Celebrating women in science

Last Tuesday (11 February) was the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global occasion to celebrate the important contributions of women and girls in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and breaking down barriers in the scientific community.

At ACU, we are inspired by the unique journeys, amazing discoveries and unwavering dedication of our female scientists, whose work makes an invaluable impact.

In honour of this day, we spoke with some of our remarkable female scientists to learn about their paths into sciences, their challenges and triumphs. Today we’ll be speaking with Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady.

Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady, Peter Faber Business School and Director, Women in AI for Social Good lab (Womenin-AI.com)

How did you become a scientist?

I loved mathematics and computers from a very young age, and from middle school I knew I wanted to pursue my studies in this area. Innovation is an inseparable part of my being, and I loved coming up with new ideas no one had thought about before.

What is your most memorable experience as a scientist?

My most memorable experience as a scientist ties back to an idea I first had as an eight year old in science class. We were learning about how sound travels through air, and that lesson sparked a thought that stayed with me. Years later, while doing my master's degree, I began coding the optimisation algorithm I had envisioned as part of my PhD. I clearly remember the night I finally ran the code – it was late, well past midnight. When the algorithm worked, I was thrilled. It was such a fascinating moment for me and one I will always remember.

What challenges have you faced, or obstacles you have overcome, as a female in the scientific community?

Challenges are a part of life, and everyone faces them regardless of their gender or background. However, starting from a disadvantaged position can make those challenges more significant. For example, entering a male-dominated field presented unique obstacles, but it also motivated me to persevere and prove that success is possible with focus and hard work.

During my first degree, I was often the only woman in my classes, which highlighted the gender disparity in my field. These experiences were not without their difficulties, but I viewed each challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen my resolve. Overcoming these barriers required resilience, determination, and the willingness to start over multiple times, but each step shaped me into the person I am today. While I’ve come a long way, my journey is still ongoing.

What would you like to say to today's girls and women aspiring to become scientists?

To today's girls and women aspiring to become scientists, I would say: if you truly want it, you can achieve it. Start your journey for the right reasons, ensuring this is your passion and calling. While challenges such as rapid technological change, intense competition, and limited resources may arise, don’t let them discourage you. Progress may be tough, but you can start working towards achieving your goals by doing one thing each day to get you closer. Every small action counts.

Why is it important to have women entering and influencing science arenas?

It’s unfair to tell someone they can’t achieve something just because of a ‘label’. Everyone deserves a fair chance to shape their own lives and pursue their dreams. If we don’t have enough women influencing the scientific field, it perpetuates the perception that women aren’t capable, which simply isn’t true - or fair.

I believe it’s essential for women to have the opportunity to participate in any field they choose, to excel, and to grow just as much as men. Ensuring this equality isn’t just important - it’s the right thing to do.

How do you balance your career and other areas of life?

I’m not the best at balancing work and life – I tend to work too much. For example, when I developed an AI tool in 2019, I would wake up at 3 am every morning to work on it until 9 am, when my university job started. That kind of schedule wasn’t sustainable, and I’ve learned that balance is something I need to actively work on.

These days, I rely on the support of those close to me – friends and family – who remind me to take breaks or encourage me to step away from work on weekends and do something fun. Their encouragement has been invaluable. I’ve also made a commitment to prioritise family time by structuring my schedule so that I always spend my evenings with them and avoid accepting work after 6 pm. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m getting better.

Learn more about Niusha’s work here along with a recent article about using AI technology to detect bridge structural faults in real time.

Read more from our celebrating women in science series: Professor Valentina Lorenzetti.