Curiosity Sparks Innovation

The curious minds of today could lead to tomorrow's breakthroughs.

Strategy and Strength|Feb.08, 2018

It starts with a simple question: What's so cool about science?

Ellie's answer: "Everything."

That's because when 6-year-old Ellie grows up, she wants to be a scientist, just like our very own Virus Hunter Mary Rodgers. In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we helped Ellie’s dream come true for a day. Sporting her very own lab coat and safety glasses, Ellie got to spend the day in the lab with Mary — and no question was off-limits.

Ellie believes she can be a scientist when she grows-up. Because to a 6-year-old girl, science doesn't have a gender. Neither does brilliance.

Curiosity Sparks Innovation

But a U.S. study — published in the journal Science — found that girls as young as 6 believe that being "really, really smart" means being a boy. Women already are underrepresented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines.

If girls take themselves out of the game early, how does that impact the career choices they might make later on?

That's why the United Nations introduced the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on Feb. 11. It's all about encouraging and empowering women and girls to embrace this field.

At Abbott, we're all for it. Today's students are tomorrow's inventors and innovators, so we support programs that ignite a passion for STEM careers. Over the past decade, Abbott and the Abbott Fund have invested more than $49 million in programs and exhibits that advance STEM education for kids from kindergarten through high school, in countries around the world.

Our advice for every girl out there hoping to pursue a career in science: "You're doing great, and keep asking lots of questions."

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