This year's Women in Science Festival ran at Robinson College from 8th-9th April 2024. We welcomed 40 young people from state schools across the UK - from Torquay to Belfast, and Leeds to Gloucester - to Robinson College for two intensive days of science activities. Almost all the students came from Widening Participation backgrounds, and all were on track to achieve the grades needed to apply to Cambridge University should they wish to. The Festival was a great success, with lots of positive feedback. 

After the students arrived and settled in, the event began with a talk from Robinson fellow in Psychology Dr Stephanie Archer. She spoke to participants about her journey to Cambridge from secondary school, through different UK universities, reflecting on what it means to be a woman in STEM along the way. This part of the residential was particularly meaningful for many students who are beginning to navigate their own place in the scientific world as young women. 

After lunch, participants had a college tour, a session about Cambridge admissions and a Q&A with Robinson's student ambassadors. This was followed by two breakout sessions led by Robinson science PhD students. In session 1, PhD students Zugus and Stefany led a panel for half the participants, in which they spoke about their journey to Cambridge and their research across Biology and Chemistry. In the other room, Physics PhD student Eleanor led an interactive session on quantum computing based on her own research, and brought along objects from her lab for participants to see close-up. The participants had a great time exploring different areas of science, and learning a bit about how scientific research works at Cambridge. Day 1 finished with a fun quiz led by the student ambassador team! 

On Day 2, participants were split into two groups and headed to two of Cambridge's museums: the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. In both museums, students had a 'Women in Science' themed tour, followed by activities such as botanical drawing and the chance to explore the museums. We extend our thanks to Alison at the Whipple and Liz at the Sedgwick Museum for such interesting, informative and engaging tours! 

After we got back to Robinson, participants had a busy final afternoon which began with an interactive personal statement workshop led by Outreach Officer Jenny, to help introduce the idea of what makes a strong personal statement. This was followed by a Science Fair in the Dining Hall. Prior to the residential, almost all attendees had submitted their very own science poster, from topics as diverse as the science behind WiFi, chaos in weather forecasting, and using pig kidneys in transplantation. The breadth of topics covered was amazing, and the depth of the posters was so impressive! The Science Fair replicated what a real academic science fair would look like, as students had the chance to present their research to each other. 

We hope that the two-day Women in Science Festival was useful and enjoyable for participants as they continue their journey to studying science at university and beyond, and that the opportunity to meet other passionate young scientists will provide extra motivation for their studies. 

With thanks to the donors to Robinson College, who made it possible for us to run this event free of charge and provide opportunities to young people from a wide range of backgrounds to stay at the college. The Outreach Officer is also grateful to the student ambassador team for their support and enthusiasm, to Dr Steph Archer, to PhD students Eleanor, Zugus and Stefany, and to Alison and Liz from the University museums, as well as the staff in Robinson's Conferencing, Catering and Communications teams who supported the event in many different capacities.