proof that science doesn’t belong to any one type of person. Their stories offer an honest and hopeful picture of what a career in science can look like.
