Physics Comment Magazine March 2018 Issue Physics Comment March 2018_v1.3 | Page 17

Conference Delegates from over 60 countries worldwide at the ICWIP 2017 at University of Birmingham.
Conference Highlights
One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the IOP President's Medal to Professor Dame
Jocelyn Bell Burnell at a special ceremony in recognition of her ground-breaking research and her distinguished
ambassadorial role for physics – particularly for widening participation of Women in Physics. The conference also
heard from some of the world’s leading women physicists including Professor Gabriela Gonzalez, Professor Teresa
Lago and UK's Professor Athene Donald. Athene gave a fascinating insight into her research career and then her
"second" career as a trailblazer for gender diversity in physics. In-depth discussions were held at the various
workshops each day from the 17th to the 19th July 2017.
Surprise Visit and talk by youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace prize recipient
On the final day, there was a surprise visit and talk by Malala Yousafzai (Nobel Peace Prize laureate and activist for
female education). She talked about the importance of girls’ education and appealed to women physicists from
around the globe to spread the message of ‘education for all’. As a passionate advocate for education, Malala spoke
about her work and efforts to encourage and ensure opportunities in developed and developing countries for young
women to enter the education system. Malala is the co-Founder of the Malala Fund, an organisation dedicated to
giving all girls access to education.
Professor Igle Gledhill (Chair: IUPAP Working Group 5 (WG5)), Ms Malala Yousafzai (Nobel Peace Laureate visiting
the SA poster), Dr Sylvia Ledwaba (WiPiSA Student Representative 2016 – 2018), and Professor Nicola Wilkin
(University of Birmingham, Chair: ICWIP 2017 LOC).
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