On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Miriam Lorenzo Navarro, Coordinator of MoeBIOS, shares her vision on the role of women in STEM and the importance of fostering diversity in research and innovation. As a passionate advocate for sustainability and technological advancement, she reflects on her journey, the challenges she has faced, and the progress being made towards gender equality in science.
A lifelong passion for science
“Since childhood, I was drawn to science, thanks to an inspiring chemistry teacher. As a Chemical Engineer, I realized that scientific advancements often don’t fully reach industries and everyday life. That’s why I chose to bridge this gap by working at ITENE, a technology center dedicated to innovation.”
Challenges and progress in STEM
Despite significant progress, women in STEM continue to face barriers. Miriam Lorenzo Navarro acknowledges that her early career was met with prejudices and doubts due to the underrepresentation of women in her field. However, she also highlights the support she has received from both men and women, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and collaboration in breaking down barriers.
“In the early years of my career, I faced prejudices and doubts about my abilities simply because I was a woman in a male-dominated field. However, these challenges only fueled my determination. Fortunately, I’ve met incredible colleagues—both women and men—who have supported and encouraged me along the way.”
MoeBIOS: Advancing gender equality in research
At MoeBIOS, promoting gender equality and diversity is a core commitment. As an EU-funded project, MoeBIOS ensures equal opportunities for women in scientific and leadership roles. Currently, 5 out of 7 work packages are led by women, reflecting the project’s dedication to empowering female scientists and engineers in cutting-edge research and innovation.
Encouraging future generations of women in science
Looking to the future, Miriam Lorenzo Navarro emphasizes the need to inspire and support the next generation of women in STEM. Her message to young scientists is clear:
“Follow your passions and dream big! Science needs bold, innovative minds to challenge the status quo. The journey may not always be easy, but every step you take brings you closer to making a real impact in the world.”
On this day, MoeBIOS reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse research environment, where women can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking scientific advancements.