Nobel winner Donna Strickland: ‘I was about 10 when I saw my first laser. It was love at first sight’

Since the announcement of my Nobel Prize in Physics in October, I have given several dozen interviews and there is one question people ask more than any other: how can we get more girls in “Stem” (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)? These fields are historically male-dominated. We rely on Stem disciplines, and the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills they develop, to help address some of the most pressing challenges the world faces. By encouraging girls and women to enter these fields, we create diversity in a growing talent pool, which brings with it fresh perspectives and different voices. Imbalance serves no one.

That’s not to say we should insist that all girls seek careers in engineering, or computer science or astrophysics. And not every boy either. That intense focus would create a whole other imbalance. I would like to see gender equity in all fields. It is our responsibility to expose our children to as many career options as possible so they can make informed choices. We should encourage them to play to their strengths. The world works best when we all do what we’re good at.