Talking About Change: A Conversation with the Sisters in Science (Part 2)

In this roundtable discussion with Noor Abdulhussain, Lotte Schreuders, and Mimi den Uijl—co-founders of the Sisters in Science initiative—we delve into key issues such as breaking stereotypes in STEM, the role of industry and academia in supporting women, and the evolution of Sisters in Science as a platform for advocacy and change.

Noor Abdulhussain is an analytical chemist with a background in both academia and industry. She earned her BSc in chemistry from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (2015) and her MSc in analytical chemistry from the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2017). She later completed a PhD at the University of Amsterdam as part of the ERC STAMP project, focusing on 3D-printed devices for multidimensional separations. After completing her PhD in 2022, Noor joined the chemistry department at VSL, the National Metrology Institute of the Netherlands, as a Scientist. She specializes in gas analysis and contributes to various projects within large European collaboration networks. Passionate about science communication and diversity, she co-founded Sisters in Science to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in STEM.

Lotte Schreuders earned a joint bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Vrije Universiteit (VU), specializing in analytical chemistry. While tutoring high school students alongside her studies, she discovered her passion for education and its impact. Completing her MSc in 2020, she immediately joined the UvA's educational development track, focusing on enhancing program quality through innovative teaching methods and administrative efficiency. Driven by her love for teaching, she transitioned to a PhD position in educational sciences in July 2022, aiming to explore the integration of technology in higher education. Committed to diversity and inclusion, she strives to be a role model and promote equity in education.

Mimi den Uijl is an analytical chemist with a passion for science and communication. During her PhD, she explored multidimensional liquid chromatography to understand light degradation in molecules while actively engaging in scientific communication. In 2022, she co-founded @SistersinScience_NL with Noor Abdulhussain and Lotte Schreuders to challenge stereotypes in academia. Now, as a skills teacher at the University of Amsterdam's new bachelor’s program in Science, Technology, and Innovation, she empowers students to apply their scientific knowledge in practical settings. Despite societal perceptions of scientists, Mimi is dedicated to promoting inclusivity through initiatives like Sisters in Science.

Part 2 of this conversation discusses the group's evolution.