She Blinded Me With Science

Today I’m talking about breaking barriers and inspiring change.

I’m celebrating International Women and Girls in Science Day!

Happy Friday friends.

Hey there, science geeks, nerds and aficionados! Today, we’re donning our lab coats and raising our pipettes in celebration of International Women in Science Day this Sunday. It’s time to shine the spotlight on the incredible contributions of women in the scientific realm, from unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos to diving deep into the complexities of the microscopic world.

Let’s kick things off with a brief history lesson. International Women in Science Day happens every year on February 11th, it commemorates the achievements of women in science and technology while highlighting the ongoing need for gender equality in these fields. It’s a day to recognize the ground breaking discoveries, innovative research, unwavering determination and all round awesomeness of women scientists worldwide.

You can’t discuss women in science without acknowledging the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. Think Marie Curie, whose pioneering work in radioactivity earned her not one, but two Nobel Prizes. Her legacy continues to inspire budding scientists to this day. Then there’s Rosalind Franklin, whose crucial contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA were overshadowed for far too long.

But let’s not dwell solely on the past. Today, we’re witnessing a surge of women breaking barriers and making waves in every scientific discipline imaginable. Take, for instance, Dr. Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical genius played a pivotal role in sending astronauts to the moon. Her story, along with those of countless other hidden figures, serves as a poignant reminder of the untapped potential within marginalized communities.

In the realm of environmental science, Dr. Jane Goodall stands as a beacon of hope for conservation efforts worldwide. Her ground breaking research on chimpanzees revolutionized our understanding of animal behaviour and sparked a global movement to protect endangered species and their habitats.

Closer to home, women scientists are driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether it’s developing life-saving vaccines, unravelling the mysteries of the universe, or harnessing renewable energy sources, their contributions are as diverse as the disciplines they represent.

Or in our case at Syntech Biofuel, driving the development and quality of our history making biofuel Syntech ASB. We always knew that ideas and engineering innovation would get us so far, but science was needed to do the rest. We send our biofuel to an independent laboratory for testing as part of our Ofgem accreditation as a renewable energy supplier to the National Grid.

But we wanted to have testing capability on site so we could test different aspects of the production and provide live scientific support to the production teams and deliver not just the most sustainable fuel in the UK but also the best biofuel available in the UK.

So that’s what we did, but we couldn’t have done it without science and specifically we couldn’t do it without the 2 talented young ladies who put the science into Syntech.

Our Head of Science and Innovation ,Georgia O’lone (spot the proud Dad face!) and our Quality Assurance Manager, Amy Hart, shore up all we do here having developed testing protocols and quality control systems right the way through our production process.

Starting with the used cooking oil deliveries, ensuring we do not accept any contaminated or non-compliant materials, and ending with quality checks on Syntech ASB on its way to customers, they drive the excellence of our production process at every stage and are crucial to our mission.

So Georgia and Amy, on International Women and Girls in science Day, we salute you for your extraordinary scientific talents, your commitment, your passion, and everything you contribute to making Syntech ASB not just what it is today, but what it will be in the future.

How can we champion gender equality in science? It starts with fostering an environment that values diversity and empowers women to pursue their passions fearlessly. From mentorship programs and networking opportunities to advocating for inclusive policies, there’s no shortage of ways to support women in science.

Moreover, it’s crucial to challenge stereotypes and dismantle the barriers that hold women back from fully realizing their potential. By celebrating their achievements, amplifying their voices, and championing their cause, we can create a future where women scientists are not the exception but the norm.

As we celebrate International Women in Science Day, let’s honour the trailblazers of the past, empower the leaders of today, and inspire the innovators of tomorrow.

This week’s obvious song link had to be She Blinded Me With Science from 1982 by Thomas Dolby. Give it a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V83JR2IoI8k

Together, we can build a world where science knows no gender boundaries—a world where every scientist, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to make their mark on history.

So here’s to the women who defy expectations, shatter glass ceilings, and change the world—one experiment at a time.

Just like our amazing Georgia and Amy.

Happy International Women in Science Day.

Thanks for reading, have a beautiful weekend.

Mike.

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