Spark the Future: How women in STEMM at Mars are turning vision into impact globally
Each year, International Day of Women and Girls in Science offers a moment to reflect on progress and recommit to what comes next. For Mars, it is more than recognition. It is a reminder that science shapes everyday life, from the food people enjoy to the health of pets and the resilience of our planet, and that this responsibility calls for science that is inclusive, rigorous and grounded in real-world impact.
The challenges facing people, pets and the planet are growing more complex. Addressing them means deeply understanding those challenges and creating new solutions through science that brings together diverse perspectives and translates discovery into outcomes people can see and trust. That belief has shaped our multi-year commitment to elevating women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine), and in 2026, that commitment reaches an important milestone.
From Inspiration to Impact
This year marks the third chapter in our ongoing journey to recognize the women across Mars who leverage science to help create a better tomorrow.
- In 2024, we celebrated the early sparks that ignited curiosity and opened the door to science.
- In 2025, we expanded visibility across our global R&D community, highlighting representation and the power of role models.
- In 2026, we turn our focus to impact – the meaningful, measurable difference women in STEMM are making across Mars to strengthen our business and deliver positive outcomes for people, pets and the planet.
Across Mars, women in science and technology are leading work that strengthens food safety, advances nutrition, accelerates sustainability, improves pet health, and unlocks innovation through data and digital solutions. Their science is practical and applied, turning insight into action and helping solve challenges earlier, faster and more effectively.
This focus on impact reflects how Mars has always approached science: with purpose, responsibility and a commitment to delivering real-world outcomes.
Why Representation in STEMM Matters
Across the global scientific community, women remain underrepresented in many fields. At Mars, we know that representation matters because research and experience show that diverse teams generate stronger ideas, more resilient solutions and better outcomes.
For Mars, the message is clear. Science is stronger when more women are part of it.
Women scientists and technologists across Mars bring perspectives that challenge assumptions, sharpen questions, and reveal insights that might otherwise be missed. As participation expands, the quality of thinking improves, and so does the impact of the science itself.
Where Science Connects, Innovation Accelerates
Some of the most meaningful progress at Mars happens at the intersection of disciplines. Chemists collaborate with data scientists to accelerate discovery. Veterinarians work alongside nutritionists and biologists to advance pet health. Food safety experts use predictive analytics to strengthen global supply chains. Sustainability scientists partner with engineers and data scientists to reduce environmental impact.
This multidisciplinary approach fuels innovation. Guided by collaboration and responsibility, scientific decision-making at Mars ensures discovery leads to outcomes that improve everyday life.
2026 Spark Map
To celebrate this impact, we are sharing the 2026 Spark Map(Opens a new window), a global showcase of women in STEMM across Mars R&D. It highlights scientists from across the business and around the world, reflecting the breadth of expertise and geographies that power our work. Each Mars woman in STEMM will be individually featured on LinkedIn throughout the month of February.
