Gisou van der Goot wins 2020 Suffrage Science award

The Suffrage Science scheme was initiated in 2011 by Professor Dame Amanda Fisher, Director of the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS). The Suffrage Science awards, curated by the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, “celebrate women in STEM subjects, and encourage others to enter and reach senior leadership roles.”

Since 2011, the Suffrage awards have been given to more than 130 recipients, covering the UK, Europe, the US, Hong Kong, and Uganda. This year, eleven women scientists and science communicators from across the world will officially receive Suffrage awards in their respective fields. The winners are chosen by the previous Suffrage award holders for their scientific achievements and ability to inspire others. This “relay” happens every two years, creating “an inspiring network of women connected by their link to the scheme.”

Professor van der Goot was nominated by Professor Irene Miguel-Aliaga at the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, who said:

I wish to nominate Gisou for her original research exploring how cellular membranes and organelles function, and how they are targeted by pathogens, but also for her efforts towards increasing equality and representation for female scientists in Switzerland, where female Faculty numbers are unusually low, at least by European standards. These efforts have most recently included a national strike for equal pay.

The Suffrage awards are pieces of jewelry handcrafted by art students from Central Saint Martins, a constituent college of the University of the Arts London. Working with scientists, the students designed pieces inspired by research and the Suffragette movement.

Professor van der Goot will receive the Suffrage award at a special event on 6 November 2020.

Official MRC Press Release