Helen Gleeson is making a difference
05 Jun 2014
I support women to succeed in science
I am a Professor of Physics at The University of Manchester. My research is aimed at understanding self-assembling and self-ordering materials, especially liquid crystals. I have published extensively in this area and was proud to receive an OBE for my services to science over the course of my career.
Outside of my teaching and research, I am keen to make a difference to the proportion of women who enter into, and make it to the top of, the scientific profession within the University and academia generally. It’s hard to believe, but I was the first ever female Head of the School of Physics at The University of Manchester! I am passionate that more women take up sciences in schools and I enjoy opportunities to speak to school students about my career and what it’s like to be a scientist. Within the University I am also keen to support change. I have been instrumental in developing and professionalising polices that affect the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in the University.
I really value opportunities to mentor and support female colleagues within the University, who certainly have the talent to make it to the top of their careers, but who can benefit from the advice and encouragement of someone like me, who has been in their shoes and progressed in my career.
More information
If you want to make a difference and support our social responsibility agenda at the University, please visit:
Or if you would like to share your story you can add it to: