IUFRO's Forest Health Division 7 recently hosted a three-day online webinar series to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The series aimed to promote and highlight the crucial role of women in science, particularly in the male-dominated sector of forestry.

Initiated and led by FABI alumni Dr Joséphine Queffelec, the organizing committee, which included Ms Prabina Sharma, Prof. Irene Barnes, Prof. Jeremy Allison, and Dr Quentin Guignard, orchestrated three insightful sessions touching on various aspects of plant health, ranging from various topics in entomology and pathology. The diverse range of talks featured female scientists, ranging from PhD candidates to Professors and professionals in the sector,  from around the world, shedding light on their contributions to the field.

Session three of the webinar, hosted by FABI and chaired by Prof. Irene Barnes and Ms Kira Lynn, showcased the commitment to diversity and inclusion in forest health, with talks from researchers in Australia, the Philippines, Nepal, Malaysia, China, and Germany. Technical assistance during the session was expertly provided by Dr Felipe Balocchi and Ms Kira Lynn.

The webinar series not only served as a platform to recognize the achievements of women in science but also fostered discussions and collaborations, contributing to the ongoing efforts to bridge gender gaps in the field. Forest Health Division 7's initiative to promote gender equality is a commendable step forward in promoting inclusivity and empowering women in the vital domain of forest health.

As the world celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, this webinar series stood as a testament to the collective dedication to advancing the role of women in shaping the future of forest health and scientific research.