Established in 2015, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science promotes equal opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While women continue to make important strides in STEM research (AWIS), progress remains uneven: Globally, women accounted for only 41% of active researchers in 2022, up from 29% in 2001. There is still significant room for improvement—both nationally and globally—to achieve true gender equality.

This year, we are marking the occasion by celebrating progress and fostering dialogue through a symposium on sex and gender differences in medicine and research. Our speakers—Dr. med. Jeanne Moor, PD Dr. med. et phil. Berna Özdemir, Prof. Dr. med. Mira Katan Kahles, and Prof. Dr. med. Angèle Gayet-Ageron—will discuss the importance of integrating sex- and gender-specific perspectives into medical research and clinical practice. We are delighted to be hosting this symposium in collaboration with Athena’s Journey.

In addition, we produced a short video featuring our remarkable PhD candidate Anaïs Butaye, offering a glimpse into a typical workday in one of our labs. In the video, Anaïs speaks openly about her inspiration, her research, and the insights she has gained along the way.

Here at the DBM, we are proud of the many talented women who work every day to advance human health. We thank all the amazing women and girls in science for their dedication and inspiring stories, and we hope everyone feels encouraged and empowered—regardless of gender

As stated in one of the DBM’s Pillars of Excellence:

“Researchers from different nationalities, along with technical and administrative staff, work together in a vibrant and respectful environment to advance interdisciplinary science.”

Together, we can create a future where success in research is determined by talent and passion—not gender.

Watch the video for more insights!