MEET VACCINOLOGIST BARBIE

Long gone are the days where Barbie dolls only hung out next to the pool, went to the beach or went shopping.

In honour of the female health workers who stood out for their efforts in combatting the spread of Covid-19, Mattel made Barbie dolls ranging from doctors and biomedical researchers to healthcare workers and medics.

The toy company presented Professor Sarah Gilbert with her very own Barbie doll in honour of the Oxford vaccine co-creator’s work.

Professor Gilbert, who led the development of the life-saving Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, said she initially found the gesture “very strange” but hoped it would inspire young girls to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, reports RTE.

“I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls and hope that children who see my Barbie will realise how vital careers in science are to help the world around us. My wish is that my doll will show children careers they may not be aware of, like vaccinologist.”

Barbie dolls were also made of five other women working in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. These include two American healthcare workers, a Brazilian biomedical researcher and an Australian medic who co-created a reusable gown for frontline staff.

Image credit: NPR