S: Organisation, Professionalism
W: Stress, Anxiety of Failure
O: Going abroad, doing a PhD and postdocs afterwards
T: not good financing

To try it out! To get informed about various possibilities, make internships, follow webinars, courses, talk to people!

To dare! Not be afraid of other voices and believe in you! Build your expertise and network and you will reach your goal!

Have more female leaders in high-stake positions

I never had one single role model, but I’ve always been deeply inspired by women who make a difference. Growing up, I admired women who stood up for women’s rights, who refused to be limited by expectations, and who found the strength to thrive in male‑dominated fields.

But my role models aren’t only the famous ones. I’m equally inspired by everyday women — women who work hard, who support each other, who overcome challenges quietly, and who keep going even when things are difficult. Their resilience, courage, and determination have shaped how I see myself and the kind of person I want to be.

Just do it. There’s nothing to overthink, if you’re curious and motivated, go for it.

We need you! Your ideas, perspectives, and skills are essential for shaping the future of this sector.

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Building confidence in myself.

Go for it.

Go for it, surround yourself with trusted seniors, read continuously.

That there is no need for it.

One of my biggest challenges was navigating highly competitive international academic environments while continuously adapting to new fields and expectations. At the same time, these experiences became strengths: resilience, independence, discipline, and confidence in solving difficult problems.

Believe that you belong in technical spaces. Do not underestimate your abilities, and do not let temporary setbacks define you. Build strong fundamentals, stay curious, ask questions, and keep going consistently.

Develop confidence through competence. Learn deeply, stay persistent, and do not wait for permission to pursue ambitious goals. Your perspective is valuable, and the field needs more women leaders.

I would like to see equal representation in leadership, fair access to opportunities, transparent hiring and promotion systems, and AI technologies designed responsibly for all communities.

During my studies, one of my biggest challenges was managing the demanding workload and balancing different responsibilities at the same time. STEM studies often require strong commitment, continuous effort, and the ability to cope with pressure, so staying organised and consistent was very important.

Another challenge was building confidence in highly competitive and demanding academic environments. At times, this required perseverance and self-discipline, but it also helped me become more resilient and focused.

At the same time, these challenges became strengths, because they taught me how to work systematically, adapt to difficulties, and keep moving forward. They helped me develop both academically and personally, and they played an important role in shaping my professional path

My advice to girls and women who want to study in this sector is to believe in their abilities and not be discouraged by stereotypes or challenges. STEM needs diverse perspectives, creativity, and determination, and women have a very important role to play in shaping its future. It is important to stay curious, work hard, and not be afraid of difficult subjects, because confidence grows through effort and experience.

Most importantly, they should follow their interests with confidence and persistence. With dedication and passion, they can succeed, contribute meaningfully, and become role models for the next generation.

My advice to girls and women who want to work in this sector is to trust their abilities, stay curious, and not be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. Most importantly, they should believe that they belong in this field. With persistence, hard work, and passion, they can build a successful career, make a meaningful contribution, and inspire others to follow the same path.

By 2030, I would like to see DEIS become a natural and fully integrated part of the culture in our sector, not just a target or a policy discussion. I would like to see more women in leadership, more equal opportunities for career development, and more inclusive environments where different perspectives are truly valued.

I would also like to see technology and innovation developed with sustainability and social impact at their core, so that progress is not only measured by technical achievement, but also by the benefit it brings to people and society. For me, the goal is a sector where diversity is seen as a strength, inclusion is actively practiced, and sustainability guides the way we design and implement solutions.

Over the past 20 years, the field of media and digital technologies has evolved rapidly, creating a constantly shifting landscape. Computer-mediated communication was -and still is- a game changer, and keeping pace with this change has required continuous learning and rapid adaptation to new tools and approaches. as concepts, technologies—even entire fields such as media law—were quickly becoming outdated.

This, At the same time, this dynamic environment pushed me to think across disciplines, combining technology, media and real-world applications, while also fostering creativity—since everything felt new and evolving. The allure of constant change has always been what sparked my curiosity about what comes next. Over time, this became one of my key strengths. During my studies, I often struggled with attention to detail, as I was naturally drawn to big ideas and the broader conceptual framework rather than finer execution points.

An open mind and flexibility towards change—these are essential ways of thinking and key attitudes in a rapidly evolving field. A genuine curiosity and love for learning are the most precious skill. Technology and science are constantly advancing, and the ability to continuously explore new knowledge will set you apart.
Develop the ability to think beyond the boundaries of your own discipline—to connect, synthesize and create at the intersection of fields, where technology meets other domains.This interdisciplinary mindset is critical for navigating the new era we are entering, where artificial intelligence is already reshaping the rules of the game.

Stay open-minded and adaptable—curiosity and continuous learning are your greatest assets in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Think beyond boundaries: the future belongs to those who connect disciplines and create at the intersection of technology and society, especially in the age of AI.
-Redefine success on your own terms: not as a choice between career and motherhood, but as a balance you consciously shape at the intersection of both: Embrace this dual path—it will challenge you, but it will also build resilience, a unique kind of leadership, grounded in real life—one that only women can truly define.

By 2030, DEIS in my sector should move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and truly recognise that equality does not mean sameness. It should take into account that women and men work differently, real-life factors—such as motherhood—that require thoughtful and supportive structures, not neutral treatment. True inclusion means designing conditions that respond to these differences, enabling everyone to thrive on equal terms.

During my studies, one of my main challenges was to identify which direction within my education would best prepare me for the next stage of my career. At the same time, I had to develop my background in informatics and computational methods largely on my own, as my university studies did not provide relevant training, although these skills were crucial for the field I later followed, especially numerical weather prediction.

My advice is to study with dedication, work hard, and stay open to innovation. Equally important is to build a supportive environment by surrounding yourself with people who share your values and ideals, because this can make a real difference both in your professional path and in maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

My advice is to work hard, and stay open to innovation. In my field, research is not particularly male-dominated, so the main challenge is less about entering the sector and more about sustaining a healthy balance between personal life and professional growth.

By 2030, I would like to see more women holding positions of responsibility and leadership in my sector. Greater representation at this level would be an important step toward a more inclusive, fair, and forward-looking research environment.

During my studies, one of my main strengths was my strong analytical thinking and ability to work with quantitative methods, which helped me perform well in demanding courses such as econometrics and advanced economics. I was also highly disciplined and committed to continuous learning.
A key weakness was balancing multiple responsibilities, especially as I was combining studies with teaching support and work experience. However, this gradually became a strength as I developed strong time management and organizational skills.
In terms of opportunities, my academic environment allowed me to engage with high-level research, develop technical skills, and gain teaching experience, which shaped my interest in pursuing a research-oriented career. 
One of the main challenges I faced was navigating the uncertainty of an academic path, particularly during my PhD candidacy years. This experience strengthened my resilience and adaptability, and helped me refine my professional direction toward applied research and project-based work.

My advice would be to trust your abilities and not be discouraged by stereotypes or self-doubt. Fields related to economics and STEM require persistence, curiosity, and analytical thinking, skills that are not defined by gender.
It is important to build a solid foundation in quantitative methods, seek supportive mentors, and actively engage in opportunities such as research projects or collaborations. At the same time, do not hesitate to step into leadership roles and make your voice heard.
Finally, remember that your perspective is valuable. Diverse viewpoints are essential for addressing complex challenges, especially in areas like sustainability and policy, where inclusive thinking leads to better solutions.

My advice would be to build a strong foundation in analytical and quantitative skills, as these are essential in economics and research-related fields. At the same time, stay curious and open to interdisciplinary perspectives, as many of today’s challenges require combining knowledge from different domains.

Do not hesitate to take initiative, seek opportunities, and engage with research, projects, or networks early on. Having supportive mentors and collaborators can make a significant difference.

Most importantly, trust your abilities and be confident in your voice. Your perspective is valuable, especially in fields like sustainability and policy, where diverse insights are critical for developing effective and inclusive solutions

By 2030, I would like to see DEIS principles fully embedded in the economics and research sector, not as separate initiatives, but as a standard practice. This includes more balanced representation in leadership roles, research teams, and decision-making processes.

I would also like to see greater inclusivity in research itself, with more diverse perspectives shaping questions, methodologies, and policy recommendations, especially in areas like sustainability and climate transition.

Finally, I hope for more structured support systems, mentorship, funding opportunities, and institutional policies, that actively reduce barriers and create equal opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to thrive.

My biggest challenge during my studies was the transition from the field of Geology to advanced studies in Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry. I had to remain competitive despite not having a strong background in Physics, while at the same time progressing in both the theoretical and practical aspects of numerical atmospheric modelling. Another major challenge was that I remained on project-based contracts throughout the duration of my postgraduate studies. In parallel, I had to balance my research role in projects not directly related to my PhD with the demands of my doctoral research. At the same time, I worked to build the foundations that would allow me to pursue a postdoctoral position abroad.

My advice to girls and women who wish to pursue studies in atmospheric science is to do so with confidence. In the context of the climate crisis, there is a strong need for fair and inclusive research, and therefore for greater female representation in our field. I would also encourage them to advocate for fair pay from the very beginning, so that they can fully dedicate themselves to their research without being distracted by the need to secure their livelihood.

My advice is much the same as for pursuing studies: go for it, and do not hesitate to move forward in claiming positions of responsibility, coordination, and leadership. Break the glass ceiling.

Wishful thinking: a world where DEIS is so deeply embedded that it no longer needs defending, explaining, or discussing.

During my studies in ichthyology, my biggest challenge was strengthening my quantitative and statistical skills, as environmental research often requires handling complex datasets. At first, this was demanding, but I worked on improving through extra practice and guidance, which significantly increased my confidence in data analysis.

One of my main strengths was my passion for environmental science and field research, which kept me motivated even during demanding periods. The competitive nature of research opportunities was sometimes challenging, but it pushed me to become more disciplined, adaptable, and resilient.

Team work makes the dream work!

Keep it real and be passionate.

By 2030, I would like to see DEIS principles fully integrated into environmental research and field-based science — not as policies on paper, but as everyday practice.
I would like to see more women in leadership roles within research institutes, especially in field-intensive disciplines. Fieldwork should no longer be perceived as gender-biased, but as an inclusive space where competence and collaboration matter most. I also hope to see stronger support systems for early-career researchers — transparent funding opportunities, fair evaluation processes, and mentorship structures that ensure equal professional growth. In terms of inclusion, I would like science to become more connected with society, involving local communities more actively in conservation and decision-making processes.

And finally, sustainability should go beyond research topics and be reflected in how institutions operate — from responsible resource use to long-term environmental accountability. By 2030, I would like DEIS to be embedded in the culture of our sector, shaping not only who participates in science, but how science is conducted and shared.