We are very excited to have recently collaborated with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Forensic Science Laboratories to celebrate the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is held annually on 11 February.

Three of our senior science students—Kayla Bryant, Imogen Hannaford, and Matilda Brown—were invited by Commander Joanne Cameron, AFP Acting Commissioner, to join female students from other Canberra schools and spend the day with science professionals from the Forensic Laboratories at Majura.

The organisation’s Principal Forensic Scientist, Dr Kylie Jones, and her team led Kayla, Imogen, and Matilda on a tour of the AFP Forensic Facility, where they participated in interactive experiences that included ballistics, fingerprint and shoeprint capture, and DNA and blood analysis.

This day provided our students with the opportunity to not only be immersed in the world of forensics but also to speak with inspirational women in science about their roles in their field and their educational and career paths. It was an exciting day!

Building a Future for Women in Science

Gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all, yet females continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers. Current worldwide statistics show that only one in three scientists are female.

There are many factors that influence young girls' access to STEM careers, including family environment, school and university settings, as well as persistent social and cultural norms. Closing the gender gap in science requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women’s advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It is our fervent hope that we at JPC can help shift this imbalance and encourage greater access for girls to the sciences, engineering, technology, and mathematics. This can be achieved overtly, by attending opportunities such as this day, and inherently, through our curriculum and the role models provided by our inspirational teachers (of all genders).

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations’ observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. For more information, visit the link below:

United Nations – International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Other Science News: Year 9 Science – Biology and Brain Dissections!

In the current biology unit, Year 9 students have been exploring the role of the nervous system in regulating and coordinating the body’s response to a stimulus. This was enhanced with a practical session where students undertook a dissection of a sheep’s brain.

Dissecting animal organs offers a direct and authentic view into the body’s structures. As a hands-on activity, it enables students to consolidate the theory they have learned while also developing their understanding of scientific inquiry.

Pictured are some of our Year 9 scientists at work!

Mrs Jennifer Tually
Science Coordinator