Female presence in science today
The year 2025 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, two significant achievements in the global effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Despite that, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers in pursuing scientific and technical careers and to receive the recognition they deserve.[1] Thus, we still need better implementation of EU gender equality objectives by research and innovation organisations across the EU[2].
NIAGARA reflection
In the evolving landscape of clean energy and sustainable innovation, the NIAGARA project has become more than a research initiative; it is a vibrant arena where women scientists, engineers, and project leaders are shaping the future. Their stories, drawn from across Europe, highlight not only their technical expertise, but the value of representation, mentorship, and resilience in the pursuit of a greener, more equitable tomorrow.
Let’s listen directly from the women working in NIAGARA, that bring unique backgrounds and skills, but share a common mission: advancing sustainable energy solutions that address global environmental challenges. They all agree that women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are often still underrepresented and that the key to overcome this phenomenon lies in society itself.
Here are the 8 women, within the NIAGARA team, who shared their experiences:
A shared purpose across borders
For Kaige Jia, a PhD student at Luleå University of Technology, the project is a platform to contribute to real-world carbon capture technologies. “It’s motivating to know that my work contributes, even in a small way, to developing sustainable solutions. NIAGARA has also strengthened my commitment to pursuing research that has real-world impact.” she says. Marwa Ourak, a gasification expert at GazoTech, echoes this sentiment. “The NIAGARA project showed me how technical innovations fit into a much larger value chain. It’s made me more aware of the social and environmental dimensions of energy research.”
For Lou Bernard, Sustainability Technical Officer at Lomartov, diversity is not just a social ideal—it’s a driver of progress. “Different backgrounds and life experiences allow us to be more creative and complement each other. Women bring perspectives that are urgently needed in the green transition,” she asserts. Her colleague, Mihaela Mirea, Senior EU Project Manager at Lomartov, agrees: “Inclusive leadership, when paired with scientific collaboration, can deliver real, scalable solutions to climate challenges.”
From lab to leadership
These women are not only advancing science—they are shaping its direction. Elena Zuriaga Agustí, R&D Technical Manager at FACSA, has risen through the ranks over a decade, leading over 30 innovation projects. “Believe in your value and don’t be afraid to take up space,” she urges. “The sector needs your voice.”
Anne Roubaud, a research engineer at CEA LITEN, chose her path to work on solutions that reduce pollution and environmental impact. She notes how collaborative EU projects like NIAGARA offer both innovation and enrichment: “Sharing practices, constraints, and social perspectives adds a lot of value.”
Women as agents of change: the power of teambuilding and mutual support
One common thread across all stories is the importance of support—both from peers and mentors. “Representation is key,” says Lou Bernard. “Seeing women in leadership inspires others to break the glass ceiling.” Elena Wikberg, a researcher at RISE, highlights the everyday support of her team as a “driving force for development,” while Sylvie Valin, working at CEA, recalls the camaraderie that enabled her team to meet tight deadlines.
Mentorship plays a crucial role too. From supporting students in biotechnology to guiding early-career researchers in CO₂ capture, women like Kaige Jia, Sylvie Valin, and Mihaela Mirea are actively building the next generation of scientists. “Teaching is a powerful way to deepen your own expertise,” says Mihaela.
What would these women say to those just starting out?
“Don’t be impressed by others who seem more ambitious,” says Anne Roubaud. “There’s space for you in science—and a family life, too. You don’t have to choose.” For Marwa Ourak, the key is courage: “Trust your skills. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.”
The women of NIAGARA affirm that the journey toward equity is not only about breaking barriers, but also about building networks of trust, visibility, and encouragement.
Their message is clear: whether in a lab, leading a team, or mentoring future innovators, women are essential to the green transition. The NIAGARA project proves that when women are empowered to lead and contribute, innovation flourishes—and a sustainable future becomes a shared reality.
The messages coming from NIAGARA´s women are very powerful and engaging! Altogether, NIAGARA represents a dynamic and inclusive research ecosystem that empowers individuals, advances sustainable technologies, and generates knowledge with lasting impact.
[1] https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day
[2] European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, gender equality – A strengthened commitment in Horizon Europe, Publications Office, 2021, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/97891