Wikibomb for Australia's female scientists

Interested individuals are invited to help create and improve the Wikipedia pages of Australian female scientists. The Australian Academy of Science is holding the Women of Science Wikibomb as part of National Science Week.

Many Australian female scientists, including those who have made significant contributions to Australian science, have no Wikipedia page or a short ‘stub article’ of less than 100 words. The Wikibomb asks participants to help create or improve Wikipedia pages for these scientists, thus acknowledging their important work as well as inspiring the next generation of scientists.

The event has been endorsed by Professor Emma Johnston, a marine ecologist from UNSW and the winner of the academy’s inaugural Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science. Professor Johnston noted: “Wikipedia pages are the first place most students look. If there’s not enough information on there about Australian women in science and their achievements, there’s a risk they will go unnoticed.

“We need to tell the stories of Australian women scientists online to bring more strong role models to girls, to inspire the next generation of scientists and to help Australians of all ages understand the contribution these scientists have made.

“If you can’t connect with the role models that are out there then you might not be able to imagine yourself in a science career. That’s such a shame because it’s such a fun and rewarding job.”

The Wikibomb will be held at a physical event at the Shine Dome in Canberra on 14 August, as well as online. Attendees will be provided with Wi-Fi and refreshments, as well as visits from famous Australian scientists, tours of the dome and the academy’s library and archive resources. There will also be a short training session on editing and experienced editors will be on hand to help.

Attendance is free, but participants must register online by 1 August.