Representation is powerful, and women in science are shaping the future
From left to right: Gökçe Akçimen, Sarah Rogers and Rosane Moura
As our societies face a changing climate, work towards sustainable development and look to solve global health challenges, we must harness all the available talent to bring in fresh perspectives and creativity. Yet a significant gender gap persists across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world.
A background in science opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities that extend far beyond traditional stereotypes; however, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM fields globally.
Would you believe:
- Only 33.3% of researchers worldwide are female.
- In cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, only 1 in 5 professionals is a woman.
- Women still only account for 28% of engineering graduates
Here at kp, we’re committed to playing our part in driving equal access to STEM. Our goal is to make inclusion a normal part of life, to help everyone feel they belong. We celebrate different skills and views and have a rich history of women scientists who’ve made significant contributions to our business.
We believe representation matters, and that it helps create a more inclusive and innovative industry. As such, we’re proud to recognise the contributions female scientists make at kp, and we want to share some of their stories to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage other women and girls to explore the opportunities a career in STEM could offer.
Read on to meet three women shaping the future of packaging innovation from around the kp globe.
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Gökçe Akçimen, R&D Engineer
Why are you supporting the International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
For centuries, women have been told what they can or cannot do, and even what they should dream of. Yet those who refused to accept limits have pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Their brilliance, determination, and groundbreaking contributions have not only challenged norms but also shaped the world we live in today-proving that science knows no gender.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is both a celebration and a call to action. It honours the women who have changed history and inspires those who will shape the future. Every time we challenge limits; we don’t just create new opportunities for ourselves... we pave the way for future generations to follow and thrive.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is both a celebration and a call to action. It honours the women who have changed history and inspires those who will shape the future. Every time we challenge limits; we don’t just create new opportunities for ourselves... we pave the way for future generations to follow and thrive.
I’m proud to contribute to projects that create lasting change in the packaging industry, and kp’s– which enables gender equality and women in leadership – fosters an environment where diverse ideas are valued, enabling me to grow with confidence.
Gökçe Akçimen
R&D Engineer at kp
Has kp supported your career in science?
Working as an R&D Engineer in the Food Packaging Rigid Films Innovation team at kp has been a defining point in my career. Collaborating on global projects with a diverse and motivating team has broadened my perspective and enhanced my approach to problem-solving in packaging science. It’s greatly fulfilling to see our work come to life, with the packaging solutions we develop appearing on store shelves, directly impacting daily life.
At kp, we create packaging solutions that ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and contribute to a more sustainable supply chain. Through research and development, we drive innovations to help reduce food waste, optimise logistics, and improve the overall efficiency of packaging solutions. I’m proud to contribute to projects that create lasting change in the packaging industry, and kp’s– which enables gender equality and women in leadership – fosters an environment where diverse ideas are valued, enabling me to grow with confidence.
At kp, we create packaging solutions that ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and contribute to a more sustainable supply chain. Through research and development, we drive innovations to help reduce food waste, optimise logistics, and improve the overall efficiency of packaging solutions. I’m proud to contribute to projects that create lasting change in the packaging industry, and kp’s– which enables gender equality and women in leadership – fosters an environment where diverse ideas are valued, enabling me to grow with confidence.
Why is it important we recognise the achievements and potential of women in science?
Recognising women in science on days like today is important, but it’s not enough. True recognition means ensuring every girl with an interest in science knows she belongs, and that every woman working in STEM has the support and resources to thrive. Science flourishes when it’s inclusive and everyone wins when women are empowered.
Sarah Rogers, Senior Innovation Engineer, PHD
Engineering, design and R&D allow you to go behind the curtain, make new products and be a part of that process.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Innovation and R&D?
I had always wanted to know why products and materials specifically work the way they do and how they are made. So many things we use on a daily basis are “black boxed”- most people do not have any idea what goes into making them. Engineering, design and R&D allow you to go behind the curtain, make new products and be a part of that process.
Has kp supported your career in science?
kp has provided a well-rounded platform to learn about both the chemistry and application sides of plastics. We have a unique placement in the industry as a compounder - we have to understand the chemical makeup of a product but are also close enough to end-use manufacturing that we know the applications well.
I had always wanted to know why products and materials specifically work the way they do and how they are made. So many things we use on a daily basis are “black boxed”- most people do not have any idea what goes into making them. Engineering, design and R&D allow you to go behind the curtain, make new products and be a part of that process.
Has kp supported your career in science?
kp has provided a well-rounded platform to learn about both the chemistry and application sides of plastics. We have a unique placement in the industry as a compounder - we have to understand the chemical makeup of a product but are also close enough to end-use manufacturing that we know the applications well.
Rosane Moura, Senior Innovation Engineer, PHD
What inspired you to pursue a career in Innovation and R&D?
My journey into Innovation and R&D has been driven by a deep curiosity about technologies and their potential for sustainable solutions. Leaving my humble home in Brazil at 14 to seek better educational opportunities transformed difficulties into fuel for my determination to enter a traditionally male-dominated field. I embraced every opportunity in the sciences, from university research initiatives to internships with innovation groups. Volunteer work provided valuable learning experiences that helped me grow, ultimately leading to my roles as a young scientist and innovation engineer.
At kp, I have had the opportunity to lead challenging and important projects, which have demonstrated that the company trusts my abilities beyond my gender. kp values diversity and ensures that my contributions are recognised, enabling me to collaborate with talented colleagues from various backgrounds and cultures.
Rosane Moura,
Senior Innovation Engineer, PHD at kp
Has kp supported your career in science?
kp has significantly supported my career in science by creating an inclusive environment that empowers women. At kp, I have had the opportunity to lead challenging and important projects, which have demonstrated that the company trusts my abilities beyond my gender. kp values diversity and ensures that my contributions are recognised, enabling me to collaborate with talented colleagues from various backgrounds and cultures. This collaborative environment has broadened my perspective and encouraged me to learn from others while helping me improve my skills. I am happy that kp has not only supported my career growth but also encouraged a culture where women can pursue their goals freely, inspiring me to continue striving for excellence.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women in science?
I hope my story inspires the next generation of women in science to see challenges as stepping stones and to embrace opportunities, enabling them to contribute to the future of science and technology.
kp has significantly supported my career in science by creating an inclusive environment that empowers women. At kp, I have had the opportunity to lead challenging and important projects, which have demonstrated that the company trusts my abilities beyond my gender. kp values diversity and ensures that my contributions are recognised, enabling me to collaborate with talented colleagues from various backgrounds and cultures. This collaborative environment has broadened my perspective and encouraged me to learn from others while helping me improve my skills. I am happy that kp has not only supported my career growth but also encouraged a culture where women can pursue their goals freely, inspiring me to continue striving for excellence.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women in science?
I hope my story inspires the next generation of women in science to see challenges as stepping stones and to embrace opportunities, enabling them to contribute to the future of science and technology.
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