Founder and convenor of the Women in Chemistry Network, Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah has stressed the need for female leadership in the field of chemical sciences for a transformative society.

Speaking at the maiden Women in Chemical Sciences Conference in Accra, she said this involves identifying and nurturing individual talents for this purpose.

“It is our hope that this gathering and the discourse therein will bring about a shift in our outlook on the potential of women in chemical sciences, their role in leadership, research, and innovation, and the need to harness these strengths for a better world,” she said.

The Women in Chemical Sciences Conference brought together scientists, researchers, and industry stakeholders from across the globe to celebrate and empower women in the field.

The event is spearheaded by the Women in Chemistry Network, with a mission to build capacity and create visibility for women in the field.

The event, themed “Empowering and Celebrating Women in the Chemical Sciences: A Catalyst for Innovative Leadership,” was a hybrid gathering with in-person and virtual participants.

Participants were treated to panel discussions and oral and poster presentations.

“We have a total of fifty (50) abstracts for scientific oral and poster presentations. In all these interactions, we will explore cutting-edge research, innovative applications, and policy initiatives championed by our presenters,” Prof. Asantewah Nkansah noted.

Prof. Asantewah Nkansah thanked sponsors and partners, including WASCAL, IUPAC, OWSD, and the Elsevier Foundation, for their unwavering commitment to advancing women in chemical sciences.

Other supporters, such as the Ghana Maritime Authority, Family Dream Expert Consult, Ultimate Fashions, and Voltic Ghana Limited, also received recognition.

The two-day conference culminated in the Women in Chemical Sciences Excellence Awards (WICSEA), which aimed to honour outstanding contributions to the field.

A total of 14 distinguished women and institutions in the chemical sciences, including former provost of the KNUST College of Science, Prof. Ibok Oduro and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) were honoured.

WASCAL, the platinum sponsor of the conference and awards ceremony also received a thank you plaque.

Executive Director of WASCAL, Prof. Emmanuel Ramde, expressed his outfit's enthusiasm for their partnership with the WICN.