One of my biggest challenges during my studies was gaining practical experience and confidence in working with young children. Through internships, teamwork, and continuous learning, I developed strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, while adapting to modern approaches in early childhood education.

Believe in your abilities and never stop learning. Education and psychology are fields where empathy, creativity, and dedication make a real difference in people’s lives. Be open to new ideas, develop your skills continuously, and do not be afraid of challenges. Every experience helps you grow both professionally and personally. Most importantly, follow your passion and remember that your work can positively impact the future of many children and families.

I would advise girls and women to believe in their abilities, stay curious, and continuously develop both pedagogical and digital skills. Working in early childhood education requires patience, creativity, and empathy, but it is also very rewarding. Engaging in STEM-based learning activities and modern teaching methods can make their work more innovative and effective.

By 2030, I would like to see full inclusion and equality in early childhood education, where every child—regardless of background or ability—has equal opportunities to succeed. I hope DEIS principles are fully integrated into daily practice, with strong support for teachers, increased use of inclusive and STEM-based approaches, and better access to resources for all educational settings.

My biggest challenge weakness was mastering advanced statistical data analysis and adapting to rapidly changing digital tools. However, this became an Opportunity to build strong analytical skills and integrate digital design into my psychological practice.

Never doubt your intellectual capabilities. Believe in your unique vision, stay curious, actively master digital and analytical tools, and treat every academic challenge as a stepping stone to your expertise.

Combine deep empathy with tech-savviness. Continuous professional development, international networking, and confidence in your management skills will make you an irreplaceable specialist.

By 2030, I hope to see equal representation of women in top leadership roles, fully inclusive and tech-driven educational standards, and systemic support for mental health and diversity in every institution.

Cultural differences, multi-ethnic environment, hard deadlines, loneliness sometimes.

Don’t hesitate. If you really want something you will make it at the end.

It is a very interesting field and many women thrive in it. It is not a “men’s world”

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Language barriers, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexist comments.

Do it despite what people say. Remember two things 1. do not take criticism from someone you would not take advice from and 2. When someone give you an advice it comes from their own perspective, not yours. So when they say ‘it is impossible’ what they mean is that it is impossible for THEM not for you.

Do it despite what people say. Remember two things 1. do not take criticism from someone you would not take advice from and 2. When someone give you an advice it comes from their own perspective, not yours. So when they say ‘it is impossible’ what they mean is that it is impossible for THEM not for you. Be loud and ‘a productive pain in the a**’.

People to be screened on their values and their stance on DEI and on the importance of gender and other respesentatiton in the field. We need a time where if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem isn’t only spoken about but implemented in action. Period leaves are a must and paid leave for both parents not only the mother.

A key challenge was navigating interdisciplinary work—learning to combine chemistry, data science, and engineering. Over time, this became my greatest strength.

Be curious, don’t be afraid of technical fields, and embrace interdisciplinary learning—your unique perspective is a strength.

Own your expertise, seek mentorship, and don’t wait to feel “ready”—growth comes from taking opportunities early.

I hope to see truly diverse leadership, equal access to opportunities, and inclusive environments where different perspectives are actively valued.

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.

Low income of my family.

Be openminded.

Learn as much as you can and from anyone willing to teach you. Think outside of the box.

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During my studies, one of my biggest challenges was managing the balance between ambitious research goals and limited time and resources. At the same time, these challenges helped me develop strong project management and problem-solving skills. I also saw opportunities in collaborating with peers and mentors across disciplines, which expanded my perspective and led to creative approaches to complex problems. Overall, navigating these challenges strengthened my resilience and adaptability, which continue to guide my professional work today.

I would encourage girls and women pursuing this field to explore and discover themselves through science, embracing their instincts and trusting in their own strengths. Τhese qualities will guide them to meaningful achievements, personal fulfillment and valuable collaborations.

I would encourage girls and women in this field to trust their instincts, embrace their curiosity, and pursue their passion. Understanding yourself through your work is key to growing and making an impact.

I would like to see a sector where DEIS principles are standard: inclusive leadership, fair opportunities, and research that benefits both people and the environment.

During my studies, my biggest strengths were strong analytical thinking, persistence, and resilience. One of the main challenges was balancing demanding laboratory research and academic responsibilities while raising two children, which required exceptional time management, organization, and discipline.
Navigating both motherhood and scientific training strengthened my adaptability, focus, and ability to perform under pressure — skills that continue to define my professional trajectory today.

Believe in your intellectual capacity and do not let anyone make you feel that science and technology are “too demanding” or incompatible with your personal life. Especially sectors like marine science and aquaculture — need diverse perspectives, critical thinking, and resilience, qualities that women bring strongly to the field.
Build a solid scientific foundation, seek mentors, collaborate widely, and do not be afraid to take space in laboratories, meetings, and decision-making tables. Your voice, your expertise, and your leadership are essential for shaping a more sustainable and innovative future in science.

Be confident in your scientific abilities and do not hesitate to enter spaces that may seem competitive or traditionally male-dominated. Marine science and aquaculture need strong analytical minds, resilience, and creativity — qualities that women bring powerfully to the field.

I hope to see balanced representation of women in senior scientific and decision-making roles, transparent career progression pathways, inclusive research environments, and sustainability criteria integrated into every stage of production and innovation — from feed formulation to ecosystem management.

Changing fields, from chemical engineering to analytical chemistry and biochemistry.

Follow your dream.

Persist.

I want to see more women in leading positions and society being more supportive top support family life.