Two special postage stamps celebrating the work of Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and featuring two pioneering Irish scientists, Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, astrophysicist and Professor Aoife McLysaght, geneticist, have been unveiled by Minister James Lawless T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Astrophysicist Bell Burnell discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967 and has studied the sky across almost the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Geneticist McLysaght is Chair of Evolutionary Genetics in Trinity College Dublin and one of the world’s leading genetics researchers. She was recently appointed to the role of Government Science Advisor. Both women are also exceptional in their advocacy for women in STEM and STEM communications.
Unveiling the stamps, Minister James Lawless T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said: “Recognising the vital role of women in STEM, which has historically been underreported, is an important aspect of the ongoing work of supporting gender balance across STEM disciplines, ensuring that all our research and innovation talent has the scope to see and realise their full potential. I am delighted that the significant contribution Professor McLysaght has made to science has been recognised in this way. I am delighted in particular that she has taken up her new role as Government Science Advisor and look forward to working with her in the period ahead.”
Issuing just ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 on 8th March, An Post’s new stamps acknowledge the achievements of Women in STEM and the challenges. While women are leading the way in many areas of STEM they still represent only 25% of STEM jobs in Ireland. There is an even greater under-representation of women at senior executive level. (*OECD 2018)
Women in STEM are connecting and advocating for themselves to provide inspiration and to promote role models for generations to come. With support from industry and Government, they are attracting and retaining more women to STEM careers and championing the importance of greater diversity in STEM. Professor Bell Burnell and Professor McLysaght are at the forefront of this work.
Designed by Detail Design agency, the stamps feature portraits of each woman by artist Steve Doogan alongside graphics representing their fields of expertise and achievements – a radio telescope and a classic double DNA helix with a diagram of the molecule. The stamps and a limited edition First Day Cover envelope are available in selected post offices nationwide and online at www.anpost.com/shop
In 2018 Jocelyn Bell Burnell was awarded a Breakthrough Prize for her discovery of radio pulsars, with an award of over €3million which she donated in full to ensuring access to science education for under-represented groups. Her discovery of pulsars was also the subject of the physics Nobel prize in 1974, but at the time her male supervisors received the award. Professor Bell Burnell has become a hugely respected leader in the scientific community, instrumental in ensuring that the issue of access to science by people from under-represented groups is at the top of the science community’s agenda.
Professor Bell Burnell said: ‘I am honoured and delighted to have a stamp issue in my honour; thank you An Post.”
Aoife McLysaght takes a leadership role advocating for STEM and actively communicating science to the public in an engaging and accessible manner. As professor of Genetics at Trinity College Dublin, she led a research group for over 20 years and managed cumulative research income from competitive awards of more than €5.5 million. A frequent contributor to radio discussions, live TV panels, science programmes, newspapers and online media, she has given many talks at public events, including music festivals and at the Royal Institution.
Professor Aoife McLysaght, Government Science Advisor, said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be featured in this special stamp series alongside Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a true pioneer in astrophysics. It is wonderful to see An Post celebrating the contributions of Irish women in STEM, even if the two stamps represent just a small sample of the vast body of amazing work to choose from. Each person brings a unique perspective, and these stamps help highlight the value of diversity in STEM. I hope these stamps inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM and to know that their contributions are valued and recognised.”
Dr Linda Doyle, Provost and President of Trinity College Dublin said: “It is wonderful to see the contribution of women in STEM celebrated in such a visual way with these new postage stamps. I really hope it inspires many more women – and young girls, in particular – to consider a career in STEM and to follow in the footsteps of these two trailblazers.
“Aoife, who holds the Chair of Evolutionary Genetics in Trinity, and Jocelyn, who is an Honorary Fellow in Trinity, have already stamped their mark in their research areas. It is fitting that they are now honoured in this way.”
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