To Antarctica with STEM women

"Unfortunately, we women are underrepresented in leadership roles and often hesitate more to step into them. This is especially true in the sciences. Therefore, it is so important to build self-confidence, competence, and networks, and to be inspired by others in the same position as you," says Professor Fern Wickson.

Supporting women to take positions

wikcson antarktis Homeward Bound .jpg — Professor Wickson in concersation with other STEM-women onboard MS Island Sky. Foto: Homeward Bound

From the MS Island Sky, she talks about the seventh expedition organized by the Australian organization Homeward Bound. They work globally to support and empower women and non-binary individuals with STEM backgrounds to take roles and positions that are central to a sustainable future.

"STEM fields are essential for tackling global challenges, and we need all possible perspectives and viewpoints to come up with good solutions. Moreover, we must work hard to motivate, influence, and implement the changes needed. Diversity and good leadership are extremely important," says Wickson.

How to work towards sustainability

Wickson is a professor in Ocean Leadership, an experiential master's program aimed at developing leaders in the maritime and marine sector to promote a sustainable future. There is increasing pressure on marine resources while global challenges such as the climate crisis, pollution, loss of ecological diversity, and increasing global inequality threaten the planet.

"In such situations, sustainability is absolutely central, and Homeward Bound believes women often have more of the qualities necessary to work towards sustainability: being collaborative, inclusive, and preserving the legacy of previous generations," says Wickson.

wikcson antarktis isfjell.jpg — The sorroundings for the cruise couldn't have been more spectacular. Foto: Fern Wickson

It matters who leads

Research and innovation certainly need ideas, execution, and groundwork, but also skilled leaders and facilitators who can see everyone. Therefore, it matters who leads companies, organizations, and institutes.

"Women often lack the support needed to thrive in leadership roles, and that is why we are bringing this extraordinary group of female and non-binary leaders to Antarctica to reflect, bond, and take bold steps together for a sustainable future," says Homeward Bound's CEO, Sarah Derry.

"Gives me faith in the future"

The expedition team is a diverse group of leaders representing 24 nationalities. There are 114 participants and 9 in the organizing team. Wickson and the other coordinators are a multicultural expert group on sustainability leadership. The expedition is the culmination of a twelve-month online leadership development program.

"We are now halfway through, and it has been so inspiring to hear all that this highly competent group has done and all they want to do in the future. I see that together we are creating a supportive environment where we are genuinely concerned with lifting each other up. Working with this group gives me faith in that a sustainable future is indeed possible," says Wickson from Antarctica.

The expedition will conclude on February 12 in Ushuaia, Argentina. You can follow the ship on its journey on Cruisemapper.

Rydland, Kjetil kjetil.rydland@uit.no Kommunikasjonsrådgjevar

Published: 10.02.25 11:17 Updated: 10.02.25 12:16

Natural Sciences Sustainability