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contact@mumsinscience.netThe Women in STEM Network is an international community connecting women across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, at every career stage, in every part of the world.
We exist to support connection, collaboration, and professional growth across disciplines. Our members include scientists, engineers, technologists, educators, students, and entrepreneurs, all contributing to a global exchange of knowledge, experience, and opportunity.
This is not a replacement for existing societies or professional organisations. It is an umbrella network that complements them, providing shared space for dialogue, mentoring, and support that transcends institutional and geographical boundaries.
Dr Shara Cohen began her scientific career with a PhD in immunology, followed by postdoctoral and senior research positions. With a deep commitment to scientific integrity and discovery, she built a reputation as a respected researcher in the field.
After the birth of her first daughter, she chose to address a challenge she had observed firsthand, the lack of collaboration between academia, clinical practice, and industry.
She founded EuroSciCon to encourage dialogue between key domains in the life sciences. In 2006 she launched Life Science Events, a pioneering subsidiary that introduced themed informal meetings and early adoption of live streaming in academic events.
Her leadership over a decade redefined academic conferencing, promoting global accessibility and collaboration long before virtual events became the norm.
In 2005, while running EuroSciCon, Shara quietly founded Mums in Science in response to the number of women leaving STEM careers after becoming mothers. It began as a small support network and grew into an international community of connection, mentoring, and professional encouragement.
In 2016, following a personal health diagnosis, Shara sold both EuroSciCon and Life Science Events to focus on social impact ventures centred on wellbeing, equity, and inclusion.
Mums in Science Ltd was formally incorporated, laying the foundation for what would become the Women in STEM Network, a purpose built international platform offering:
The Women in STEM Network launches as an international community for women across every discipline and career level. With forums, mentoring, and training now live, the platform connects members in more than sixty countries.
Our mission is simple, to empower women in STEM through community, collaboration, and shared growth.
In 2024, Dr Shara Cohen received the British Empire Medal for services to women in STEM. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, the Institute of Biomedical Science, and the Royal Society of Biology.
Her experience as a scientist, entrepreneur, mother, and cancer survivor gives her a uniquely grounded perspective on what women in STEM need to thrive.
“I wasn’t a rebel or a campaigner. I was a shy, geeky student who just wanted to do science. Years later, I’ve heard people say I seemed confident and independent, but really, I lived in my own bubble.
Thanks to my mother’s quiet encouragement, I followed the path that felt right for me. Now, I want to build a space where others can do the same, on their own terms, with the support they deserve.”
