City of Waterloo Museum celebrates achievements of women in STEM with new travelling exhibition
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
About the City of Waterloo Museum
The City of Waterloo Museum is the place to discover, learn about, and celebrate the diverse history and stories that continue to define Waterloo’s identity—past, present, and future.
Exhibition hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours in July and August. Admission is always free.
About Ingenium, Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
Ingenium celebrates the innovative spirit of Canadians by telling the stories of those who dared to think differently. Inspired by the power of ingenuity, Ingenium encompasses three national institutions: the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. These three museums are places where the past meets the future, with spaces where visitors can learn and explore, play and discover. Ingenium continues to evolve — the brand new Ingenium Centre houses Canada’s science and technology collection, a research institute, and a digital innovation lab, all designed to protect priceless Canadian heritage artifacts for the benefit of many generations to come. Beyond the physical walls of its museums, Ingenium’s engaging digital content, outreach programs and travelling exhibitions serve to educate, entertain, and engage audiences across Canada and around the world.
-30-
Media contact:
Jennifer Reed
Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
jennifer.reed@waterloo.ca