Women scientists: Tell Your Story and Inspire Others in Astronomy

Editor's note: Hadiza Mohammed contacted me about this project and when I visited her "Women Rock Science" Tumblr, I loved it. I asked her to contribute a guest post about the project and to follow up about how it went after the event is over. I hope it can serve as a resource and model for others! --ESL

This is Women Rock Science and we’re working with the Knowledge Observatory to create an interactive display of women in astronomy from all over the world. We’re seeking out as many female astronomers and planetary scientists as possible to tell their diverse and interesting stories and inspire young girls (and boys!) to find their place in astronomy. The display will be featured at the North West Astronomy Festival 2013 (Cheshire, UK) as well as online at Women Rock Science.

This is where we need you. Whether you’re a skilful lab technician or heading up your own research team we want to hear your stories on your life, your work and what makes you passionate about space. Our goal is to show the many faces of women in astronomy and tell your story to the next generation.

We are asking for bios and photos. The photos will be displayed on a large screen alongside video footage of female astronomers that we have already prepared. Children will be able to select from the videos and photos to hear and read more directly from the people behind the research. The photos will also be projected on a big screen for the entire duration of the festival. The display will be a key feature at the festival as it will give attendees direct engagement with the women who work in astronomy.

The festival takes place on 26-27 October and all profits from the festival go to the Knowledge Observatory's Astronomy Programme for young people disengaged from work and education. We will be back on the Planetary Society Blog in a month's time to tell you all how it went and to announce the online launch of the display. All the information gathered will be online after the festival.

Participation is easy and will only take 10-15 minutes of your time. All you have to do is email [email protected] with

1. Your bio - a copied and pasted version is fine

2. 1 or 2 happy/fun photos of yourself [as high-res as possible]

3. 1 or 2 photos of your work or any astronomy related photos [as high-res as possible]

I hope to hear from you soon.