As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” reminds us of the critical importance of ensuring that women and girls around the world have access to the rights and opportunities necessary to achieve their full potential. In science, this empowerment is particularly vital, as women continue to make invaluable contributions to solving global challenges. 

Dr. Sydney Miles is a shining example of how empowering women in science leads to transformative discoveries, particularly in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As a researcher dedicated to tackling global health challenges, Sydney shares her experiences, the obstacles she has faced, and her vision for a more inclusive future in STEM. 

“I have always had an innate curiosity and a love for learning. Ever since I was a small child, I found myself asking ‘why.’” This relentless curiosity led Sydney to pursue a BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Warwick, where a year in industry at Micropathology Ltd. cemented her passion for translational microbiology. She then embarked on a PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), focusing on Shigella sonnei, a bacterial pathogen responsible for a significant burden of global diarrheal disease and exhibiting alarming levels of AMR. Her work, using zebrafish infection models and comparative genomics, provides key insights into how emergent strains evolve and adapt. 

Among her proudest achievements is the completion of her PhD—an accomplishment she once never imagined possible. “Having been the first person in my family to attend university, I could have never imagined reaching this,” she reflects. Through her research, she has generated complete genome sequences of epidemiologically important Shigella variants and identified increased virulence and stress tolerance as factors driving pathogen success. “It is rewarding to know that my work will drive further exploration of this important pathogen.” 

Despite her successes, Sydney recognises the challenges women face in STEM. The instability of academic careers disproportionately affects women, particularly when navigating family life. “Women are 40% more likely to leave a career in academic science, even in areas where representation is equal” she points out. To create change, she believes institutions must actively support women transitioning into leadership roles and reform outdated career structures that do not enable women to succeed. 

Mentorship has played a key role in Sydney’s journey. “I have been fortunate enough to be mentored by many fantastic role models,” she shares. From Dr. Jennifer Morris-Cottell, who acted as her first scientific mentor, to her PhD supervisors, Prof. Serge Mostowy and Prof. Kat Holt, strong mentors have reinforced her confidence and shaped her as a scientist. Now, she sees leadership as an opportunity to “teach, inspire, and guide a new generation to effectively advance and communicate new scientific knowledge.” 

For Sydney, diversity in science is essential for innovation. “Diverse voices bring a multitude of life experiences and fresh perspectives to tackling innovative research questions” she explains. Representation not only fosters creativity and collaboration but also empowers the next generation to see themselves in STEM. 

Her advice to young women pursuing science? “Seek out strong mentors, build your own collaborative network, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Most importantly, persist through the challenges—know that you are capable and that you deserve to take up space.” 

International Women’s Day, to Sydney, is a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still ahead. “It honours the sacrifices made by women who came before and the progress they helped to create,” she says. “It is also a recognition of the work that is left to do and a constant reminder to empower, uplift, and support the women around us.” 

If she could tell her younger self one thing, it would be this: “Embrace the challenges, stay curious, continue to push boundaries, and most importantly, never doubt your capabilities.” 

Sydney’s journey is driven by her passion for science and its real-world impact. “I am motivated by the meaningful work that I am involved in, the pursuit of solutions that drive change in global health,” she says. But beyond that, she finds inspiration in those around her— “the collective drive to strive for change and leave a positive impact on the world.”