The CI’s Women in Combustion (WiC) Initiative is comprised of industry professionals, students, professors, and government workers who share a common goal of promoting and advancing women in the field of combustion. Within our international combustion community, all women have opportunities to engage in networking sessions, participate in discussion groups, and attend various meetings and conferences. WiC fosters an inclusive environment, empowering women to contribute their expertise and shape the future of combustion research and technology.
The initial meeting of Women in Combustion convened at the 5th US National Combustion Institute Meeting, held from 25-28 March 2007, in San Diego, CA, United States. Since that first meeting, our ongoing mission has been to organize WiC gatherings at every relevant conference.
On 2 August 2008, during the 32nd International Symposium on Combustion in Montreal, Canada, the first Workshop for Women in Combustion was held. This event welcomed all women attending the symposium. Two sessions were held, one for women in their early-career (post-doctoral and graduate students) and one for those in their senior and mid-career.
Then, at the 38th International Symposium on Combustion, hosted by the Australia-New Zealand Section, the Women in Combustion (WiC) event was held virtually. To maintain the spirit of an in-person WiC meeting, the organizers established an online forum for discussion using the free communication platform, Discord. To join the discussion on Discord, click here.
Most recently, during the 39th International Symposium on Combustion, hosted by the Canada Section, the WiC Luncheon was a popular event with over 120 people attending, including about ten men. This strong turnout speaks to the combustion community’s interest in bolstering the presence of women in combustion even further in the future.
Though the Women in Combustion Committee started relatively small, it has grown into a significant and influential part of the international combustion community. The Combustion Institute is committed to encouraging the increased participation of women in combustion and supporting and promoting success in their careers, particularly in work environments where women are often in the minority. Our primary objective is to identify and address the unique needs of women in combustion.
Statistics about the involvement of women in The Combustion Institute, as well as a history of past WiC events and milestones, are now available. To add Women in Combustion events or meetings to this history, please contact communications@combustioninstitute.org.
Benefits of participating in WiC
WiC participants become part of a network of combustion professionals who work in industry, academia and government that allow women to exchange ideas, find collaborators and advance their careers. Participants also develop online networking and support groups.
WiC organizers hope to continue to use Discord, and are working on ways to expand opportunities to connect there. Updates regarding Discord can be found on The Combustion Institute news blog.
