Inspirational and influential scientist to mark International Women’s Day

"Professor Glover’s talk is sure to inspire more young women to pursue a career in science.

Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser to the European Commission and one of the most influential women in science, will take part in Dundee’s 2014 Women in Science Festival this weekend to discuss her career and the challenges she has faced.

Professor Glover will appear at the Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee on Saturday 8 March. The event, which takes place on International Women’s Day, has been organised by the University and the James Hutton Institute.

Born in Arbroath and a former pupil of the High School of Dundee, Professor Glover is Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Aberdeen. Her distinguished research career has seen her explore at a molecular level how diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's physically affect our bodies.

Professor Glover was recognised in 2008 as a Woman of Outstanding Achievement by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology and was named the 19th most powerful woman in the UK by BBC Radio 4’s Woman's Hour in 2013. She was awarded a CBE in 2009, and has also received accolades from the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Institute of Biology, Royal Society of Arts, and American Society for Microbiology.

Dr Jon Urch, Public Engagement Co-Ordinator at the University, said, “We are privileged to welcome Professor Anne Glover to the Women in Science Festival to talk about her career path, the challenges she has overcome, and what has influenced her decisions.

“As a brilliant and influential scientist, she is an inspiration for women working in science, technology, engineering and maths and has rightly been lauded by her peers. She will also discuss the importance of giving both genders equal opportunities to achieve their scientific potential and how everyone will benefit from this.”

Dr Vivian Blok, Women in STEM representative at the James Hutton Institute, added: “I’m delighted that one of the most influential scientists in Europe will share her knowledge and experiences in Dundee. Professor Glover’s talk is sure to inspire more young women to pursue a career in science.”

The 2014 Women in Science Festival has a rich history of events designed to appeal to people of all ages from all backgrounds and interests. There are events that showcase the cutting-edge of research by ground-breaking Scottish scientists and these run alongside fun, drop-in sessions for families and evening talks designed to be stimulating for all.

The festival aims to engage with as many people as possible and so its diversity expands year on year and now includes craft and even stand-up comedy events. The programme can be viewed at www.womeninscience.org.uk.

Notes for editors

An Evening with Professor Anne Glover takes place at the Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee at 6pm on Saturday 8 March.

Free tickets are available online, by email revealingresearch@dundee.ac.uk or telephone 01382 386660. Tickets are also available from the University of Dundee Tower Building and Dalhousie Building reception desks.