Sadly I won’t be travelling on Boaty McBoatface, or even the RSS Sir David Attenborough*.
Nonetheless on December 2nd this year, I’ll be embarking on a remarkable journey as one of 78 women scientists selected for Homeward Bound – the world’s first state-of-the-art leadership and strategic program for women in science, set against the backdrop of Antarctica.
The brainchild of renowned Australian leadership expert Fabian Dattner, and the product of a magic collaboration with Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas Melbourne-Thomas from the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, Homeward Bound has selected remarkable female leaders in science from around the world, including Canada, Australia, France, Germany, UK, US, Norway, New Zealand and South Africa. Together we will work on a range of projects throughout 2016, culminating in a 20 day trip to Antarctica to cement the ideas into actionable plans.
We are spending 18 months preparing as a team, interacting on social media and international calls, working together in small groups on projects linked to e.g. the role of women in environmental policy or education programs, alongside preliminary skills assessment and training to get us all ready for the expedition.
A documentary is being made, following the journey and exploring the role of women in science and in our world.
Homeward Bound aims to elevate each participant’s leadership capabilities, refine their skills to design and execute strategy, and devise plans for future collaborations as women working towards a sustainable future.
We will become women ready and able to lead, stronger together, and taking action that impacts communities in which we live, work and serve.
If you want to improve the leadership climate for women in science, why not get involved by following me on social media, and by supporting and sharing my crowdfunding campaign – thank you!
*The RSS Sir David Attenborough polar research ship is being built in the UK on Merseyside and will set sail in 2019. Tonne for tonne, it will provide the UK with the most advanced floating research fleet in the world, conducting vital research into the world’s oceans and how we address climate change.