Nine Jamaican women across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) were acknowledged and awarded plaques by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) at its inaugural Science and Technology XXtrordineers Recognition Programme on Thursday at the Terra Nova Hotel in St Andrew.

According to Executive Director, Dr Charah Watson, the S&T XXtrordineers Recognition Programme is an effort by the SRC to raise awareness about STEM and inspire participation among youngsters in the fields.

She said the strategy is to use the achievement of influential women in the sector. The nine women were nominated by the public in September.

The women are Dr Simone Badal for her work on prostate cancer cell line; Dr Winklet Gallimore, chemistry; Dr Michelle Hamilton, biochemistry, immunology and medical microbiology; Dr Ava Maxam, geographic information system; Dr Lisa Myer-Morgan, plant epidemiology and virology; Professor Alison Nicholson, medical microbiology; Dr Phylicia Ricketts, medical physics, physics of the human body, mechanics and optics; Professor Marcia Roye, molecular biology, biotechnology and molecular virology; and Professor Tannecia Stephenson, senior lecturer and head of the department of physics at University of the West Indies (UWI).

SRC Executive Director Dr Charah Watson presents Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz (right) with a copy of the S&T XXtrordineers magazine while SRC Chairman Parris Lyew-Ayew looks on.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Professor Alison Nicholson.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Professor Marcia Roye.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Dr Phylicia Ricketts.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Dr Lisa Myer-Morgan.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Dr Ava Maxam.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Dr Michelle Hamilton.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Dr Winklett Gallimore.

Science and Technology Minister Daryl Vaz presents a plaque to S&T XXtrordineers honouree Dr Simone Badal.

Scientific Research Council Executive Director Dr Charah Watson delivers the welcome remarks at the launch of the S&T XXtrordineers recognition programme.