When people talk about scientists, Newton, Einstein, Darwin or Watson are always figured as the representatives. However, there have been many woman scientists contributing to the evolution of science since long time ago. They are not noticed as much as those man scientists due to some gender stereotypes. Hence there are few learning models for those young women who are interested in science. During the process of studying science, the woman, no matter they are students or scientists, usually encounter some difficulties given by the society or their families. To set learning models and to achieve difficulties resolving strategies would be the key points for helping the woman enter and stay in the field of science.

To incubate more woman scientists and to understand the difficulties they have been faced, “the 1st International Conference on Woman Scientists (1st ICWS)” was held, under the supervision of the National Science Council, in Taipei, Taiwan last October by National Yang-Ming University. Many scholars and senior high students were invited to join the conference and give their opinions. Women’s passion of pursuing scientific knowledge and the difficulties they have met were brought into light the first time in Taiwan.

To succeed the 1st ICWS and to keep making a friendly environment for woman scientists, Kaohsiung Medical University plans and conducts the 2nd ICWS. The 2nd ICWS focuses on inspiring young female students to study science, stimulating the gender sensitivities of teachers and male students, and on encouraging junior female scientists to carry out their scientific dreams. In addition to speeches, the 2nd ICWS arranges workshops for the audience to fully discuss and share their experience.