on air now
NOW PLAYING
Kea Zawadi
up next
Up Next
Queenie Grootboom
on air now
NOW PLAYING
Kea Zawadi
up next
Up Next
Queenie Grootboom
 

Barbie creates doll of vaccine scientist

Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert with her Barbie 'replica'


Barbie maker Mattel has produced a doll of one of the scientists who helped create the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine in the hope of inspiring girls to follow careers in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert is the humble scientist who has been honoured as a 'Barbie Role Model' for her work as the project leader in the creation of the COVID-19 vaccine at the University of Oxford.

According to Sky News Dame Sarah said she found the creation "very strange" at first - but she hoped it would inspire children. She said her wish is "that my doll will show children careers they may not be aware of, like a vaccinologist."

Professor Gilbert was recognised with a damehood in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Her Barbie is one of five to honour women working in science, technology, engineering and maths.