Our Impact
Learn more about our impact on the neuroscience community and how we have been progressing towards our goal of inspiring, connecting and advocating for women in neuroscience.
Inspire
By providing confidence, scientific knowledge, networking opportunities, careers advice, and training in leadership and science communication, we have opened new avenues for women in our network.
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of attendees said they had been motivated to learn more about gender bias in the workplace in our event with Sheffield Neuroscience Society.
satisfaction in our WiNUK Volunteer Programme.
nominations from 16 UK institutions for our inaugural WiNUK Awards in 2024.
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Our valuable work has garnered recognition from prominent international charities, research funders, universities and companies, facilitating collaborations on events, blogs, and social media campaigns addressing gender inequities in neuroscience.
To find out more, click below to visit our Partnerships page.
Hear From Us
WiNUK is powered by a diverse, passionate, and dedicated group of volunteers who bring a wide range of skills and experiences to everything we do. Their voices reflect the spirit of our organisation—and offer a glimpse into the community behind the work.
Let's hear from some of the incredible individuals who make up WiNUK:
Operations Lead
Amy Boyack
"As a woman in an all male lab suffering from imposter syndrome, I was struggling to see representations of myself and feel like I belonged in the community. I felt this strongly throughout my journey through academia, starting with questioning my ability to complete STEM subjects and dealing with my own self-doubts. I wanted to be part of somewhere that provided me with that sense of belonging, whilst also helping to encourage other women and girls who may feel similar that they are more than capable of doing anything they put their mind to, and they belong in neuroscience."
Senior Video Editor
Riya Verma
"Through WiNUK I have connected with a fantastic group of like-minded individuals who support and uplift one another. WiNUK has allowed me to delve into various methods of science communication through writing blog articles to creating social media campaigns to participating in conferences where I am able to build upon my confidence within public speaking and spark my love and interest for it! WiNUK’s content has inspired me through the depth of topics shared on how women in neuroscience can truly achieve fantastic things from academic success to personal growth and creative pursuits, like science communication."
Social Media Coordinator
Rachel Grasmeder Allen
"The community is the best part about WiNUK. I’ve loved working alongside everyone for the last 2.5 years and I’ve particularly enjoyed the chances the meet other members in person! I actually first met fellow WiNUK members at the BNA festival in 2023, and have since met people at FENS, when on placement in Cambridge, at SfN and at the incredible WiNUK Awards event in November! I’m very grateful to have met so many other female neuroscientists! It’s also been great to have a chance to write and edit for the blog which will be very helpful when applying for jobs!"
Funding and Income Development Officer
Jess Woods ​
"I wanted to volunteer for WiNUK because I wanted to connect with inspiring women, and work together towards the common goal of further inspiring a wider audience. I also wanted to be part of a game-changing community spreading awareness of an issue so many people around the world experience and could benefit from changing.
This volunteering experience has helped my career as it is a fantastic talking point in interviews which I've found companies are very receptive to, especially as I am looking to go into science writing/science communications further.
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Blog Coordinator & Blog Editor: Reviews
Rebecca Pope
"One of the most enriching aspects of this role has been the exposure to new topics and perspectives I might never have encountered otherwise. Through editing a wide range of blog posts - from neuroscience research and science communication to policy, advocacy, and personal stories - I’ve discovered so much beyond my own academic focus. This continuous learning has deepened my appreciation for the diversity of work and experiences within the neuroscience community."
Virtual Events Officer
Sirjan Chhatwal
"Although my day-to-day lab work was rewarding, I felt that effective science communication and advocacy, particularly for women in STEM—were missing. Volunteering for WiNUK allowed me to address these gaps, channeling my passion for neuroscience into meaningful community outreach, fostering diversity, and enhancing public understanding of science. Volunteering with WiNUK has profoundly enriched my career and personal development. It has significantly enhanced my skills in science communication, outreach, and advocacy. Through WiNUK, I have expanded my professional network, connected with leading neuroscientists, and received invaluable mentorship. Additionally, volunteering has boosted my confidence in public speaking and event organisation.
WiNUK’s content has empowered me: the stories and discussions shared through WiNUK have provided motivation and clarity about career pathways and challenges in neuroscience. WiNUK's strong advocacy for inclusivity and equity has profoundly influenced my perspective on my own scientific practice and responsibility towards promoting diversity in STEM. Overall, WiNUK has given me the tools, resources, and confidence to advocate effectively within neuroscience and beyond."
Our Goals for 2025
As we reflect on the progress and lessons of the past year, we're proud of how far we've come—and even more excited for what lies ahead! We strive to make 2025 our most impactful year yet.
Our main goals for 2025 include:
Advocating for Change
Scaling advocacy efforts to challenge norms, starting conversations on issues like caregiving.
Celebrating Inclusion & Excellence
Establishing WiNUK Awards as a flagship event to raise visibility for women in neuroscience and inclusive practices.
Building Stronger Networks
Improving peer mentorship and career support with in-person and virtual WiNUK events.
Driving Systemic Change
Strengthening long-term partnerships to support WiNUK's longevity and our innovative inclusion strategies.