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#Girlswithtoys is trending to show that science is not just for boys

Bunsen burner selfie anyone?

FEMALE SCIENTISTS FROM around the world have been tweeting photos of themselves with all manner of gadgets.

The #girlswithtoys hashtag has taken off to show that to show that innovation and curiosity are not gender specific

It all came after a rather silly remark by a US based astronomer.

In an interview with National Public Radio, Professor Shrinivas Kulkarni of the Institute of California was asked about where his interest in astronomy and science came from.

“Many scientists, I think, secretly are what I call ‘boys with toys,’ ” he said. “I really like playing around with telescopes. It’s just not fashionable to admit it.”

It spawned an almost instantaneous response, with female science enthusiasts and professionals rather beautifully pointing out that science is not just for men.

There’s been over 17,000 tweets in the past 48 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Read: ‘No limitations’: Ireland’s top women scientists gather to showcase their work >

Read: Want €175k? Good news if you’re a woman scientist >

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Rónán Duffy
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