International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Today we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrating the achievements of women in science and promoting a future where science and gender equality advance together.
Our Research Fellow, Dr Linda Lei, shares her thoughts below:
When I think about a woman in science who has continually inspired me, Marie Curie immediately comes to mind. Her story is not just one of brilliance, but of resilience, curiosity, and quiet determination in the face of immense barriers. At a time when women were discouraged—often outright excluded—from scientific spaces, Curie persisted, driven by a deep love of discovery rather than recognition.
What inspires me most is her willingness to step into the unknown. Working with radioactivity, a field she helped pioneer, she pursued knowledge despite personal risk, limited resources, and social constraints. She did not see science as a means to fame or wealth; in fact, she famously refused to patent her discoveries because she believed scientific knowledge should benefit humanity.
Reading about her work made science feel less distant and more human to me. It showed me that curiosity, persistence, and integrity matters just as much as raw intellect. Marie Curie’s example helped me realise that a career in science is not about fitting a mould, but about asking questions and caring deeply about the answers.
On Women and Girls in Science Day, her legacy reminds me why representation matters—and why it’s so important to keep doors open for the next generation of scientists.
-Dr Linda Lei
At the Multiple System Atrophy Trust, we are proud to support the next generation of clinicians and researchers through our Clinical Research Fellowship, delivered in partnership with the Association of British Neurologists (ABN). The Fellowship provides specialist research training focused on the causes, prevention and treatment of multiple system atrophy (MSA).
Building on the work of Dr Viorica Chelban and Dr Yee Yen-Goh, we were delighted to welcome Dr Linda Lei as the 2025 Myra Morris MSA ABN Clinical Research Training Fellow. Together, our Fellows play a vital role in advancing MSA research and improving care for people affected by the condition.
Find out more about our Clinical Training Research Programme and our Fellows here.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the blogs published on these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MSA Trust.
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