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Iron Willed: Women in STEM

May 19, 2026 to December 30, 2026

The City of Waterloo Museum is pleased to announce the opening of Iron Willed: Women in STEM, a travelling exhibition developed by Ingenium, Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation.

Designed to engage, advance, inspire and support young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Iron Willed: Women in STEM highlights the contributions women have made — and continue to make — in these fields. The exhibition supports international efforts to advance gender equity and address the persistent underrepresentation of women in STEM careers.

Featuring inspirational figures from the Waterloo region, across Canada and around the world, the exhibition shares stories of trailblazers whose work has shaped scientific discovery and innovation. Visitors will encounter notable scientists such as Nobel Prize-winning physicist Donna Strickland, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell and technology leader Melissa Sariffodeen.

The exhibition also highlights research by Canadian zoologist Anne Innis Dagg, known for her pioneering studies of giraffes, and environmental chemist Hind Al Abadleh, whose work advances understanding of air pollution. Together, these stories showcase the diverse contributions of women whose curiosity, determination and leadership continue to shape STEM fields.

Through personal stories, interactive learning and engaging displays, Iron Willed: Women in STEM demonstrates that women have long been leaders in scientific discovery and innovation while inspiring the next generation of researchers, engineers and problem-solvers.

This exhibition is supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage via a grant from the Museum Assistance Program Exhibition Circulation Fund.

For more information about the exhibition, visit Ingenium Women in STEM travelling display

“Worldwide, women make up only 28.4 per cent of scientific researchers. Through the Women in STEM initiative and travelling display, Ingenium hopes to make women in STEM more visible, promote STEM careers for women, and celebrate achievements and advocates.”

— Christina Tessier, president and CEO, Ingenium, Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation

“The women from Waterloo represented in this exhibit have always been innovative and groundbreaking. By honouring those who paved the way, we hope to inspire the next generation to continue shaping the future of STEM.”

— Karen VandenBrink, manager of museum and archival collections, City of Waterloo Museum