"Enjoy maths and physics and be ambitious!"

We hear from Atmospheric Scientist in the School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh Professor Ruth Doherty - as part of our celebration of the women working in climate science for the International Day of Women & Girls in Science.

Who are you and where do you work?

I’m an Atmospheric Scientist working on air pollution

What do you enjoy about your area of expertise/what inspired you to enter a career in in your area of expertise?

Outdoor air pollution is responsible for ~4 million deaths worldwide, if we add indoor air pollution that figures reaches 7 million deaths  according to the World Health Organisation. I had worked in the area of climate change for a long time; air pollution is another pressing issue; where improvements are very tangible.

Do you have a message for young women and girls who are considering a career in STEM/climate change?

Do enjoy maths and physics and be ambitious!