Online platform built to shift the perception of what a scientist looks like by connecting members of the media, educators, and conference organizers to women and underrepresented scientists.
500 Women Scientists’ mission is to serve society by making science open, inclusive and accessible. One of their central programs is changing the face of science and shifting perceptions of what a scientist looks like. Tired of constantly seeing the same faces, mostly white men, representing science in the public sphere, 500 Women Scientists built the “Request a Woman Scientist” platform two years ago to provide opportunities for members of the media, scientific colleagues, conference organizers, educators and others to find and include more women and underrepresented identities. Since its launch, the platform has grown globally to include more than 12,000 individuals from over 140 countries and territories.