More Women Get Involved in Philippine Nuclear Development

After years of being restrained by the patriarchal world, women have emerged from the shadows to claim their rightful place not only in society but also in science and technology.

- By Brix Lelis

Nuclear science is one of the many fields in which women had to fight to gain recognition and respect. Scientists like Marie Curie, who won a Nobel Prize in 1903 for her work on radioactivity, and Lise Meitner, who helped discover nuclear fission, proved that women can also excel in this field.

Unknown to many, Filipino women are also leading the charge in nuclear research, policy, and education to create innovations that can transform critical sectors such as energy.

Among these empowered women is Vallerie Ann Samson, who has served as the deputy director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) since October 2021.

"Science has no gender," Samson said in a women's month forum organized by the PNRI and Alpas Pinas, a non-profit group that advocates for clean and reliable power.

Armed with bachelor's and master's degrees in physics from the University of the Philippines, Samson is the PNRI lead coordinator for the nuclear forensics working group.

As part of her work, Samson also serves as the focal person who connects the PNRI to various international organizations in an effort to promote scientific collaborations.

"At PNRI, we celebrate women and girls in this field who are not only shaping the future of PNRI but also inspiring the next generation of researchers, leaders, and innovators," she said.

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