Lego makes female scientist figures, after campaign

The Astronomer, the Palaeontologist and the Chemist make up the Research Institute minifigures

Lego have announced they are going to make a new set of minifigures which feature women in scientific roles.

An online campaign, submitted to their ideas website by Ellen Kooijman, suggested female characters comprising of the Astronomer, the Palaeontologist and the Chemist.

Lego said they were "excited" to make the new "Research Institute" figures.

"This awesome model is an inspiring set that offers a lot for kids as well as adults," they said in a statement.

Alatariel also suggested the Falconer, the Geologist and the Robotics Engineer, designing a robot arm

According to Kooijman, who goes by the name Alatariel, women still make up a "minority" of the characters available from Lego.

"I have designed some professional female minifigures that also show that girls can become anything they want, including a palaeontologist or an astronomer," she said.

"Being a geochemist myself the geologist and chemist figures are based on me."

She described how the the heads and hairstyles available to her were "limited" and she hoped Lego "would use some 'rare' face and hair designs".

Designs have also been suggested for a female zookeeper, a judge and a mail carrier

The sets she has designed come with accessories such as bones, magnifying glasses and beakers, although it is up to Lego if they decide to create the vignettes exactly as she has specified.

"The final design, pricing and availability are still being worked out, but it's on track to be released August 2014," said Lego.

Alatariel first submitted her designs back in 2012 but it has taken more than a year to make it through the review process.

Alatariel has created female figures representing a mechanic, firefighter and construction worker

While these three science figures proved the most popular with voters on the Lego website, Alatariel has designed a number of other figures that could be made as part of the Research Institute.

These include a falconer, a robotics engineer and a geologist.

She has also designed a female judge, zookeeper and mail carrier, as well as a mechanic, firefighter and construction worker.

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