Research from The United Nations for 2023 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) reveals that women represent 33.3% of all researchers. 

In support of IDWGIS 2023, we are highlighting a selection of our female authors and editors in the hope that more women and girls will be inspired to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Professor Andrea Azcarate-Peril, Ph. D. is an Associate Professor of Medicine, GI Division in the School of Medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill.  She is also the founding and current Director of the UNC Microbiome Core, which provides research to investigators interested in addressing the roles of the host-associated microbiota in health and disease. 

Her research projects have focused on functional genomics of probiotics and gut microbiome modulation by prebiotics for over 20 years, resulting in over 65 peer-reviewed publications. 

How did you get into science? 

Andrea Azcarate-Peril: I’m in awe of all living things. Not being a religious person, I was always interested in learning how biological systems work.  

What’s it like to be a woman in STEM? 

Andrea Azcarate-Peril: I believe women are making strides in STEM fields. Particularly in biomedical research. Sometimes women are their own enemies as we constantly feel pressure to do everything and do it right! 

Can you provide one sentence that advises researchers starting their careers in STEM? 

Andrea Azcarate-Peril: The best character trait for any scientist is resilience. It is easy to get overwhelmed by too much work, rejection, and our own expectations. “Just keep swimming”! 

The best character trait for any scientist is resilience.

Andrea Azcarate-Peril

Professor Andrea Azcarate-Peril is the Editor-in-Chief of Gut Microbiome, which is an Open Access journal, co-published by Cambridge University Press and The Nutrition Society, with the aim of supporting the development of an integrated, interdisciplinary understanding of the gut microbiome. Read more about the journal here. 

International Day of Women and Girls in Science  

This week we celebrate the eighth International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). Beyond fostering a balanced and fair environment for our aspiring women and girls, why is it so vital that we foster gender equality and equity in science?  

This year, the United Nations, which hosts the annual event, contemplates another dimension to articulating meaningful change in STEM industries. Their goals for 2030 provide inspirational agenda that encourages sustainable and equitable development across five key areas:  

• Clean water and sanitation  
• Affordable and clean energy 
• Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure  
• Sustainable and Inclusive Communities and Cities 
• Revitalize the Partnerships for the goals

Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ United Nations

Want to read more from our inspirational female authors? 

Access our Free Read Collection, which includes titles in your interest area, and help us raise awareness in the best way we know how: by reading and making research accessible.   

Resources will be available from today, with more content coming as we build up to International Women’s Day on 8th March.