WIQD’s mission is to bring female quantum researchers from industry, academia and policy together, to form a professional and informal network.
Back in 2020, Stacey Jeffery said: “The idea to establish WIQD arose when I heard about the 'leaky pipeline' of female talent in science. Somehow, women leave science at a higher rate than men. I was wondering why more women are dropping out of science, and why I had stayed.”
She soon found out the answer might lie in her own informal network of colleagues, mentors, and friends.
“I noticed it’s easier to find your way around as a scientist when you’re from a big group, and can rely on their advice. Also, a bigger network allows you to see more role models and different types of scientists.”
Since its start, WIQD has grown a lot and the team has done many good things to improve inclusivity for women and gender minorities. Inspiring!
Thanks to Stacey Jeffery, Julia Cramer and the rest of the team - Judith Kreukels, Yvonne Smit, Mathilde Lemang, Garazi Muguruza Lasa, Caiseal Beardow, Alicja Dutkiewicz, Vandana Dwarka, Marieke Kootte, Miriam Lucio Martinez, Rima Schüssler and Taryn Stefanski.
