Woman, chemist, activist

Run time: 12.00 – 13.00
From challenging sexism to fighting for prison reform, Lauren Mullin (Liverpool John Moores University) shares three protest stories from the early 20th century.

The stories share a common theme: each one features women chemists whose strong beliefs and inspiring actions were the catalyst for change.

Find out about Martha Whiteley and Ida Smedley’s campaign for women scientists to be admitted into the Chemical Society.

Learn how aspiring biochemist Kamala Bhagvat became the first female graduate student at the Indian Institute of Science. And discover why x-ray crystallographer and committed pacifist Kathleen Lonsdale ended up in prison.

Lauren will explore what these women’s stories can teach us about the connections between social change, activism and careers in science. 

Please note that this event will involve discussions around institutionalised sexism.
For access information and directions to this venue, and all British Science Festival venues, please click this link https://britishsciencefestival.org/british-science-festival-2025-venues

11 September 2025 - 12:00
Redmonds Building - Lecture Theatre 1, LJMU