Amplifying Women’s Stories: Trailblazing Partnerships with Acuitas Therapeutics

When the opportunity arose for Science World to host the nationally travelling exhibition Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867, a few questions needed answers.  

“Did the content of the exhibition align with Science World’s mission to ignite wonder and empower dreams?” 

“Would our visitors find value in these women’s stories, many of which fall outside of traditional STEAM fields, such as the history of the vote and gender-based violence?”  

“How do we tailor the exhibition so that it speaks to Vancouver and BC’s STEAM enthusiasts?” 

Whether it’s a prominent conversation in the zeitgeist or not, year after year the fact persists: women in Canada remain drastically underrepresented in STEM jobs.

And even when they're in the jobs, their achievements are often overlooked. 

Recent statistics estimate that women make up less than 25% of the STEM workforce.  

Perhaps even more surprising, given how this particular sector outperforms the overall Canadian economy, the percentage of women in tech jobs has stagnated for over 20 years. 

Bringing Trailblazing to the dome would ensure that hundreds of thousands of learners of all genders could see stories of women from all walks of life and in all forms of careers, including scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. 

So, if Science World’s new strategy Science For All has the goal of correcting the persistent imbalances plaguing society, then yes, it made sense to bring Trailblazing to the dome. 

“But, as a non-profit science centre that relies on support from our community,” says Issy Worrall, Manager of Public Programs and Engagement and curator of Trailblazing, “we needed a partner to share the vision and help us do it.” 

That’s where Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc. stepped in.  

Trailblazing Partnerships 

For over two years, Acuitas Therapeutics has been one of Science World’s biggest supporters.  

The Vancouver-based biotechnology firm is a presenting partner of our afterschool teen program Future Science Leaders, as well as helping fund outreach programs Girls and STEAM and Super Science Club.  

In 2022, they came on board as presenting partner of the Feature Exhibition, Skin: Living Armour and Evolving Identity, a ground-breaking show that not only explored the science of this incredible organ but also topics of racism, prejudice, and discrimination through the lens of history and science. 

“We have always believed in the potential of our partnership with Science World to reach beyond traditional channels,” says Abi Coman-Walker, Acuitas Therapeutics' Chief Operating Officer.

“As a woman in a leadership position, I believe in the power of collaboration to break barriers and inspire positive change. I think it’s fair to say that our partnership with Science World is a commitment to amplifying intersectional and women's stories, promoting gender equity, and fostering community access to transformative narratives.”  

As a company that is committed to equity (its staff is 50/50 gender balanced), Abi says Acuitas operates under the belief that, "Diversity, supported by inclusivity, is the key to not just successful companies, but to a successful society." 

Trailblazing Women 

Trailblazing asks the question, “What has it meant to be a woman in Canada throughout its 150-year history?” 

Curator Issy Worrall says, "What I love most about this exhibit is it doesn't lump women into one category. It recognizes individual groups and different experiences based on different classes, different races, different geopolitical locations. So, it actually caters to a very broad audience." 

The success of Trailblazing was not limited to the interactive exhibits but extended into a dynamic and engaging suite of programming.

The partnership between Science World and Acuitas Therapeutics became a catalyst for a three-part sold-out speaker series, celebrating local women making significant strides in STEAM fields, showcasing the importance of diverse voices in pushing their respective fields forward. 

These popular events garnered impressive enthusiasm from attendees, who provided testimonials like, “My two friends and I took our 13-year-old daughters to the event. It was nice to spend the evening doing something special with them, and it was a great way to expose them to positive role models.”  

And, “My biggest takeaway was we all have a voice, and we need to use it!” 

Trailblazing exemplifies how partnerships between science centres and private companies can break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and create opportunities for diverse stories to take centre stage.  

Which, with the urgent need for nerdy thinking in addressing the most pressing issues of our time, such as economic challenges, climate change, and global health, is a necessary focus in BC and beyond. 

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