My interest in STEM began at an early age, when I developed a natural love for mathematics and science. I was especially drawn to problem-solving and to the challenge of understanding how things work.
Your organization field and mission:
Key sector: Environmental research and sustainable development, with core activity spanning four thematic pillars: atmospheric environment, meteorology and hydrology, climate and climate change, and energy. Mission: To serve the research, scientific, technological and operational needs of its field through cutting-edge research, development of scientific instruments and software, provision of services to the scientific community, society and policy-makers, dissemination of scientific knowledge, and contribution to postgraduate and doctoral education.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
I am a Research Director at IERSD/NOA, holding a PhD in Meteorology. My role combines scientific research, project coordination, and applied support to society in the fields of weather, climate, and hydrometeorological hazards. I work on forecasting and modelling systems for extreme events, flood risk assessment, climate prediction, and climate services, while also contributing to national and European research projects, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination activities. Through this work, I support the development of science-based solutions for climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
Your interest in STEM
My first role model was my mother, because she deeply believed in the value of education and passed this belief on to me. Later, my primary school teacher inspired me through his dedication and by cultivating in us a true love for learning. Τoday, I am mostly inspired by people who remain committed to justice, transparency, and integrity, and who achieve success without abandoning their principles.
Your studies
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.
You at work
A particularly important DEIS initiative in our organization is the establishment of a reintegration fellowship for women postdoctoral researchers who interrupted their research career because of maternity. This initiative helps address career discontinuities, supports equal opportunities in research, and reflects a meaningful commitment to inclusion, equity, and sustainability in the academic environment.
What I am most proud of in my work is having progressed in my career without losing my motivation, my sense of purpose, or my commitment to the values that guide me. I am proud that I continue to pursue each next step with consistency and determination, not only for my own development but also in a way that supports the people I work with and contributes to shared progress.
Your point of view
In our sector, technology has always progressed in parallel with research. For women, its empowering role lies not in a separate pathway, but in the way it broadens access to knowledge, strengthens participation in scientific work, enables collaboration, and supports a better balance between professional development and personal life.
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.
To finish with
Integrity, honesty, meritocracy.
A key future challenge in my professional context is the need for new research positions in our sector. While the challenges facing society and science continue to grow, the permanent staff is ageing and decreasing, making renewal essential for the sustainability and future development of research.
A key future challenge in my professional context is the need for new research positions in our sector. While the challenges facing society and science continue to grow, the permanent staff is ageing and decreasing, making renewal essential for the sustainability and future development of research.
The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : https://codeweek.eu/