Extreme Weather Events

The winners of this year’s Women In Science Incentive Prize are working to combat the impact of extreme events. Clockwise from top: Juliet Pilewskie, Valerisa Gaddy, Onja Davidson Raoelison, Danielle Touma and Heather Holmes. (Credit: Noel Flego) The Story Exchange, a nonprofit media platform that aims to elevate women's voices, today announced the winners of its fourth annual Women In Science Incentive Prize, or WISIP. The WISIP program, begun in 2021, is a $25,000 grant program that supports women scientists working to combat the devastating impacts of climate change. This year, the focus is on extreme events such as storms, wildfires, floods, droughts and heat waves. (Previous prizes focused on women working in water management, air quality and soil health.) “WIthout question, climate change is increasingly impacting the intensity, frequency and duration of extreme events, yet many in leadership are choosing to take no action," said Victoria Wang, co-founder of The Story Exchange. "We believe it's mission-critical to be investing in innovative women scientists at a time when the world needs them the most." The National Science Foundation has noted that accelerated climate change can result in natural disasters and ”exact a heavy toll on natural and human systems.” Related to WISIP, The Story Exchange explored the dangers of extreme events in a 2-part podcast, Terrifying Weather Events That Shock Us Into Action. The five winners were selected after a two-pronged application process, and following a rigorous scientific review by judges from several universities, as well as an assessment by The Story Exchange editors. To be eligible, applicants needed to have advanced degrees in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, agronomy, environmental science, meteorology or closely related fields, and be working as researchers or entrepreneurs. Each will receive a $5,000 grant to continue her work. "We began WISIP to specifically recognize the work of female scientists, who often face discrimination and feel isolated in their work," said Sue Williams, co-founder of The Story Exchange. "In addition to funding, these women deserve to be in the spotlight for the tireless work they are doing, often on behalf of vulnerable communities." Here are the recipients of this year’s grants, in alphabetical order.

Extreme Weather Events

Announcing Our Women In Science Incentive Prize Winners

The Story Exchange

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