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Scientists or #WomenInScience?

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11 February 2021

The phrase “Women In Science” can seem inherently contradictory. Science is for everyone, and everyone can make a contribution and impact through science. There shouldn’t be any gender labels.

However, we are not there yet, and we are working toward a future where girls and women are represented fully.

To recognize the essential role of women and girls in science and technology and further achieve gender equality, the UN has declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

What our female scientists have to say about #WomenInScience

Biases and Gender Stereotypes in Science-related Fields

Biases and Gender Stereotypes in Science-related Fields

According to UNESCO data, less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women, and only around 30% of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education.

Another study also showed that of the onscreen characters with an identifiable STEM job, only 12% were women.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science!

Women in Science-led Team at Shiok Meats

Women in Science-led Team at Shiok Meats

As a Women in Science-led team, with more than 70% of the team being females, we’d like to play our part and join the conversation with #WomenInScience.

At Shiok, we value each of our team members, integrate their varied roles, and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers and leadership regardless of their gender and background.

We asked some of our talented female scientists at Shiok Meats, “What does it mean to you, being a female scientist?”

What does it mean to you, being a female scientist?

“Just go for it!”

I have always been intrigued by how the human body and living things work and the love of science started at a very young age. Being educated and trained as a scientist let me explore my career opportunities as well.

My motto has always been “Just go for it”. Hence, moving from a scientist to an entrepreneur was exhilarating. Of course, I faced many challenges and will face many more as a female scientist and female entrepreneur – but I will continue to keep my head held high, stay confident and work my way through the hurdles.

Yes, we as women, have to put in more hard work and try a little more to get to where we want to be; I hope that changes over time. We as women are strong, great multi-taskers and brilliant at home and work.

Stay confident and go for it – no one can stop you!

Dr. Sandhya Sriram

Dr. Sandhya Sriram

CEO, Shiok Meats

“The world is your oyster!”

The world is your oyster

I am very fortunate that gender has never occurred to me as an issue in my career. In fact, at Shiok Meats, many of our advisors and investors are very supportive of Sandhya and me as female founders. I’m very grateful for my supportive husband, whom I learn from everyday!

I chanced upon my love for biology when I read about Dolly the sheep and have not regretted my decision to pursue a research career! It is very important to use internships and work attachment programs to explore whether a job is suitable for you. I’m humbled that I have had many such opportunities during my education and would encourage all youths out there to take the initiative and seek opportunities you are looking for!

The world is your oyster, go forth and explore! Don’t be intimidated if you don’t immediately achieve what you’re looking for;perseverance will help you reach your goals!

Dr. Ka Yi Ling

Dr. Ka Yi Ling

CTO, Shiok Meats

“Understanding truth and beauty of life through science”

Science, to me is all about understanding the universe in which we exist. My scientific journey has enabled me to appreciate and understand the truth and beauty of life.

I truly believe that the world’s most pressing social and scientific problems can be resolved only when women are given equal opportunity, and I sincerely hope that women of the following generation would not have to deal with the challenges faced by Women In Science today.

Ms. Durgalakshmi Sathiakumar

Ms. Durgalakshmi Sathiakumar

COO, Shiok Meats

“Follow your passion and disregard the norms of society”

I believe resilience is important to learn from failures and celebrate any successes, big or small. To follow my passion for science and disregard the norms of society.

Dr. Serene Chng

Dr. Serene Chng

Head of Research, Shiok Meats

“Be a Mermaid and make waves!”

Be a Mermaid and make waves!

The role of women in fisheries science is underestimated and undervalued. And yet, the Fish and Female link are always mesmerizing! Women contribute substantially to fisheries economies worldwide. And yet their contributions are not well recognized. The public image of female involvement in the fisheries sector needs refinement.

Be a Mermaid and make waves.

Dr. Srijaya TC

Dr. Srijaya TC

Research Scientist, Shiok Meats

“A woman has to play many roles in her life and each one extremely important”

Having women in science certainly was more challenging in the past than it is in the present times. Many of my heroes who have been a great source of inspiration over the years have been wonderful women scientists who have contributed to society immensely. These women scientists, be it Alice Ball who became the first African American to become the university’s first female professor or Sally Ride who became the first American woman in space, all did it against outstanding odds. This motivated me to get into science at a time when it is probably the best time ever for women to be in science when you compare it with history.

A woman has to play many roles in her life and each one extremely important. Having said that, I believe satisfying my intellectual curiosity helps me in playing those roles much better than it would have been otherwise.

Dr. Sudha Bhagwati

Dr. Sudha Bhagwati

Computational Scientist, Shiok Meats

“Self-realisation and confidence kept me going!”

As far as I can remember, I had always wanted to be a Scientist or an Engineer. Be it, Marie Curie or Rosalind Franklin, they were the stories I wanted to hear.
There have been times I have questioned my ability to do the seemingly impossible, but self-realisation and confidence kept me going!

Ms. Prithvi Kodialbail

Ms. Prithvi Kodialbail

Lead Bioprocess Engineer, Shiok Meats

“A spark is what it takes”

A spark is what it takes, and the essence of it is what matters. My essence has always been the inspiration from fellow scientists, and the spark is their invaluable discoveries to challenge ideas through facts. Once we instill a spark, it will gain the strength to transform into a fire, powerful enough to illuminate.

We, Scientists, are proud to carry the spark and essence within and around us.

Shiok Meats also owns Southeast Asia’s first cultivated red meat company, Gaia Foods.