The inaugural Women and Non-Binary PhD Researchers in STEM (WoNDRS) conference was held on July 8, 2024. Hosted in the Central Teaching Hub on the University of Liverpool campus, the event aimed to gather PhD researchers, celebrate the work of gender minorities in STEM, and build community among the attending PhD students.
The inspiration for WoNDRS originated from the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP), which several WoNDRS organizers helped host in Liverpool in 2023. After CUWiP, organizer Katie Ferraby recognized a gap in similar events for postgraduate students, prompting the creation of WoNDRS. The organizing committee comprised Lauryn Eley (Physics), Beth Slater (Physics), Cara Hawkins (Chemistry), Sophie Ashley (Chemistry), Rebecca Hill (Engineering), Ana Pereira (Theoretical Physics), Jorge Romero (Physics), and Brianna Heazlewood (Physics).
The day-long agenda included six talks and a panel session, followed by a networking social event with drinks and ice cream on the roof of the Oliver Lodge building. In total, there were 68 registered attendees and 18 contributors, with stands hosted by the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the School of Physical Science PGR Wellbeing Ambassadors, and local charity North West Women in STEM.
The speakers and panellists included a mix of academic and industry representatives from companies such as IBM and Rolls Royce, covering a range of experiences and career stages. By showcasing and celebrating the fantastic research happening in these different environments, conference attendees had the opportunity to consider their own career paths and learn about the variety of options available following their PhD studies. In addition to careers and research, the sessions highlighted issues faced by gender minorities working in STEM and discussed strategies to manage these challenges. The panel discussion focused on open conversation between the panellists and audience, addressing both personal and professional topics.
In recognition of the impact of the event, organisers Katie Ferraby, Lauryn Eley, Beth Slater, and Jorge Romero, on behalf of the WoNDRS 2024 Committee, received the Leslie Green Prize from the Department of Physics, awarded for “outstanding contributions to improving the culture in and/or beyond the Department of Physics.”
"We're extremely happy that WoNDRS brought together so many people and sparked critical conversations and community. So many people have approached us about getting involved with WoNDRS, which highlights how rewarding and worthwhile bringing people together is and why events like these are needed," said Katie Ferraby.
The WoNDRS organisers would like to thank their sponsors, contributors, and attendees for making the first WoNDRS conference so successful. The second WoNDRS conference will be hosted in 2025 with the intention of running as an annual event. If you are interested in contributing or attending in future years, please get in touch—the organisers would love to discuss collaboration possibilities in all formats!
Article authored by Lauryn Eley, on behalf of the WoNDRS 2024 committee