This special event was part of our Fathers Who Care global campaign, launched on Father’s Day (15th June 2025). The aim of the campaign is to amplify the voices of men who are challenging norms and redefining fatherhood, to normalize caregiving and inspire men to participate in advancing gender equality.

This event gathered four renowned fathers in STEMM who shared their personal journeys and discussed the structural and societal obstacles faced by academic fathers. They also discussed why fathers are often less vocal in caregiving advocacy, and what strategies one can adopt to inspire more fathers to embrace caregiving and share emotional responsibility. Finally, the panel brainstormed policies that institutions should implement to promote caregiver inclusion in the workplace.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Myles is Director of Research and Development of Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre at the National Research Council of Canada. His expertise centers on the synthesis and characterization of nanoscale materials with an emphasis on scalable methods and commercialization.  

Fredrik Schaufelberger is an Assistant Professor of Synthetic Chemistry, University of Warwick specializing in synthetic chemistry for smart biomaterials and biosensors. He completed his PhD in supramolecular chemistry at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and a fellowship at the University of Manchester. Fredrik is a father of two young boys.

David Smith is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of York, where he researches self-assembling molecular materials and is a renowned educator. David is an advocate for inclusion and diversity in science and author of the award-winning cookbook/memoir ‘Tw-Eat Together.’ He is the father of a 12 year old boy and became a single parent after the death of his husband.

Andrew Weightman is a professor of Medical Mechatronics at the University of Manchester.  His research focuses on robotics and novel technologies to disrupt and transform healthcare. He collaborates with industry on projects like the Guided Insertion of Tracheostomy and chairs the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network.