International Day of Women and Girls in Science: The Women Behind InPlasTwin
Every year on 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the essential role women play in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Science progresses through curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance and the InPlasTwin project is no exception.
Across the consortium, women at different career stages contribute not only expertise, but also perspective, creativity, and leadership. Their voices reflect both the rewards of scientific work and the realities women still navigate in research environments today.
What They Love Most About Their Work
Dr Milica Velimirovic Fanfani, Research Scientist, highlights the importance of collaboration and diversity in research environments: “Collaboration, international environment, creativity.” For Dr Nhu Phan, Postdoctoral Researcher, growth comes from curiosity and experimentation: “I enjoy learning, trying unfamiliar approaches, and stepping outside my comfort zone.” At a senior level, Professor Dr Nanna B. Hartmann emphasises the joy of education and mentorship: “I love teaching. Sharing the joy of science and seeing students develop.” From a project dissemination and communication perspective, Dr Gordana Racić, Scientific Project Manager, values teamwork and communication: “I especially enjoy working in a collegial and supportive environment, with strong communication and collaboration among colleagues.” For Pia Leban, Young Researcher (PhD student), creativity and learning are at the core of her scientific journey: “What I love most about my job is the creativity involved in research and the opportunity to continuously learn and grow.”
Across all roles, these reflections underline that curiosity, collaboration, and learning are shared drivers of scientific motivation, regardless of career stage.
What Motivated Them to Pursue a Career in Science
Pia’s motivation was rooted in curiosity and a desire to contribute to society: “I was motivated to pursue this career by my general interest in science and my wish to contribute to society through research.” Milica was driven by environmental challenges and the impact of chemistry on real-world problems: “As an environmental chemist topics related to environmental pollution and sustainability motivated me to pursue a career in this field.” Nhu found motivation in applying science to meaningful challenges: “I was motivated by the opportunity to work on impactful environmental problems and to contribute to scientific knowledge. For Nanna, curiosity has always been central: “I am curious by nature and about nature. I was motivated by a strong interest in understanding how things work.” Gordana’s motivation combines science with communication and impact: “I was motivated to use my scientific career to disseminate and communicate project results and their impact in a manner understandable to society.”
Together, these motivations reflect a shared commitment to using science not only to understand the world, but also to improve it.
Challenges Faced as Women in Science
The women of InPlasTwin speak openly about challenges they have faced as women in science, ranging from balancing professional and personal responsibilities to overcoming bias and self- doubt. Balancing professional and personal responsibilities remains a key challenge, as Pia explains: “Balancing my career with family life, including motherhood, has been one of the main challenges.” Milica reflects on bias and the importance of perseverance: “Bias and assumptions were a challenge, but resilience and confidence helped me overcome them.” Nhu highlights the influence of cultural expectations and self-belief: “As a woman in science shaped by strong cultural expectations, I had to learn to trust myself and push forward despite doubts.” Nanna addresses structural issues still present in academia: “Unconscious gender biases are well documented and still present, even though awareness and active efforts have improved the situation. Gordana points to representation and recognition: “One of the key challenges I faced as a woman in science was ensuring equal representation and recognition in professional settings.”
Advice to the Next Generation of Women Scientists
When asked what advice they would give to themselves as little girls, their messages are powerful and deeply encouraging.
Pia’s advice is grounded in perseverance: “Don’t give up when things get hard. You’re capable of more than you think.” Milica emphasises patience and consistency: “You might not feel it today, but consistent effort will get you where you want to be.” Nhu focuses on self-trust and self-worth: “I would tell her to love herself, to trust her abilities, and to keep going even when it feels difficult.” Nanna reminds young girls of their unique strengths: “I would tell her that she holds unique values and perspectives that are important and needed.” Gordana encourages confidence and intuition: “I would tell her to follow her dreams, trust her intuition, and never give up.” Taken together, this advice forms a shared message of resilience, self-belief, and long-term commitment to personal and scientific growth.
Celebrating Women in Science
The voices of the women in the InPlasTwin project reflect dedication, curiosity, resilience, and collaboration. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate not only their scientific contributions, but also their experiences, challenges, and messages that continue to inspire future generations.
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