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News & Press: Empower

Empower January 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026   (0 Comments)
Posted by: Aaliyah Garcia
  • People • Purpose • Pathways
GWIS EMPOWER showcases members' stories, leadership pathways, and key updates from the GWIS community.
January, 2026


Every scientific journey has a story worth sharing


GWIS EMPOWER highlights the people behind the science – members whose paths reflect purpose, resilience, leadership, and impact. Whether it's a defining moment, a challenge overcome, or a commitment to uplifting others, these stories inspire our community and make excellence feel reachable.

We invite self-nominations and peer nominations from across all career stages and disciplines.
 
Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and may be featured in a future issue


Empowering the Next Generation: GWIS Grad School 101 Wins National Recognition

Through strategic collaboration and a shared commitment to mentorship, Praveena Prasad and Natalie Ford, co-chairs of GWIS’s Grad School 101 branch, have been recognized for their outstanding leadership in empowering undergraduate women. Partnering with Women in Science and Engineering Advice (WISE Advice), they organized a series of workshops and panel discussions designed to guide undergraduate women through post-bachelor pathways, including graduate school and industry careers.
Their initiative has earned the Empowerment Program of the Month Award from the Nittany Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), recognizing exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment. Building on this success, the same collaboration was further honored with both Regional (CAACURH) and National (NACURH) Empowerment Program Awards. These recognitions highlight the power of cross-organization collaboration and the critical role of peer-led mentorship in shaping inclusive scientific pipelines. Praveena and Natalie’s work exemplifies GWIS’s mission in action, creating access, confidence, and community for women navigating the next stages of their scientific journeys.

Registration is now open for SCIENCE TALK ‘26, the 10th annual conference of the Association of Science Communicators. At ASC, we believe that science is a human right. Connecting the multifaceted world of science communicators is critical for building a strong and knowledgeable society. 
 
SCIENCE TALK ’26 is taking place as a hybrid conference. Virtual sessions begin the week of March 9. The in-person conference is March 26-27 in Portland, Oregon, with real-time online participation. Conference registration is now open! We are also accepting abstracts for the poster/art session and applications for travel awards to help offset the cost of attendance. Early-bird registration closes Jan 31, so register now for the early-bird discount.
 


Empower Feature | Rewriting the Rules of Equality in STEM

Gender equity in STEM does not happen by chance; it requires intentional, structural change. In this widely discussed Nature article, researchers outline ten evidence-based actions that institutions can take to close persistent gender gaps in science. From equitable hiring and promotion practices to dismantling invisible labor burdens and improving mentorship pipelines, the piece offers a practical roadmap grounded in global data. Rather than framing gender equity as a “women’s issue,” the authors emphasize that inclusive systems benefit scientific excellence, innovation, and societal impact as a whole. For GWIS members navigating academic, industry, or policy spaces, this article provides both validation and language to advocate for meaningful change where it matters most.

Source: Nature – “Ten essential steps to achieve gender equality in STEM.”


Empower Insight | Who Gets Penalized in Scienceand Why It Matters

Scientific integrity is essential, but how accountability plays out is not always gender-neutral. This Nature analysis explores an intriguing trend: women scientists retract papers at lower rates than men. Rather than implying fewer errors, the article raises deeper questions about risk-taking, scrutiny, and the unequal consequences of mistakes in academia. The piece invites reflection on how professional penalties, reputational risk, and confidence intersect with gender, particularly in high-stakes publishing environments. For early- and mid-career researchers, this article sparks important conversations about fairness, transparency, and how institutional cultures shape scientific behavior.
Source: Nature- “Women seem to retract fewer papers than men — but why?”
image credit: Westend61/Getty


GWIS EMPOWER | SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITY

 

 

Your Research Has Its Rewards: Science & PINS Prize in Neuromodulation

GWIS members conducting innovative research at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and clinical medicine are encouraged to apply for the Science & PINS Prize in Neuromodulation, a prestigious international award recognizing fundamental and translational research in neuromodulation. This prize honors scientists whose work advances our understanding of human health and disease, or guides the development of therapeutic interventions through neuromodulation. Applicants are invited to submit a 1,000-word essay describing research conducted within the last three years. The Grand Prize winner receives $25,000, along with publication of their essay in Science magazine and online. A runner-up will also receive $5,000 and also have their work published online, offering exceptional visibility within the global scientific community. This opportunity is ideal for researchers seeking both recognition and a platform to showcase the broader impact of their work.

Deadline: March 15, 2026
Apply here


Funding Opportunity | MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship

Deadline: January 31

The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship supports high-potential women pursuing STEM degrees who are committed to using their education to benefit society and the planet. Open to international and DACA students, this scholarship emphasizes leadership, service, and forward-thinking impact.

Applicants are invited to submit an essay reflecting on the future of STEM and how women can lead transformative change over the next decade. For GWIS members seeking financial support and global visibility, this opportunity aligns closely with GWIS’s mission to advance women in science.
Click here to apply 


Funding Spotlight | L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Awards

Deadline: February 13

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science program recognizes and supports exceptional women at the postdoctoral level whose research is advancing science and society. Awardees receive significant financial support and national visibility, helping accelerate independent research careers.

This highly competitive program celebrates scientific excellence while addressing the gender gap at critical career transition points. GWIS members eligible for this award are strongly encouraged to apply and to leverage mentorship and peer review in preparing competitive applications.
Click here to apply 

Join the GWIS Book Club!

GWIS Book Club Spotlight 📚
🎉 The January book has been selected!
💖 This month, we’re reading "Love, Theoretically" by Ali Hazelwood—a smart, witty romance about a PhD student navigating academia, love, and professional rivalry.
📆 Virtual Meeting: Friday, January 30
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM EST
👉 Register here
We hope to see you there! 📖✨


Want to connect on-line with other women scientists? Join the GWIS Slack channel. GWIS also has a private LinkedIn group for connecting with nearly 2,000 women scientists to share interesting news, job opportunities, and more! Want to form a small group? Contact the GWIS Media group to access our private forums and help you solicit fellow GWIS participants!

Get Involved with GWIS!

Support and be part of a growing network of women scientists.

Join or Renew

About GWIS

Founded in 1921, Graduate Women in Science is an inter-disciplinary society of scientists who collectively seek to advance the participation and recognition of women in science and to foster research through grants, awards and fellowships. We comprise over 20 active chapters of more than 800 women who are "United in Friendship through Science" to support and inspire member professional goals and mutual appreciation of science. Learn more at www.gwis.org.

Contact GWIS

244 Fifth Avenue, Suite #1825
New York, NY 10001
www.gwis.org

President
Brooke Long-Fox

GWIS Media Editor
Veena Prasad

GWIS Empower Editor
Faizah Alabi
 

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