This edition of Women+ in Science will be held virtually.

Schedule

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 6:30 – 8:05 pm
Location: Held virtually over Zoom

Agenda:

  • 6:30 – 7:00 pm: Keynote Presentation
     
  • 7:00 – 8:00 pm: Mentorship Connections
    Join our inspiring mentors who are paving the way in health sciences research. Learn more about what inspired them to pursue a career in science, and any stereotypes or other gender-based barriers they faced. 

    This portion of the event will be formatted like a speed networking session. Students will be divided into small groups, and each group will be paired with a mentor. You will have 20 minutes to connect, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversation before speaking to another mentor.
    >>>> Meet the 2026 Women+ in Science mentors! <<<<
     

  • 8:00 – 8:05 pm: Closing Remarks

Interested in Participating? 

Registration opens on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 9:00 am PST and closes on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST. The registration form will only be available on this page during that week.

Who is eligible to attend?

BC & Yukon students in grades 11-12. All genders are welcome.

Our Women+ in Science evening strives to empower the community and promote an equitable and inclusive learning environment. At BCCHR, we understand that an intersectional lens is needed when discussing women’s experiences in science as ‘woman’ is not a universal experience that transcends other components of identity. It is a broad experience that includes those socialized as women who identify as women, those socialized as women who do not identify as women, and those who were not socialized as women but identify as women. Additionally, that experience is further made unique depending on race and/or ethnicity, class, religion, sexual and/or romantic identity, disability, etc.

What is required to participate? 

This edition of our Women+ in Science evening will be held virtually over Zoom. Participants will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection. You will be encouraged to have your camera on during the event.

Can I participate both in-person and virtually? 

No. Due to the popularity of the program, students may register for only ONE edition of the event, either in-person OR virtual. 

What do you need to register?

Registration opens on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 9:00 am PST and closes on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST. The registration form will only be available on this page during that week.

To complete the registration, you'll need to provide: 

  • Your name, email address, grade and school
  • Your parent/guardian's name and email address
  • A brief answer (150 words or less) to the following question: Why are you interested in attending the Women+ in Science evening? What do you hope to gain from participating?

During the event, students will be split into groups. Each group will be paired with a mentor who will focus on a specific topic. On the registration form, you’ll have the chance to choose your preferred topic.

What mentorship topics are being discussed? 
  • Breaking Barriers: Challenging Stereotypes in STEM – Explore how women and underrepresented groups are overcoming stereotypes and making their mark in health sciences. 
     
  • Finding Your Path in STEM – Learn how to navigate different STEM careers and discover opportunities that align with your interests and strengths.
     
  • Inside the Lab: A Day in the Life of a Researcher – Discover what it’s really like to work in a research lab and conduct scientific experiments.
     
  • Representation Matters: Women and Minorities in STEM – Discuss the importance of diversity in STEM and how representation shapes innovation and opportunity.
     
  • The Impact of Global Health Studies – Understand how research in global health improves lives worldwide and addresses pressing health challenges.
     
  • Thriving in University – Hear tips on succeeding academically and personally while pursuing higher education in STEM.
     
  • Why I Chose STEM – Discover the personal motivations and inspirations that led STEM professionals to choose their careers.
How are participants selected?

Registration opens on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 9:00 am PST and closes on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST. 

This is a popular program, and spots are limited. To keep it fair, participants will be chosen at random after registration closes. Please note: you must be a Grade 11 or 12 student in BC or the Yukon to be eligible to attend.

We value students who take the registration process seriously and put genuine effort into their responses. Any submission that shows minimal engagement, appears careless, or lacks thoughtful consideration will result in automatic disqualification.

Although the selection process is random, equitable representation will be supported by giving priority, when possible, to:

  • Students from outside Metro Vancouver who would not be able to attend in-person
  • Students who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
  • Students from different schools to encourage and help create a diverse and dynamic group experience
What happens if I'm not selected? 

Students who aren’t chosen will be added to a waitlist and contacted if a spot opens up. If space becomes available, students will be selected at random from the waitlist. 

If you’re not selected to attend, we encourage you to explore other programs offered by the research institute. You could also join our mailing list, or check out our list of other opportunities for students to learn about health sciences. 

Do you have additional questions? Contact researchevents@phsa.ca.