Two special stamps recognising the achievements of women in STEM – issuing just ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 on March 8 – have been unveiled by An Post.
The stamps feature two pioneering Irish researchers, Professor Aoife McLysaght and Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who are being celebrated for their groundbreaking work in STEM.
An Post said: "While in today’s Ireland more than half of university graduates are women, they remain under-represented in STEM. In response, Ireland has developed many programmes to encourage girls and women to advance careers in STEM.
"Our set of two stamps honours the incredible contributions of two women scientists, scholars, and advocates for STEM."
- Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell is an astrophysicist. She discovered the first radio pulsars – one of the most important astronomical discoveries of the 20th century – as a postgraduate student in 1967. Since then, Prof Bell Burnell has studied the sky in almost every region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Among the many awards she has received for her research, contributions to academia, public engagement, and leadership in science is the Royal Irish Academy’s 2023 Cunningham Medal.
- Professor Aoife McLysaght, one of the world’s leading researchers in genetics, is head of the Genetics Department at Trinity College Dublin. Since 2003, she has led a research group focusing on Molecular Evolution. Recently, she was appointed government science adviser/chair of the National Science Advice Forum, which provides cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary science advice to the government.
Prof McLysaght is chair of evolutionary genetics in Trinity College Dublin and one of the world’s leading genetics researchers. Astrophysicist Prof Bell Burnell has studied the sky across almost the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Both women are also exceptional in their advocacy for women in STEM and STEM communications.
Prof McLysaght, chair of evolutionary genetics, TCD.
As professor of genetics at Trinity College Dublin, Prof McLysaght led a research group for more than 20 years and managed cumulative research income from competitive awards of more than €5.5m. A frequent contributor to radio discussions, live TV panels, science programmes, newspapers and online media, she has given many talks at public events, including music festivals and at the Royal Institution.
Prof McLysaght said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be featured in this special stamp series alongside Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a true pioneer in astrophysics. It is wonderful to see An Post celebrating the contributions of Irish women in STEM, even if the two stamps represent just a small sample of the vast body of amazing work to choose from.
"Each person brings a unique perspective, and these stamps help highlight the value of diversity in STEM. I hope these stamps inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM and to know that their contributions are valued and recognised."
L-R: Dr Linda Doyle, provost and president of TCD; Prof Aoife McLysaght; and TCD dean of research, Professor Sinead Ryan.
Dr Linda Doyle, provost and President of Trinity College Dublin, said: “It is wonderful to see the contribution of women in STEM celebrated in such a visual way with these new postage stamps. I really hope it inspires many more women – and young girls, in particular – to consider a career in STEM and to follow in the footsteps of these two trailblazers.
"Aoife, who holds the chair of evolutionary genetics in Trinity, and Jocelyn, who is an honorary fellow in Trinity, have already stamped their mark in their research areas. It is fitting that they are now honoured in this way.”
The stamps were unveiled by higher education minister James Lawless. He said: “Recognising the vital role of women in STEM, which has historically been under-reported, is an important aspect of the ongoing work of supporting gender balance across STEM disciplines, ensuring that all our research and innovation talent has the scope to see and realise their full potential.
"I am delighted that the significant contribution Professor McLysaght has made to science has been recognised in this way. I am delighted in particular, that she has taken up her new role as government science adviser and look forward to working with her in the period ahead.”
Designed by Detail Design agency, the stamps feature portraits of each woman by artist Steve Doogan alongside graphics representing their fields of expertise and achievements - a radio telescope and a classic double DNA helix with a diagram of the molecule. The stamps and a limited edition First Day Cover envelope are available in selected post offices nationwide and online at www.anpost.com/shop
In 2018 Jocelyn Bell Burnell was awarded a Breakthrough Prize for her discovery of radio pulsars, with an award of more than €3m which she donated in full to ensuring access to science education for under-represented groups.
Her discovery of pulsars was also the subject of the physics Nobel prize in 1974, but at the time her male supervisors received the award. Prof Bell Burnell has become a hugely respected leader in the scientific community, instrumental in ensuring that the issue of access to science by people from under-represented groups is at the top of the science community's agenda.
Prof Bell Burnell said: ‘I am honoured and delighted to have a stamp issue in my honour; thank you An Post.”