On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women driving progress in sepsis research, advocacy, and care—especially the ones on the Global Sepsis Alliance board. We are honored to have exceptional women leaders amongst our executives who contribute significantly to sepsis research, policy, and education. Their dedication shapes the global fight against sepsis and paves the way for future generations of women in science and healthcare.
We asked some of our board members to share their thoughts on the importance of women in science—here’s what they had to say:
Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud reflects on the legacy and impact of women in science:
"Women scientists have led the way in critical areas, including Nobel Laureates such as Marie Curie and her daughter Irene, through women like Gerty Cori, Rosalyn Yalow, and Barbara McClintock, to name a few.
As I reflect on my more than 35-year journey studying sepsis, I think about the challenges these and other women have overcome to be recognized as leaders in their field of interest. I have met so many amazing women scientists working in our field, from those improving our understanding of sepsis pathogenesis to those studying epidemiology, leading clinical trials, and tackling policy barriers. Persistence, perseverance, and a focus on the end goal are the qualities that drive us."
Halima Salisu Kabara shares her experience and vision for women in science and healthcare:
"I have been involved in the fight against sepsis and now AMR in Nigeria and Africa in general for decades. As a woman in science and the medical field, I am a researcher and a member of the Federated Platform (Colloquium) and several Working Groups.
I have taken it as my responsibility to create awareness and sensitize healthcare professionals on the importance of Infection Prevention and Control to prevent sepsis and AMR. Antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance cannot be allowed to become the next 'tsunami'!
About 80% of sepsis deaths are preventable. For every hour treatment is delayed, the risk of death increases by as much as 8%. Therefore, educating the public about sepsis is paramount to saving lives—being empowered with the correct information to note the signs and seek care immediately.
Women are the pillars of their families and communities. They serve as the life-givers, mothers, peacemakers, entrepreneurs, and providers of care for children and the elderly. It is crucial that we protect and promote the health of women—with a focus on quality, affordability, and equity—for the well-being and development of both current and future generations.
Therefore, more girls and women—the next generation—must be motivated to enter science and the medical field."
A huge thank you to Louise Thwaites (Vietnam), Daniela Souza (Brazil), Halima Salisu Kabara (Nigeria), Imrana Malik (United States), Ulrika Knutsson (Sweden), Alison Fox-Robichaud (Canada), and Maha Aljuaid (Saudi Arabia) for their invaluable contributions to science and healthcare.
Learn more about our board members on the GSA Board Page
More women in science means advancing sepsis research, better healthcare systems, and healthier communities. Today, we honor the past, present, and future of women driving change in the fight against sepsis.