Women leaders in science from Jordan, South Africa and Japan to speak at WCSJ2017 luncheon event

An international trio of women dignitaries—all high-ranking leaders in their nations’ science research, education and policy enterprises—have been confirmed as featured speakers at a special luncheon Friday, October 27, during the upcoming 10th World Conference of Science Journalists in San Francisco.

Offering their personal and professional perspectives on the role of women in STEM leadership will be The Honorable Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, Republic of South Africa; Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan, president, Royal Scientific Society, chair of World Science Forum 2017 and a UNESCO Special Envoy for Science for Peace; and Miyoko O. Watanabe, deputy executive director, Japan Science and Technology Agency.

Sponsors of the special event, to be held in the Yerba Buena Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, are Johnson & Johnson Innovation and the genetic testing and analysis company 23andMe. Johnson & Johnson also is the Diamond Sponsor of WCSJ2017.

The format of the luncheon, titled “Who Will Do Science in the 21st Century? International Perspectives from Women in STEM Leadership,” will include presentations by the featured speakers, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

The luncheon from noon to 1:30 pm is expected to draw more than 500 science journalists. Through Oct. 12, conference attendees may sign up for the sponsored luncheon via the WCSJ2017 registration system.

WCSJ2017, the first World Conference of Science Journalists to be held in the United States, is organized, in partnership with the World Federation of Science Journalists, by the National Association of Science Writers and Council for the Advancement of Science Writing with the participation of the University of California San Francisco, UC Berkeley and the Association of Health Care Journalists. All events and workshops are organized around the theme of “Bridging Science and Societies.”

WCSJ2017 organizers, who expect more than 1,200 attendees overall, invited the international dignitaries to focus attention on the perspectives of international science and policy leaders—particularly those of women concerned about broadening public engagement in science and diversifying science leadership worldwide.

The three speakers were chosen for their collectively vast experience in technology industries, higher education, scientific research and the advancement of diversity and inclusion in science, science policy and science communication.

More information about the special luncheon and links to information about the speakers will be posted here.