This week – on the 11th February – GlioLighT is proud to celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day!
We’re proud to be driven and led by many inspiring, driven, and innovative women in our research. Not every consortium has the fortune to enjoy such expertise, so we’re taking this opportunity to highlight some common myths and share advice from our team to help encourage the next generations of scientists.
We asked our researchers about their experiences in the workplace, what kinds of myths they’d like to combat, what advice they’d give and what drives them forward every day. Among their answers, there were a few strong common threads.
“What drew me to science was curiosity - from childhood I’ve always liked to know why and how things work, and I still do.”
Professor Mercè Masana NadalUniversity of Barcelona
One major running theme was that curiosity seemed to drive all of our researchers. A recurring piece of encouragement, too, was that women should know that if they are curious then they shouldn’t doubt that they belong in science.
Another recurring encouragement came in the form of self-confidence: many of our researchers felt that they, or women they know, struggle to feel recognised and valuable in their workplaces.
“One challenge I’ve faced as a woman in science is being taken seriously and being approached as the contact person. Even though we were at the same level of experience, my male colleague was often seen as more experienced and trusted with more. What has helped is having strong (female) supervisors throughout my career. They showed me that it’s possible to assert yourself, move forward in your career, and still balance work and life.”
Sophie GießJohannes-Gutenberg University
Regarding work-life balance, one issue came up again and again: the myth that women can’t manage a work-life balance due to their possible family commitments.
Our researchers pointed out many flaws in this argument – men in science often have families too and don’t face the same scrutiny, it’s healthy to have some balance with home life and work, and in many cases the families themselves can be source of support and inspiration to bring back to work.
Many of our researchers pointed out that they know many successful, career-driven women who manage family life without issue. The myth is just this – a myth.
As workplaces move towards better work-life balance policies such as improved childcare, flexible schedules, and less stigma around researchers raising families, everyone benefits – not just women.
“One persistent myth is that women cannot succeed in science while also having a fulfilling personal or family life. The reality I’ve seen is that it is possible to do both, especially with supportive networks and good time management. Women in science can be innovative, dedicated, and successful, and that does not diminish their ability to also build a personal life.”
Dr Maja NešićVinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences
GlioLighT wouldn’t be where it is today without the ingenuity and hard work of the women on our team. Together, we hope we can be an example to younger scientists around the world of what cutting-edge collaborative research looks like when women are included.
Read more about the initiative: https://www.womeninscienceday.org/
