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UK ATC marks International Women’s Day

18 Mar 2026

Female staff gather outside the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.
A "Women of ROE" group photo taken in celebration of International Women’s Day. The ROE event was held on the 10th March 2026 in the Higgs Conference Room with the theme #GivetoGain. In addition to two inspiring talks, a food sale was held to raise funds for House of Hope. (https://houseofhope.org.uk/)

UK ATC and Institute for Astronomy Staff raise over £1,000 for The House of Hope at Royal Observatory Edinburgh IWD celebration.

Staff from across the Royal Observatory Edinburgh came together to celebrate International Women’s Day with talks, discussions and a bake sale in aid of the House of Hope (Scotland’s first permanent community-based support and wellbeing centre specifically for those impacted by breast cancer).

We were delighted to welcome Talat Yaqoob as our keynote speaker. Her talk ‘Embedding women’s equality into the way we work’ opened the event with thoughtful reflections on equality, inclusion and the ongoing work needed to support women in STEM and beyond. She was followed by representatives from The House of Hope, who shared powerful insights into the services they provide to women and men facing breast cancer.

Staff baked up plenty of tasty treats and the event went on to raise an amazing £1,058 for The House of Hope. This donation will make a real impact/difference for the Charity -​ it could help fund over 38 oncology massages for visitors or provide 100 wellbeing sessions and classes.

Thank you to all our speakers and everyone who attended, donated, baked or helped organise.

Find out more about the House of Hope website