MISSION & Vision

THE MISSION OF 500WS IS TO SERVE SOCIETY BY MAKING SCIENCE OPEN, INCLUSIVE, & ACCESSIBLE

TO ACHIEVE OUR MISSION WE:

1. Empower women to grow to their full potential in science;
2. Increase scientific literacy through public engagement;
3. Advocate for science and equality.

THE VISION OF 500WS IS TO BE THE FOREMOST ORGANIZATION FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF LEADERSHIP, INCLUSION, & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IN SCIENCE

OUR VALUES ARE ROOTED IN:

• Recognizing that science touches the lives of every person on this planet;
• Advocating for a strong role of science in society;
• Identifying and acknowledging structural inequities and biases in science;
• Pushing for equality and standing up to inequality, discrimination, and aggression;
• Pushing to develop and strengthen access for traditionally underrepresented groups to fully participate in and become leaders in science;
• Supporting the education and careers of all scientists;
• Enhancing scientific mentorship and encouraging an atmosphere of collaboration;
• Stepping outside of our research disciplines to communicate our science and engage with the public;
• Using the language and wonder of science to bridge the divides that separate societies and to enhance global diplomacy.

WHY "500"?

We wrote our open letter with no agenda for building a grassroots movement and hoped to get 500 signatures ("500" seemed aspirational). We surpassed that goal within hours of posting the letter and we continue to reach more and more women of STEM and supporters across the world.

Status

500 Women Scientists is a non-profit entity with 501(c)3 status, and all donations to us are now tax deductible.