Our science
Our science
Engineers and scientists are fundamental in shaping the world around us – especially when it comes to our health. So, it really matters that our scientists reflect the diverse society we serve. We often refer to these career types as STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Whilst the percentage of female graduates with core STEM degrees is steadily growing, the number of young girls and women pursuing fields such as engineering and mathematics is static in the UK.
Our brands are loved and trusted by millions around the world. And behind every product we create is the quality and integrity of our science. Whether that is developing our latest breakthrough Sensodyne formula, or a new Real-World Evidence study on Centrum, trusted science is the cornerstone of everything we do.
When you’re growing up, you don’t know what you don’t know. When I was at school I knew I was good at maths and science so thought the only option would be to become a maths or science teacher or maybe a doctor. No-one told me about the world of career opportunities out there and I think these barriers still exist today.
I often ask young students what they think a scientist looks like. If I had a pound for every time a student says a scientist looks like someone in a white lab coat standing at a bench I’d be a very rich woman. Whilst this is very true, what they don’t realise is that science so much more than that. Part of our work in the community is to break this ideology and show the breadth of career opportunities that exist.
We’ve recently partnered with the Brooklands Innovation Academy – a programme that inspires and supports young people to become the next generation of scientists and engineers. Recently our team of scientists and engineers behind the science of brands like parodontax and Sensodyne had the privilege of leading a STEM event with 400 students.
It was great to be able to make science ‘cool’ for many children and the impact that science can have on our everyday health. Seeing sparks fly amongst students whilst demonstrating the chemistry of toothpaste really reminded me of the importance of making science relevant to real life. I had the privilege of a really engaging science teacher at school but not all young girls get that opportunity.
One of the ways we’re creating opportunities for young people is through the Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program, based in the US. This programme breaks down the socioeconomic and cultural barriers that often inhibit the future success of young people – who are often from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This year we have welcomed our first set of students from the Cristo Rey network to one of our global R&D centres of excellence in Richmond, VA. Through the programme they are able to work at our R&D site for five days a month. This provides an opportunity for young people in disadvantaged communities to understand the impact science can have in real-life and the breadth of opportunities for a career in STEM.
These are just a few ways we’re helping to inspire the next generation of girls and women to follow a career in science. As a world-leading consumer health company, we will never stop in our pursuit to be inclusive in our approach to science to deliver everyday health solutions for the people we serve.
If you would like to help improve everyday health in every corner of the world, come and learn more about all our careers opportunities here at Haleon.
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