To mark the occasion, we asked Heather Ramsay, our Strategic Development and Enterprise Lead, and Vicky Hills, our Research Recruitment Manager, to share their thoughts and reflect on their experiences as women working in science.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in science, and how has that motivation evolved over time?
Heather Ramsay: My interest in science began when I was very young, catching frogs and beetles to see them up close. I pursued a biology undergraduate degree, then switched to biological anthropology in graduate school to study human biology in an environmental context. I applied my education and experience to discovery and translational studies in drug discovery to bring therapeutics and medical devices to patients.
Vicky Hills: I went to University as an adult in my 30s when I decided I wanted a career change, I completed a BSc in Psychology. During my degree, I had the opportunity to design and conduct my own research project. Even though it was a small study, I was immediately struck by the real-world impact that research and science can have, and it encouraged me to think beyond the project itself to the wider implications of scientific discovery. My degree and that project sparked a lasting interest in health and genetic research, leading me to pursue a career within the NHS and ultimately into my current role with the NIHR BioResource. Over time, my motivation has evolved from curiosity about research to a strong commitment to ensuring that science is inclusive, meaningful, and capable of driving positive change.
Is there a particular study or project you’ve worked on that made you think, “This is why I do this”?
HR: I was the study director for a preclinical study investigating a novel blood clotting material in emergency wound care. The clotting material was developed for battlefield wound triage and later introduced to emergency medicine. My niece is an EMT and now uses the material in trauma cases.
VH: The work we are currently doing within the NIHR BioResource to address the under representation of minority ethnic communities in genetic research has been particularly meaningful to me. Having the opportunity to hear directly from people with lived experience, and to see the tangible changes our work can drive, has reinforced why this work matters. It has shown me, in very real terms, how we can help change the research landscape to be more inclusive and representative.
What does representation of women and girls in science mean to you personally?
HR: Representation of women in science enables a wider range of ideas being presented during scientific discovery. Without many perspectives, possible avenues of exploration are lost or overlooked.
VH: Representation of women and girls in science is important to me, particularly as a Mum to three boys. It is important that they grow up seeing women as leaders and experts, and understanding that equality is essential, not exceptional. Representation shapes our expectations, for women and girls to see what is possible, and for men and boys to grow up knowing that talent and leadership are not defined by our gender, and for them to champion that outlook in all areas of their life professional and personal.
What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just starting out in research?
HR: Learn programming. Python and R are a significant part of science. I wish I had been an early adopter when I was getting started.
A huge thank you to both Heather and Vicky for taking the time to share their experiences of working at the BioResource, why they pursued careers in science and what representation means to them on a personal level.
If you are a researcher interested in working with the NIHR BioResource to support your study, please get in touch.
You can keep up to date with NIHR BioResource on X and LinkedIn.