Interview Series: Women in Science
“Women in science attract more women in science”
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11, highlights the contributions of female scientists and addresses the persistent gender disparities in STEM fields. Despite progress in increasing women's participation in STEM, significant gaps remain. Role models are vital for inspiring the next generation, and initiatives showcasing successful female scientists aim to motivate more women to pursue scientific careers. In recognition of this day, we share stories of female staff members' journeys and achievements in science to emphasize the importance of female representation and encouragement in science.
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global celebration that shines a light on the groundbreaking achievements of female scientists both throughout history and today. This day also serves as a powerful reminder of the persistent gender disparities within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across the globe.
In recent years, there has been significant progress in closing the gender gap in STEM fields. Research institutions and governments around the world have implemented policies aimed at encouraging the participation of women and girls in science. However, as highlighted by the United Nations, „a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of STEM disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.“
The importance of role models
Role models play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of female scientists. Stories of contemporary women who are leading the way in their respective fields serve as powerful motivators for young girls. In celebration of the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we aim to showcase our female staff members. Our belief is strong in the power of role models; we understand that showcasing successful women in science encourages more women to pursue scientific careers.
In the upcoming weeks, we will regularly share stories from some of our female staff members. Through a series of interviews, we've delved into their journeys into science, exploring what drives their passion for working in this field and detailing the work they currently undertake in our labs.
Read the interviews here:
