Many young women are indefatigably chasing their dreams in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone, known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC – located in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province – and with the arrival of International Women's Day on March 8, several were interviewed about their lives and careers.

Xie Xia conducts research into eco-friendly steel processing technologies in OVC. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Xie Xia, a researcher born in Jinzhou city in Hubei, graduated from Wuhan University and then chose to further her studies in Peking University. She returned to Wuhan in 2018 and joined WISDRI Engineering & Research Inc.

Over the past three years, she has participated in many key domestic projects. "I like the open and inclusive air of OVC," Xie said.

 Lu Luluzi studies a technical problem with her team. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Lu Luluzi is another young woman employed in research in OVC. After getting a doctorate from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, she joined China Information and Communication Technologies Group Co in 2018 as a researcher carrying out R&D into computer chips. "We are faced with tremendous challenges to create a chip from nowhere. But members of my team always show care for each other and we overcome the obstacles when the project is hard pushed to move forwards," Lu said.

Shao Yan is responsible for research and promotions work in the field of energy conservation. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Shao Yan and her team at China City Environment Protection Engineering Ltd Co conduct research into the means of using less energy, or energy conservation. They have formed a green restoration system for old mines that includes pollution governance, environment improvements and land regeneration and reclamation.

Their research findings have been applied in Shandong, Anhui, Yunnan and other places in China, bringing in revenue of over 30 million yuan ($4.8 million) to the company.

As a researcher and front-line manager, Shao said that technological research is not only about meeting the immediate needs of the market, it should also lead the market and create demand.