Documentary produced by 3M aims to encourage future generations to enter science

Recently released at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, the film “Not The Science Type” shows the path of four women and the challenges faced to stand out in the scientific field

3M is launching the documentary “Not The Science Type” in Brazil, addressing negative stereotypes and the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the areas of STEM. Produced in partnership with Generous Films and the American Association for The Advancement of Science – AAAS, the production tells the story of four women scientists who challenged standards and faced discrimination to excel in science fields.

The documentary was shown exclusively during the Tribeca Festival in New York (USA) at the end of June. In Brazil, the video is available on the 3M Curiosity Blog.

“Not The Science Type” intends to convey a message of hope and inspiration to future generations with the story of the characters, who overcame prejudices and broke boundaries to show that everything is possible.

“At 3M, we have a long history of promoting initiatives, tools, and knowledge so that students and faculty can succeed in scientific careers. We are proud of this documentary and remain dedicated to opening spaces for underrepresented groups in these areas,” says Paulo Gandolfi, Innovation, Research & Development Director at 3M for Latin America.

The documentary was inspired by the findings of the latest edition of the State of Science Index – State of Science Index, the company’s global study answered by 17,000 people of 17 nationalities, which found that girls and women continue to face obstacles and barriers in science education.

The survey found that 59% of people globally believe that women are more discouraged from pursuing science education than men, and 87% agree that more needs to be done to encourage and keep girls engaged in science education. By highlighting these four professionals, the film shows that women are breaking paradigms within their fields and inspiring the future generation of girls to become scientists and ambassadors on the subject.

 

The scientists present in the movie:

Gitanjali Rao, TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year 2020, is a 15-year-old inventor with a mission to inspire and create a global community of young problem-solving innovators worldwide.

– Ciara Sivels, a nuclear engineer at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is an ambassador to the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science If/Then).

– Jessica Taaffe, a global health scientist, microbiologist, and AAAS If/Then ambassador.

– Jayshree Seth, a chemical engineer and Chief Science Advocate at 3M (Chief Science Advocate) with 72 patents to her name.