Two natural sciences students in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Lancaster University have been rewarded a prestigious prize for high achieving female students studying science and STEM-related subjects.

Maddie Jewitt and Niamh Lamin have each been awarded a Women into Science (2018) accolade, and £600, by Ede & Ravenscroft, who supply robes for Lancaster University students during graduation.

The prize aims to highlight the success of females in STEM-related subjects by showcasing their outstanding academic performance.

Maddie Jewitt, who studies for a MSci (Hons) Natural Sciences degree at Lancaster University, said: ““I’m very pleased to have won this award and prize money as I work really hard to get good grades and it’s great that this has been recognised.

“I chose to study at Lancaster University because my course modules looked really interesting, in fact, the layout of my degree was very organised and the module choices to pick from were clear and understandable.

“My department at Lancaster University offers outstanding facilities and great study spaces for research and writing assignments. My lecturers are so friendly and approachable too.”

Niamh Lamin, who studies for a MSci (Hons) Natural Sciences degree at Lancaster University, said: “I was really surprised to win this award, I have always worked incredibly hard and I have a strong work ethic and I know this is true of a lot of people on my course.

“Winning the Women into Science accolade has given me a lot of encouragement to continue working hard.

“I was attracted to study at Lancaster University because of the freedom and flexibility of my natural sciences course, which meant I could choose to study both maths and science modules. I also love the campus, as it is full of character and so many friendly people.

“I found my probability and statistics modules really fascinating and enjoyable as I can see how the skills and techniques I learn are applied to real-world problems, this is something of great importance to me as I want to make a positive difference in the world.”

The Director of Natural Sciences at Lancaster University, Professor Crispin Halsall, added: “This is a tremendous award for Maddie and Niamh to win as both students attained the highest marks in their respective year groups.

“Natural Sciences students are some of the highest achieving students at Lancaster University, undertaking a challenging degree programme through the pursuit of several scientific disciplines.”