Water Woman Awards 2021 announced

Winners have been announced in the second instalment of an award scheme recognising the achievements of women in research and their power to inspire others.

Water Woman places a particular emphasis on recognising the value of female researchers across all disciplines, including those in supporting roles

The Water Woman Award logo. March 2020

Launched by water@leeds, in partnership with Athena Swan teams at Leeds, recipients of the Water Woman Award 2021 were fittingly honoured on International Day of Women and Girls in Science – an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations to highlight the significant gender gap at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines across the world.

By rewarding achievements of women whose work contributes to the objectives of water@leeds in securing competitive research funds, producing world-class research or achieving significant societal impact, the Water Woman Award shines a light on their efforts in an academic world in which the hurdles are still greater for females.

The award is based on two equally weighted criteria: the nature of the achievement plus its potential for empowering and inspiring other women into following their example. Water Woman places a particular emphasis on recognising the value of female researchers across all disciplines, including those in supporting roles.

It is open to any colleagues at Leeds identifying as women and contributing to water@leeds missions.

Nominations were received across all categories, which this year also included an Early Career Researcher section. The Water Woman Award panel (see the foot of this article for a full list) was overwhelmed by the inspiring power of all applications. 

Panel Chair, Professor Julia Martin-Ortega, said: “On this second edition of the Water Woman Award, we have once again been overwhelmed by all candidates.

“Particularly interesting this year is how many nominations have been made by male academics in recognition of their female colleagues, as well as the number of applications in the category of research support. I believe these are signs of an increasingly widespread awareness of the value and importance of women’s contribution to science in multiple aspects. Like last year, we not only have amazing winners, but also a great pool of inspiring candidates that we hope to engage in empowering and supporting other women.”

Water Woman Award for Research Excellence

Dr Juliane Schwendike Lecturer in Meteorology, School of Earth and Environment

Doug Parker, Professor in the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science (ICAS), nominated Dr Schwendike for the award. He said: “Juliane’s research group and collaborators are publishing scientific papers improving our understanding and forecasting of tropical cyclone intensification, including studies of the physics of cyclones, and studies analysing the performance of forecasting systems.

“The results have an impact on the skill of future cyclone forecasts, which can potentially help protect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. Juliane’s work is inspiring because of its international basis. Juliane works with colleagues around the world to solve challenges which affect everyone on the planet.” 

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Dr Juliane Schwendike, winner of the Water Woman Award for Research Excellence

Water Woman Award for Research Funding

Dr Yim Ling Siu Lecturer in Environmental Risk Management, School of Earth and Environment

Dr Siu said: “I have learnt a lot over the past years and have been inspired by other people, especially female colleagues, who have been struggling in a similar situation, for not giving up hope and passion.

“I think I can now set an example for others and I firmly believe that successful people keep moving; they make mistakes, but they never quit. I do not want to quit and I do not quit, even though it may take a long time to reach my goal.”

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Dr Yim Ling Siu, winner of the Water Woman Award for Research Funding

Water Woman Award for Societal Impact

Dr Janet Richardson Impact Translation Fellow, Yorkshire Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme (iCASP)

Dr Richardson said: “I think my career pathway and different ways of working across disciplines, departments and with stakeholders is inspirational to women at different career stages – especially as impact is increased on the universities agenda.

“I think others can learn from me how to translate research, how relationships are key and that knowledge exchange is a two-way approach.”

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Dr Janet Richardson, winner of the Water Woman Award for Societal Impact

Water Woman Award for Research Support

Helena Brown Lead Technician for Sorby Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory

Helena said: “My placement at the Royal Institution Lectures is a proud moment and career highlight.

“The RI is proud to support technicians, especially given that Faraday started his scientific career as one. The placement has raised my profile – and, as such, the profile of female technicians – more than anything else I’ve ever achieved.”

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Helena Brown, winner of the Water Woman Award for Research Support

Water Woman Award for Early Career Research (split award)

Dr Laura Carter Academic Fellow in Soil Science, School of Geography

Dr Carter said: “Being a young researcher has created opportunities, such as access to early career awards, but this has also presented difficulties. 

“At meetings, I have often been ignored by more senior academics because of my age and gender. I persevered in talking to as many people as possible, highlighting my skills and expertise, and was subsequently invited to join a proposal as co-investigator.”

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Dr Laura Carter, winner of the Water Woman Award for Early Career Research (split award)

Dr Beth Woodhams Research Fellow, School of Earth and Environment

Dr Woodhams said: “I have been lucky enough to be inspired by women in the academic generation above me.

“I feel especially privileged that two thirds of my PhD supervisors were women, both of whom are rising stars in their careers and have always encouraged me. One can look at the existing professors and feel disheartened at the number of white males, but I am inspired every day by the fact that the upcoming fellowship holders and associate professors in my department are predominantly female and I look forward to a more diverse future.”

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Dr Beth Woodhams, winner of the Water Woman Award for Early Career Research (split award)

Special Commendations (for their stories, which serve to inspire and empower others)

Alesia Ofori Dedaa Postgraduate Researcher, School of Politics and International Studies

Anna Mdee, Professor in the School of Politics and International Studies, who nominated Alesia, said: “What I think all of us can take from Alesia’s example is her willingness to have a go. 

“Even when she faces a difficult situation, is not confident or doesn’t know what to do… she will come up with a plan, she will think carefully, seek advice and take initiative. She is ready to seek and receive feedback, and with that, she continues to grow.”

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Alesia Ofori Dedaa, who received a special commendation for her story, which serves to inspire and empower many others

Professor Alison Dunn Professor of Ecology, School of Biology

Professor Dunn said: “My research is strongly collaborative; I work with colleagues including academic staff, stakeholders, students and volunteers in research and environment management.

“I am proud that this work has developed links with a range of researchers, research support staff, impact staff and stakeholder partners, the majority of which were female. I am proud that I have helped to supervise and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students, and research and innovation staff, who have gone on to the first steps in their STEM careers.”

All winners and applicants will be invited to co-design an inspirational programme.

water@leeds would like to thank all applicants and all those involved in making the awards possible, as well as all of those that have helped communicate the scheme.

Water Woman Awards 2021 announced. February 2021

Professor Alison Dunn, who received a special commendation for her story, which serves to inspire and empower many others

Panel members

Professor Julia Martin-Ortega (Associate Director, water@leeds, Panel Chair)

Professor Clare Woulds (Athena SWAN team leader for the Faculty of Environment)

Dr Gabriela Lopez-Gonzalez (water@leeds coordinator)

Karen Tsui (Women at Leeds Network)

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