Women in Science & Tech: Research, Resolve, Revolution

The Women in Science & Tech event gathered experts, researchers and policymakers to foster a gender-inclusive and intersectional approach to science, technology and education. The event, held on the 14th of February from 14:00 to 19:30 CET and organised by LPI,  was the result of a collaboration between PATTERN, MEDNIGHT, France Chapter and EURIP.

Key Discussions and Workshops

The event featured a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions and keynote speeches, covering topics such as gender bias in AI, inclusive research methodologies and the role of women in science policy.

Workshops and Seminars

• Blocking Toxic Speech Online – Led by Prof. Biancamaria Cepollaro (Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele), this session examined strategies for mitigating online harassment and fostering inclusive digital spaces.
• Double Loop Learning & Design Thinking Workshop – Andrea Giraldo Sevilla, Research Manager at the Citizen Science Team (Learning Planet Institute and CYU), guided participants through gender-inclusive analysis in research and counter-strategies to master suppression techniques.

Panel Discussions

The event featured two high-impact roundtable discussions:

1. Bridging the Gaps in Gender and Inclusion in Research & Education – Where experts explored the importance of gender-responsive pedagogy and STEM career pathways.
2. Linking Gender and Inclusion in Research, Education, and Policy Towards Societal Challenges – Where panelists discussed strategies for integrating gender equality into research policies and ethics.

Speakers

A high-level and distinguished lineup of academics, policymakers and innovators enriched the discussions. Among them:

• François Taddéi – President of the Learning Planet Institute (LPI), an expert in educational innovation and collective intelligence.
• Corinne Portioli – Vice Chair of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), dedicated to advancing gender equality in research careers.
• Francesca Foliti – Project Leader at the Agency for the Promotion of European Research (APRE), coordinating open research and inclusion initiatives.
• Giulia Rizzo – Chair of MCAA France and Representative of the MEDNIGHT Project, advocating for Mediterranean women in science.

Roundtable Panellists

Moderated by Camille Gaulon (FIRE Doctoral School) and Asya Salnikova (European Science Foundation), the panels included:

• Andrea Giraldo Sevilla – Research Manager at LPI, expert in citizen science and inclusive research methodologies.
• Caroline Nyaga – Founder of Women in STEAM Initiative and Teacher Trainer at Digital Education Africa Network, championing education for girls in STEM.
• Fernanda Bajanca – Clinical Research Manager at CHU Toulouse, specializing in inclusive healthcare research.
• Lucile Alexandre – MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher at Université Paris Cité, focused on gender disparities in STEM fields.
• Una McCarthy-Fakhry – Senior Project Officer at UNESCO, advocating for gender equality in science and education policies.
• Lora Gailly – Associate Project Officer at UNESCO, supporting the Call to Action for Closing the Gender Gap in Science.
• Kave Bulambo – Founder of BlackinTechBerlin and TalentDiverse, working on inclusive hiring practices in the tech industry.
• Ariane A. Corradi – Assistant Professor of Psychology at Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, specializing in diversity and inclusion in STEM.
• Radenka Krsmanovic Whiffen – Founding Chair of MCAA Western Balkans Chapter, advocating for gender equity in research.

The Event in Numbers

• 59 participants attended the Workshop on-site, with 34 joining online.
• 52 participants attended the Conference on-site, engaging in dynamic discussions and networking opportunities.

Downloads

You can download the Agenda and overview of all speakers here

You can download PATTERN project presentation here