Inspiring the Next Generation: Women, Science, and the Importance of Role Models—an Interview with Jasmin Shearan
Women in science communication play a crucial role in making complex ideas accessible, inspiring the next generation and shaping the way society understands scientific progress. From personal inspirations to becoming role models themselves, many women in the field have navigated challenges, learned from mentors and paved the way for others to follow.
In this interview, Jasmin shares the women who inspired her journey, the best advice she’s received and why representation is so crucial in science and communication. She also reflects on moments when she realised she was becoming a role model herself and discusses the significance of International Women’s Day in celebrating progress and pushing for further change.
Are there any women that inspired you to pursue a career in science communication?
I would say my mum was a huge inspiration. She balanced family life with a career in agricultural science, and at the time, I didn’t fully appreciate how challenging that must have been, managing both worlds simultaneously. Now that I’ve entered the workforce myself, I have a much deeper understanding of the difficulties she faced and the strength it took to navigate them.
I’m also continuously inspired by my colleagues and the supportive, collaborative culture we’ve built. There’s always someone to turn to for advice, and the problem-solving mindset within the field is truly motivating.
What’s the best piece of advice a mentor or senior colleague has given you?
One piece of advice that has stuck with me, and that I use all the time, is: “Focus on the next step ahead, not the entire staircase”.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at the bigger picture, whether that’s thinking about your entire career path or tackling a complex project. But by breaking things down into smaller, manageable steps, everything becomes much more achievable.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter this field?
Persistence and determination are key. Setbacks will happen, but don’t let them discourage you. When I first decided I wanted to go into science communication, I didn’t make it past my first interview. It would have been easy to think: “Maybe this isn’t for me”. But instead, I reached out to the interviewer for feedback. Their advice helped me identify areas to improve, so I bought a book, learned more about the field, and tried again. When I went back for another recruitment day, I got the job.
Also, science communication, and PR in general, is a constantly evolving field. The best thing you can do is get involved in as many different areas as possible, stay curious and be enthusiastic.
Why do you think it’s important for women to see role models in science and communication?
Representation is powerful. When young girls see women thriving in the industry they aspire to enter, it instils confidence in them; they can visualise themselves in those roles. Seeing someone who looks like them, with a similar background or journey, can be the encouragement they need to pursue their ambitions.
I think the importance of this representation is really highlighted by the progress seen in the ‘draw a scientist’ study, that has happened over the last five decades.1
In the 1960s and 1970s, less than 1% of students depicted scientists as female. By 2016, that number had risen to 34%; and among girls, more than half now draw women when asked to sketch a scientist.
This shift mirrors real-world progress: Between 1960 and 2013, the percentage of women in science careers significantly increased, rising from 28% to 49% in biological sciences, from 8% to 35% in chemistry, and from 3% to 11% in physics and astronomy. These numbers highlight the importance of visibility; when women see others like them in the field, they’re more likely to believe they belong there too.
Have you ever had a moment where you realised you were becoming a role model yourself?
Two moments really stand out to me.
The first was when I was invited back to my university to speak at a careers event. It felt surreal because I had only been out of university for about three years, yet I was already in a position to share insights with students who were where I once was. It made me realise how much I had grown professionally. I even have a photo from that day!
The second moment involves my niece, who is about to turn eight. Being around her makes me more mindful of how I act and what I say because I want to set a positive example. I want her to grow up confident in her abilities, and for that to happen, I need to model confidence myself and celebrate my achievements. This will show her that she can do the same and believe in her own potential.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
For me, International Women’s Day is about recognising the challenges women face, especially when it comes to balancing multiple roles—whether that’s being a mother while building a career, managing family responsibilities, or even dealing with health-related challenges unique to women.
It’s also a day to reflect on how far we’ve come. Women today have opportunities that would have been unthinkable just decades ago, thanks to the resilience of those who came before us. When my mum worked in agricultural science, she faced discrimination that was all too common at the time. But while progress has been made, there’s still work to be done to achieve true gender equality.
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