Homeward Bound is a ground-breaking leadership initiative, set against the backdrop of Antarctica, which aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape our planet.

The 10-year vision is to create a 1000-strong network of women scientists, ready and able to exert their influence on global policy. For each woman, this involves a year-long program, of which the Antarctic voyage is the culmination. Over the year, we will receive training from world-class authorities on how to maximise our capabilities, and work together virtually on group projects. In December 2019, we will convene from over the globe on Ushuaia, Argentina, to set sail on our life-changing journey together.

I am honoured to have been offered a place amongst the 100 amazing women selected for the 4th team, and I will use it to the fullest extent of my power. Assuming I don’t disappear amongst the icebergs, I will come out of this stronger, connected with some of the world’s most influential women, and well informed on how I can leverage my own skills and position to positively shape the world.

Antarctic-Art!

I have been working with the insanely talented network science-artist JK Rofling to produce a collection of art inspired by Antarctica, network science, and women in science. Check it out here.

What Antarctica taught us: How a program for women in STEMM is changing the leadership narrative for the well-being of our planet

Alexandra Leeper, Jana K. Schniete, Louise Batts, Karen Spenley, and Emma K. Towlson.
Proceedings of the 18th International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists, 2021.