Celebrating Women in Science: Siling Wang Research Fellow at University of Leeds

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re launching a special series to highlight the journeys, challenges, and achievements of women in science. Through these conversations, we aim to celebrate their contributions, inspire future generations, and explore how we can foster a more inclusive scientific community.

We begin with Siling Wang, Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, who shares her path into science, her groundbreaking work in wireless communications, and her thoughts on empowering women in STEM.

Your Journey into Science

Can you tell me a bit about what sparked your interest in science? Was there a particular moment or experience that set you on this path?

My fascination with science started early, driven by a curiosity about how things work and a passion for problem-solving. I still remember a moment during my undergraduate studies when I first encountered the possibilities of mobile communications with real-world applications—it was then that I realized the immense potential of wireless communication and data-driven innovation.

What was it like when you were first starting out? Did you always know this was the career you wanted to pursue, or did your journey take some unexpected turns?

In the beginning, my path wasn’t a straight line. Although I always had a keen interest in science field, my journey evolved through exploring various scientific disciplines. It was only later that I discovered my specific passion for applying machine learning and deep learning to solve complex challenges in wireless communication networks, which eventually led me to pursue both my PhD and my current postdoctoral research at the University of Leeds.

What excites you the most about the work you do today?

Today, what excites me most is the opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible in next-generation wireless communication. Using advanced techniques like deep learning and transfer learning to address resource allocation challenges not only makes our wireless networks more efficient but also brings real-world benefits to society.

Challenges & Overcoming Barriers

Along the way, have you faced any challenges or obstacles that made you question your place in this field? How did you navigate them?

Throughout my career, I’ve encountered both technical challenges of my research works and moments of self-doubt—typical hurdles in any scientific journey. At times, the complexity of how, where and when to apply transfer learning and deep learning in wireless communications field made me question my direction, especially in the ORAN architecture. I navigated these moments by seeking mentorship from my supervisors, engaging with supportive peers, and constantly reminding myself that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

Have you ever felt like you had to prove yourself in ways that your male colleagues didn’t? How did that shape your experiences?

I have never felt the need to prove myself against anyone else. I believe every individual is unique and independent, so I focus on my own research journey rather than comparing myself to others. My priority is to do my best work, continuously improving and celebrating each step of progress as a personal reward. Additionally, I think independent and collaboration with other colleagues in academic is both important.

Some people talk about imposter syndrome in science—have you ever felt that way? How do you push through moments of self-doubt?

I heard about others’ experienced moments of imposter syndrome, but I haven’t experienced this. From my perspective, to overcome this, we should focus on our achievements, celebrate small victories, and maintain open conversations with colleagues who understand these struggles. Building a network of supportive peers has been invaluable in pushing through self-doubt.

Looking back, what kind of support do you wish you had earlier in your career?

Looking back, I wish I had access to more structured mentorship and a broader network of female role models early in my career. Such support systems could have boosted my confidence and accelerated my professional growth.

Achievements & Impact

Thinking about your career so far, is there a project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of? Why does it stand out to you?

One achievement that stands out in my career is my work on applying various machine learning algorithms to enhance handover performance in high-speed wireless networks. This project was particularly meaningful because it bridged the gap by optimizing handover for high-speed railways as a classification problem. Additionally, my proposed scheme has the potential to be applied in real-world scenarios in the future, demonstrating how innovative solutions can improve quality of service. Another project that stands out is my work on improving handover algorithms by considering multiple criteria in high-speed railway networks, which received the Best Paper Award at an international conference.

How has your work contributed to making a difference—whether for society, your field, or even for other women coming up behind you?

I am proud that my research not only helps promote the development of the field of wireless communications, but also improves the quality of life for society, making mobile phone signals better and less likely to drop calls, especially in highs-speed scenarios for next-generation wireless networks. By demonstrating advanced communication technologies that are revolutionizing engineering challenges, I hope my work will inspire others, especially women, to enter and innovate in this field to create a better society.

Have there been moments when you realised you were paving the way for others? How did that feel?

There have been many rewarding moments, such as mentoring young PhD students and witnessing them thrive. Realizing that my efforts help to create opportunities and foster an inclusive environment in science is both humbling and motivating. Feedback and appreciate from PhD students make me feel happy and increasingly motivated.

Inspiring the Next Generation

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, just starting out in science, what would you say?

If I could advise my younger self, I would say: Trust your abilities, embrace every challenge, and remember that every challenge is a test and temper for you. The path in science is rarely linear, but persistence and curiosity will always lead you forward. Click to watch video footage of interview on YouTube

What would you say to young girls who love science but don’t always feel like they belong in this space? Click to watch video footage of interview on YouTube

I would like to say: your unique perspective is exactly what science needs. Embrace your passion, be confident in your ideas, and know that every question you ask and every challenge you overcome adds value to the world of science.

From your perspective, what still needs to change to make science more welcoming and inclusive for women?

From my perspective, we need to implement more mentorship programs, create platforms to highlight female achievements and foster an environment that celebrates diverse ideas. Such as “100 Brilliant and Inspiring Women in 6G” recently, I think this is a very good way to show female researchers’ remarkable impact on science. Moreover, a supportive community where every voice is heard is essential for progress.

What gives you hope for the future of women and girls in science?

I remain hopeful for the future of women and girls in science, thanks to the growing global development on diversity and inclusion. With more initiatives, role models, and opportunities emerging, I am confident that the scientific community will continue to evolve into a space where every talent can flourish.

Reflections on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day holds deep significance for me as a woman in science. It’s a day to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our career journey, and renew our commitment to creating a more equitable future in STEM fields.

How do you think we can use days like this to create real change, beyond just celebrating achievements?

Beyond celebration, by raising awareness, fostering networking opportunities, and advocating for policy changes, we can create visible improvements in how women are supported in science—ensuring that our achievements translate into lasting, systemic change.