On 11 February, EIROforum celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) by recognising the impact that women have made across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
While the percentage of women in STEM has increased, today, women still make up only one-third of the global scientific workforce, according to UNESCO. In some countries, less than 10% of researchers are women.
To mark the occasion, we’ve reached out to women across our member organisations and asked them what they think it takes to close the gender gap in STEM, the advice that’s made an impact on them, and the practical actions, systems, or cultural shifts they’ve seen – or helped create – that are making a real difference. Their advice and learnings have been collated into the ‘Wall of Wisdom’ below.
Hover over each image to reveal their quotes.
What is one piece of advice you received in your life that helped you get to where you are today?
“Choose people over your research topic! You will have lots of chances to change research areas in your career but working with supportive, empowering people is absolutely crucial.”
Soraya Zwahlen, Predoctoral Fellow, EMBL
“Be curious, bold and push boundaries.”
Aliki Gerakianaki, PhD student, ILL
“While I was applying for my current position, a wise astronomer told me, “Allow yourself to celebrate every small victory. Even if you don’t get the job, it helps you enjoy the process.” That advice has really helped me stay motivated.”
Paula Sánchez Sáez, User Support Astronomer, ESO
“Organise your life to make yourself and your inner circle happy. You can’t base your happiness on things you don’t control. Focus on being happy every day.”
Sophie Adenot, Astronaut, ESA
“One piece of advice my parents gave me is that there are no right or wrong decisions—only decisions. The important thing is to choose one and commit to it.
Another piece of wisdom my mother still shares with me is “cada día tiene su afán,” which means not to worry about the future and to stay focused on today, taking life one day at a time.”
Cristina González Torres, Survey and Alignment Engineer, ESRF
“A genius appears once in a while; most of us rely on passion and perseverance, and as women, we set precedents.”
Bertha Rueda-Zarazua, Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL-EBI
“My advice is to be a good quitter! We are often told to be resilient and keep pushing, but sometimes resilience is knowing when to stop. The best opportunities in my career arose when I walked away from endeavors that didn’t serve me anymore.”
Asar Jaradat, PhD Fellow, CERN
“Imagine yourself where you want to be and let that picture push you forward when doubt drags you down.”
Purna Jadre, Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL
What practical actions, systems, or cultural shifts have you seen – or helped create – that close the gender gap in STEM?
“I consistently flagged missing women on panels, committees and for job interviews; over time, it created awareness, normalised inclusion and shifted culture.”
Nicole Elleuche, Managing Director, European XFEL
“Flexible working arrangements allow women in STEM to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Angelique Van Ombergen, Chief Exploration Scientist, ESA
“Fair policies around parenthood, from equal parental leave to not penalising maternity in eligibility for grants. These changes help keep women in STEM at key career moments.”
Silvia Sanz Sender, Lab Manager, EMBL
Closing the gender gap in STEM becomes possible when…
“We spark young students’ curiosity early – in classes and school labs – to inspire them and give them the confidence of belonging in science.”
Sarah Aretz, Deputy Head of Communications, Public Relations, and Education, European XFEL
“For me, closing the gender gap in STEM means fair hiring, parental leave as a norm for everyone, truly equal collaboration, and real diversity in high-level scientific roles.”
Monica Jimenez-Ruiz, Instrument scientist, ILL
“Relevant positive action measures are recognised and implemented by senior management and decision-makers.”
Krystyna Marcinkiewicz, DEMO Project Manager, EUROfusion
“Team members focus solely on the qualities of the people they work with, without judgment.”
Stéphanie Jimenez – Instrument technician, ILL
“When we open our minds, challenge our assumptions, include everyone and move beyond talking about these values to actually creating real opportunities.”
Michaela Benthaus, ESA Graduate Trainee, ESA
“Girls are encouraged to engage with STEM subjects from an early age, women can look up to visible role models, flexible work arrangements are available, and childcare support is strengthened.”
Sara Casalbuoni, Group Leader Undulator Systems, European XFEL
“We invest thoughtfully and consistently across the entire pipeline from education and early careers to advancement, complementing rather than relying solely on one-off diversity initiatives.”
Martina Molinari, Nuclear Safety Officer, EUROfusion
“Girls in the early stages of learning basic technical skills are met with support, not anticipation of failure, or dismissal.”
Kseniia Svirina, Postdoctoral Researcher , ILL
Join the Campaign
We invite you to join the conversation and let us know thoughts on any of the following questions:
- What is one piece of advice you received in your life that helped you get to where you are today?
- What practical actions, systems, or cultural shifts have you seen – or helped create – that close the gender gap in STEM?
- Closing the gender gap in STEM becomes possible when…
Share your thoughts with us by tagging @EIROforum on LinkedIn or Bluesky and using the #WomenAndGirlsInScience and #WomenInSTEM hashtags. Let’s join forces to create a future where science and gender equality advance together.