An Interview with Sarah Chapman, 3M

Thursday, 9 June 2022

You have worked at 3M for over 16 years, how has science / advanced materials sector changed during this time?

When I started at 3M, I was responsible for paper-based regulatory submissions – now our customers can visit our automation labs virtually – so the shift to digital has been exciting and tangible in my role as an Application Engineer and now Technical Manager.  It is reflected across our businesses, and it is amazing to see traditional product platforms being reinvented through integration of technology advancements from sensors and data analytics to robotics and automation.

Our business is more globally connected now and our products are being used in increasingly technologically advanced applications from protecting satellites against the impact of micrometeorites to helping create more compact, sophisticated vehicle engines; that said, some things never change – our curious application engineers still observe and understand customer processes and pain points and apply science-based technology  to save time, reduce waste and improve quality….and I still love a Post-it™ note.

Sustainability and diversity have historically been priorities for 3M, but I am proud to see more public commitment and recognition of this; 3M has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the ninth consecutive year by Ethisphere. Our ambitious sustainability goals are reflected in our recent materials innovations, such as Scotch™ Cushion Lock Protective Wrap and the use of 3M Glass Bubbles in more sustainable insulation technologies.

To find out more trends, insights and perspectives on the most exciting science of today – and the “futures” of tomorrow, check out 3M Futures – Home.

 

You previously won the STEM Inspiration Outstanding STEM Ambassador award, what is your top advice for the next generation?

STEM careers are hugely varied so don’t be put off by stereotypes of boffins in lab coats.  Science is all about being curious, collaborative, and creative.

Diversity drives innovation; behind every 3M innovation is a huge network of people, from all backgrounds using a variety of STEM skills in disciplines like project management, user experience design, data analytics and content creation so soft skills, like collaboration and communication, are just as important as the technical ones.

I would like everyone to look at STEM and see something that they could be part of.  STEM careers can provide an alternative way to follow a passion in sports, music or fashion – think performance research, sound engineering and shoe design.

There is a STEM skills shortage across industry so if you want to be in demand and have a rewarding, flexible career working in industries that, I believe, could solve of our world’s most pressing challenges, STEM subjects are worth considering. The British Science Association’s Smashing Stereotypes campaign, supported by 3M, is a great place to meet some diverse role models and learn about the wide range of careers that use STEM skills.

 

In your LinkedIn bio It says you want to help women specifically get into the STEM sector, what do you think the industry could do more of to empower more women getting involved into STEM sectors?

Sharing the stories of diverse role models, including women, is a so important and that is something that any organisation can help to do, either through their own programmes and communications or by encouraging employees to sign up as STEM Ambassadors.

Employee resource networks, like our EMEA Technical Women’s Leadership Forum, provide support and advocacy for underrepresented groups.  We run mentoring programmes, Lean-In circles and #IamRemarkable training and host regular events with guest speakers sharing career stories.

Addressing the barriers to gender equality that limit women’s progression is important across industry but especially important in STEM where we need more diversity to drive innovation and growth, so addressing bias and workplace culture and developing family friendly policies and practices, is vital to attract and retain women in STEM and can benefit all employees.

 

What is your greatest career achievement to date?

I project-managed the design and build of 3M’s multi-million-dollar Customer Innovation Centre in Bracknell; it was an amazing project to work.  It’s an inspirational space that showcases 3M’s most fascinating technologies and I am proud that it has hosted over 15,000 visitors. I remember when my director at the time gently reminded me that it is primarily a customer space (because he knew how passionate I am about inspiring young people and volunteering with schools); it turns out that telling stories to bring science to life and making STEM relatable with hands-on product demos, is fun and inspiring for grown-ups and children alike.  I am proud to regularly host school visits and we get great feedback from our customers when they see that.

 

You are speaking in the session ‘Building Better Investment, Innovation and Skills Partnerships’, what is your top pointer for this session?

It’s easy to talk about diversity and inclusion but harder to really act and make changes; I would like to share some of the real-world best practice I have seen – both inside and outside of 3M.  An investment in diversity is an investment in growth but it’s not just a business imperative, it’s imperative for humanity: we need more innovation to tackle the world’s most complex, pressing problems and I believe that everyone can help by telling stories that relate STEM to everyday life, raising the profile of diverse role models and showcasing the huge variety of STEM jobs and skills needed.

 

What are you looking forward to at the show?

After a few years of virtual events, I am really enjoying meeting people face to face and hope to be inspired and see how cutting-edge science and technology is being applied to real-world challenges.