A pan-European women ambassadors programme bringing role models to schools and universities to stimulate and mobilise girls and young women for studies and careers in SET

SET-Routes aims to mobilise successful women in science, engineering and technology (SET) to go into schools and universities throughout Europe and beyond. These ambassadors will provide inspirational role models to rekindle young peoples (especially girls) enthusiasm for science, encourage young women science graduates to pursue further studies and careers in SET, and help change the perceptions of women in science in future generations of Europeans. This will be achieved through the launch of pan-Europe an SET women ambassadors programme consisting of four tightly co-ordinated initiatives: a Start-up Conference, a Schools Programme, a Universities Programme and an Insight Lecture series.

The low profile of women in science is exacerbated by the lack and invisibility of successful women scientists who could act as inspirational role models to attract and retain young women in scientific professions. By coming together to form a unique Consortium, three of the most renowned science organizations in Europe will provide thousands of pupils and students across Europe with direct access to an incomparable pool of some of Europe's best female scientists. These role models will represent disciplines ranging from biology to medical imaging and astronomy to robotics.

As a launch pad, the Start-up Conference will bring together stakeholders in women in science to examine the current state of affairs of women's engagement in science, re-define hurdles and signpost ways forward, thus preparing the ambassadors for the schools and universities initiatives. The schools and universities initiatives will provide young people and stakeholders in education with insight into routes and job perspectives in SET, and information about particular growth areas within science.