Ambassador Highlights
Professor Ruth Morse (UK)
Professor Ruth Morse delivered a presentation during Women’s History Month, introducing the WiSN to a university audience that included the Pro-Vice Chancellor, a recognised gender equality champion. Her talk explained how to join the WiSN and the resources available to members. Following a positive reception, Ruth is engaging further with the
university to explore formal recognition and potential institutional collaboration. She also promoted our webinars to their female staff, increasing visibility at the University of Bristol.
Dr. Taisiia Mukii (Ukraine/UK)
- delivered a keynote presentation at the Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy (see full lecture summary below).
- is scheduled to speak at the Ukrainian Women’s Hackathon in London on 11 May.
- is developing a
collaborative job-seeking series with the WiSN for Ukrainian women in the UK.
- leads the “WiSN Around the World” video campaign to visually showcase our ambassadors.
- has volunteered for the WiSN Spotlight Series, where she will share her STEM journey and professional insights.
Dr. Zakia Alioua (Algeria)
Zakia represented the WiSN at the 5th Anniversary of Algerian Women in Science, where she introduced our platform to 25 engaged
attendees—representing a broader network of over 500 women in STEM. There was strong enthusiasm for the WiSN, and she is currently facilitating follow-up conversations and exploring options for discounted group memberships to accelerate onboarding in the region.
Dr. Tamar Zehavi Chkola (Israel)
Tamar will be working with local speakers to potentially deliver content for a global WiSN audience. She is also finalising our new investment pitch deck
and leading outreach to grant funders and investors.
Guest Lecture: Women in STEM – International Experience
Presented by Dr. Taisiia Mukii
Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy – 105th Anniversary
As part of the 105th anniversary celebrations at the prestigious Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy, WiSN ambassador Dr. Taisiia Mukii delivered a powerful and thought-provoking guest lecture titled “Women in STEM:
International Experience.”
Her presentation provided an insightful exploration of the global landscape for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and was particularly well received by students, educators, and academics across Ukraine.
Key themes included:
- The impact of international networks
Dr. Mukii discussed how global communities like the WiSN are actively shaping more inclusive, equitable
professional environments by connecting women across borders. She highlighted the unique value of peer networks, collective advocacy, and digital platforms in fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose in STEM. - Educational and leadership pathways
Emphasising the importance of early exposure and continued access to training, Dr. Mukii outlined key pathways that enable women to pursue and excel in STEM careers. She spoke about the role of both formal and informal
education, as well as leadership development programmes that encourage women to take on senior roles in academia and industry. - Mentorship and global collaboration
Drawing on her experience with WiSN and the ICDP programme, Dr. Mukii showcased real-world examples of how cross-border mentorship is transforming careers and supporting women at all stages of their STEM journey. She underlined how such relationships provide not only guidance but also encouragement and
inspiration, particularly for women navigating difficult geopolitical or socio-economic environments. - Empowering Ukrainian women through international engagement
Dr. Mukii addressed the specific challenges faced by women in the Ukraine, including conflict-related disruptions and systemic underrepresentation. She presented practical strategies for empowering Ukrainian women through access to global resources, knowledge exchange, and active participation in
international STEM networks.
"It is a great honour for me to be a speaker at this prestigious event. I am grateful for the opportunity to share experience, knowledge, and ideas for building professional trajectories of international and Ukrainian development in STEM education." — Dr. Taisiia Mukii
This event marks an important milestone in expanding WiSN’s presence and influence in Eastern Europe, while amplifying the voices of women committed to
reshaping the future of STEM globally.
Microbiology Society Engagement
WiSN had a successful presence at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference:
- Professor Sharon Brookes delivered two high-impact talks on advancing equity in microbiology and beyond.
