Launched in 2012, the Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WinS) is proud to champion women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We are building an inclusive scientific community through research, action, and communication. Indeed, our ultimate goal is to make this centre redundant. With your help and support, we know we can.
At WinS, our motto is E²C: Explore, Engage, Connect.
As of July 1, 2020, Dr. Shohini Ghose, the Director of The Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WinS), holds the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (Ontario). Congratulations Dr. Ghose!
From 2020-2025, WinS has been focused on three objectives from the NSERC CWSE program:
See how WinS has been achieving our goals:
When WinS held its official launch event in February 2012, Eden Hennessey was a master’s student at Laurier. She fondly recalls running directly from an exam to the event and leaping up on stage to emcee. Ten years later, Hennessey is the centre’s research and programs director.
2012
The Centre for Women in Science is launched at Wilfrid Laurier University.
2014
WinS and WLU host the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics's (IUPAP) International Conference on Women in Physics.
2015
Dr. Hennessey's photo-research exhibit #DistractinglySexist launches.
February 2016
Dr. Hennessey represents WinS at the United Nations for the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
May 2016
Dr. Hennessey launches her second photo-research exhibit, #DistractinglyHonest.
2017
WinS commissioned Tharanga Goonetilleke, visual artist and singer, to create portraits showcasing the discoveries of women in STEM. This became the Her Space Time art series, including the portrait of astronaut Sunita Williams.
May 9, 2019
Minister Kirsty Duncan was hosted at WLU to launch the Dimensions charter.
October 2019
Dr. Hennessey launches the third photo-research exhibit, #TurningTablesinSTEM.
February 2023
WinS' ten-acity party celebrating a decade of the centre.
November 2023
WinS hosts a book launch for Dr. Ghose's book, Her Space, Her Time.
May 2024
In partnership with Conestoga College, WinS launches Dr. Hennessey's fourth photo-research exhibit, Building Equitable Trades.
The Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WinS) is proud to have collaborated with numerous institutions on various activities. Collaboration with external organizations is vital to our mission of building an inclusive community for women in science. If your group would like to work with WinS, please send us an email at wins@wlu.ca – we are always open to new research opportunities.
The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics has been a partner of WinS for many years and we are pleased to partner with them through the NSERC CWSE program.
We recently partnered with Conestoga College to develop our Building Equitable Trades photo-research exhibit.
We worked with the TRIUMF particle accelerator to develop an assessment tool around equity efforts in the workplace.
IDEA-STEM is a disability-led organization advancing accessibility and anti-ableism through research, strategy, training, and lived experience.
Canadian Association of Physicists
Grand Valley Construction Association
