Ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, An Post has released a special set of stamps celebrating the achievements of Women in STEM, highlighting both their contributions and the challenges they continue to face.

Among those honoured are Professor Aoife McLysaght, a leading geneticist and Government Science Advisor, and Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the renowned astrophysicist who discovered radio pulsars in 1967. The stamps were unveiled today by Minister James Lawless T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science.

Recognizing Women in Science

McLysaght, Chair of Evolutionary Genetics at Trinity College Dublin, is internationally recognised for her groundbreaking research and advocacy for women in STEM. Over the past two decades, she has led a highly successful research group, securing over €5.5 million in competitive funding. She is also a well-known science communicator, frequently appearing on radio, television, and at public events.

Speaking about the honour, Professor McLysaght said:

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be featured alongside Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a true pioneer in astrophysics. These stamps celebrate the contributions of Irish women in STEM, representing just a fraction of the incredible work being done. I hope they inspire future generations of women to pursue STEM careers and know that their contributions are valued.”

Dr. Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College Dublin, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of representation:

“It is wonderful to see women in STEM celebrated in such a visual way. I hope this inspires young girls to follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers.”

Despite progress, women still hold only 25% of STEM jobs in Ireland, with even fewer in senior leadership positions (OECD 2018). The release of these stamps serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to support diversity in STEM.

Minister James Lawless highlighted the significance of this recognition:

“Supporting gender balance in STEM ensures all talent has the opportunity to reach its full potential. I am delighted that Professor McLysaght’s contributions have been acknowledged, and I look forward to working with her in her new role as Government Science Advisor.”

Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, an Honorary Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, has long been a leader in astrophysics and a champion for underrepresented groups in science. In 2018, she was awarded the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, worth over €3 million, which she donated entirely to fund scholarships for underrepresented students in science. Despite her discovery of pulsars being the subject of the 1974 Nobel Prize in Physics, the award went to her male supervisors—an oversight that remains a stark example of gender disparities in STEM.

Reflecting on the honour, Professor Bell Burnell said:

“I am honoured and delighted to have a stamp issued in my name. Thank you, An Post.”

Designed by Detail Design agency, the stamps feature portraits by artist Steve Doogan, alongside symbolic graphics:

  • A radio telescope, representing Professor Bell Burnell’s astrophysics work
  • A DNA helix and molecular diagram, signifying Professor McLysaght’s contributions to genetics

These limited-edition stamps and First Day Covers are now available in selected post offices nationwide and online at www.anpost.com/shop.

By celebrating these pioneering women, An Post hopes to inspire future generations to break barriers in STEM and continue shaping the future of science.