FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO (May 11-12, 2012) – More than 200 women working in science, engineering and other fields will gather to inspire young women to pursue careers in science at the Women in Science Symposium 2012.

The symposium features an evening reception Friday, May 11 at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a daylong conference Saturday, May 12 at Northwestern University – Chicago Campus. Conference speakers include leading women researchers, academics and entrepreneurs.

“We’re bringing together innovative, game-changing women in diverse science and engineering fields,” said Rabiah Mayas, Ph.D., Director of Science and Integrated Strategies at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago and co-chair of the Symposium. “These women – and all our attendees – are great role models, and we hope that we encourage young women in high school and college to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”

The Friday reception features remarks from Alice Huang, Ph.D., former president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The reception is 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 112 S. Michigan Ave., with remarks at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, topics will address women who are “redefining the landscape” of STEM, transitioning between science and business, and doing cutting-edge research about women and reproductive health, neuroscience and career decision-making. Argonne National Laboratory nuclear physicist Kawtar Hafidi, Ph.D., will provide the keynote address.

The conference is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the auditorium in the Lurie Medical Center of the Northwestern University – Chicago Campus, 303 E. Superior St. The keynote address is at 3:30 p.m. Conference details can be found at http://c2st.org.

“The Women in Science Symposium 2012 highlights modern approaches to research practice, work-life balance, entrepreneurship and administration,” said Erin Dragotto, Executive Director of the Chicago Council on Science and Technology and Symposium co-chair. It also provides the opportunity for women in STEM fields to meet, share ideas and learn from each other.

Women in Science Symposium 2012 is sponsored by Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago Council on Science and Technology, BlueStar Energy Solutions, Motorola Solutions, Abbott, The Schriescheim Fund, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Baxter, and The University of Chicago Physical Sciences Department. Support is also provided by Fermilab, DePaul University, ARCS Advancing Science in America, University of Illinois at Chicago Women in Science and Engineering, Association for Women in Science, Sigma Xi, and The University of Chicago Career Advancing and Planning Services.

The Chicago Council on Science and Technology ( C2ST) seeks to be the preeminent regional consortium for science- and technology-related education and policy and a prominent voice nationally.