[ad_1]
published photo, PA Media
The Mattel company, which produces the famous Barbie doll, has designed a new doll that looks like British scientist Sarah Gilbert, 59, who developed the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19.
Gilbert, a professor at the University of Oxford, said she found it “quite strange” at first, but hoped the doll would be an inspiration to the children.
“I wish my doll could show kids jobs they might not be familiar with, like my specialist who is vaccination,” she said.
The doll designed to honor Gilbert is one of five dolls honoring women in STEM fields.
Among the honors are an Australian scientist who helped create reusable sterile clothing for health workers and a Brazilian biomedical researcher.
Gilbert, a recipient of a Royal Medal and honored on Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, began work on the development of a coronavirus vaccine in early 2020 when COVID-19 first emerged in China.
The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is now the most widely used vaccine in the world, and doses have been sent to more than 170 countries.
“I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue careers in medicine, science and math and I hope children who see Barbie realize how important careers in science are to helping the world. that surrounds us, ”said Gilbert.
In recent years, Mattel has responded to criticism regarding the role of the Barbie doll in painting an unrealistic image of femininity.
The company now designs dolls inspired by professions as diverse as firefighters, medicine and aerospace, and represents different ethnic groups, unlike the original white blonde doll which was first released in 1959.
Sales of Barbie dolls hit their highest level in six years last year, as the epidemic prompted parents to look to stock up on toys for their children.
Source link
