NPR News

Mattel's Barbie Turns Women Of Science, Including COVID Vaccine Developer, Into Dolls

By Xcaret Nuñez

Published August 5, 2021 at 4:07 PM EDT

New Barbies honor six women in health care who have been on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. [Mattel Inc.] — New Barbies honor six women in health care who have been on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

British vaccinologist Sarah Gilbert now has a new accolade: It's a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her image.

The Oxford University professor helped lead the development of the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. Last month, she was given a damehood, and now, she shares her hairstyle, professional wardrobe and dark-rimmed glasses with Mattel Inc's new doll.

Gilbert told The Guardian she first found Mattel's recognition "very strange" but hopes it inspires other young women around the world to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers (STEM).

"I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls into STEM careers and hope that children who see my Barbie will realize how vital careers in science are to help the world around us," she said. "My wish is that my doll will show children careers they may not be aware of, like a vaccinologist."

Six women are being honored with Barbies

Gilbert is one of the six women Mattel Inc has recognized as role models in the fight against COVID-19. According to the toymaker, the five other honorees are U.S. health care workers Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz and emergency room nurse Amy O'Sullivan, Canadian doctor and advocate against systemic racism in health care Chicka Stacy Oriuwa, Brazilian biomedical researcher Dr. Jaqueline Goes de Jesus and Australian doctor and protective gown developer Kirby White.

"Barbie recognizes that all frontline workers have made tremendous sacrifices when confronting the pandemic and the challenges it heightened," said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel. "To shine a light on their efforts, we are sharing their stories."

She added that she hopes the new launch "inspires the next generation to take after these heroes."

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine co-developer has been producing and testing vaccines for over a decade, according to her Oxford University profile. And just last month, the now widely available vaccine set a distribution milestone of 1 billion doses.

As of this year, only 35% of STEM students are women, according to STEM Women, a U.K. organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in the STEM workforce.

Xcaret Nuñez is an intern with NPR's News Desk.