Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Health and Exercise Science

Started in 2015, International Day of Women and Girls in Science aims to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls in traditionally male-dominated industries, to inspire an increase in gender diversity, a vital component to drive innovation.

At Leeds Beckett University (LBU), we celebrate our students and colleagues daily – so, who better to tell you what it’s like to study, teach and work in science here as a woman than members of our own scientific community?

Dr Allie Welsh, Senior Lecturer in Health and Exercise Science

Allie has led an exciting career working with people with health conditions to become more physically active. She joined the team at Leeds Beckett in 2023. Allie is interested in the psychophysiology of physical activity, and passionate about working with underrepresented groups to support them in adopting healthy behaviours to live happily and healthily.

What is your biggest achievement in your career so far?

Making a difference to people’s lives and hearing their stories.

Of course, I’m very proud of the degrees, qualifications, publications and grants I have received; but for me, hearing how the research I’ve contributed to, has improved just one small aspect of a person’s life feels like such an achievement.

Hearing how the teaching and learning activities I’m contributing to have inspired students, got them to graduation and ultimately, jobs in the sector is also a great feeling.

What do you feel is the best way to inspire more women and girls to study and work in science?

Visibility. Giving women and girls the platform they deserve to shout about their achievements in science. Talking about challenges and working together to overcome them is also important.

Mentors, buddies, and role models can play a vital role in providing visibility too. I am lucky to be surrounded by many powerful and inspiring women – both professionally and personally.

It’s so important that these types of networks spread, and women support each other to work in and study science, in whatever capacity they want and can.

What advice do you have for any women looking to work in Health and Exercise Science?

Say ‘yes’ to as many opportunities that come your way and push yourself out of your comfort zone. But, equally, learn to say ‘no’ when you need to. Protecting yourself and being able to do just a few things really well, instead of trying to excel across multiple activities, is valued so much more.

Seek out women that inspire you and ask to go for a coffee to hear their stories.

Invest in professional development where you can, whether it’s a qualification in exercise training, gaining research skills and experience, or working across a range of roles to work out what you enjoy.

Create an online platform to develop and share your professional identity, such as Research Gate or LinkedIn. Being an active member of professional governing bodies – like the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) or the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) – is a good way to stay at the forefront of contemporary issues and knowledge exchange within the field.

Build experience working with a range of populations. Put yourself out there to work with young people, older people, people with a variety of health conditions, or populations who are underrepresented – people affected by homelessness or refugees to name a couple. Doing this will give you resilience and compassion, each of which will make you a successful health and exercise scientist.

Which female scientist do you find most inspiring and why?

For me, the most inspiring female scientists are the ones in training. While juggling and prioritising university studies, paid work, caring responsibilities, professional development, and so much more; these women are still investing in their future to become they best at what they do.

To explore what you could accomplish as a woman in science, check out our courses in Health and Exercise Science today.