Nonetheless, we hope for a bright and promising future ahead with increasing opportunities for women to be heard and make the world a better place for us all. We have advanced a lot in supporting and encouraging participation of women in science over the last years. We are increasingly leaving behind misconceptions that women are unsuited to science or traditional perceptions of scientists being male and dressed in lab coats. But we need to go a step further. In particular, we need to support women to take key roles in decision making in research (funding or leadership). This should be done not only by raising the quota of women participating in research projects, but by spreading awareness on gender equality and encouraging women to innovate and lead. Many new projects such as MaCoBioS present a large number of brilliant women scientists with diverse backgrounds.
Our message to girls that want to become scientists
Science is as diverse as the people who work within it covering topics commonly studied at school such as biology and chemistry through to social and political science and everything in between. Increasingly the lines between these topics are blurred and they integrate all sorts of methods from fieldwork to mathematics and computer science. There are also all kinds of scientists, if you are curious and always looking to learn more you can definitely become one. Continue to be curious, anytime, everywhere, always! Let your eyes and mind always be surprised by new discoveries and experiences. This will allow you to be always eager for new knowledge.
“Science is a beautiful path but one that isn’t easy and you need to be prepared to overcome many obstacles on your way. Sometimes you will succeed but others you won´t. The key is perseverance and resilience.” Dr Gema Casal, Postdoctoral Researcher, Maynooth University
However, becoming a scientist requires a lot of work and a bit of luck. You need to be rigorous, patient and surrounded by the right people who will support you not only in your research work, but also emotionally and financially. Here are a few tips from our experience: 1. Network from the start – opportunities come to those who are known! 2. Think local – Find your local issues, team up with experts around the corner, and take on tractable research questions. 3. Keep up and constantly improve your maths and communication skills – transferable skills are key!
“Becoming a scientist is tough no matter your gender, but still even more so for women, BUT if it is your dream, don’t let gender matters or anything else hold you back and go for it!” Dr. Cindy Cornet, Research Fellow, University of Portsmouth
If science is your passion you need to follow it, no matter if your field is filled with mostly men or older generations. Try to convert these challenges into opportunities, and to be a source of inspiration embracing your femininity, knowledge and skills. Be strong and brave, work in teams, fulfill your ideas and work for achieving your objectives and goals. Believe in yourself, be curious and explore areas that interest you. Especially, don’t hold back, don’t doubt yourself. Go ahead, we need you!