We participated in the Parliamentary roundtable “Science is Feminine”
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th, 2025, the Vice President of the Croatian Parliament, Sabina Glasovac, gathered female scientists, researchers, professors, and mentors in the STEM field for a roundtable discussion titled “Science is Feminine – Inspirational Stories of Women and Girls in STEM” to exchange views on current topics. Bioteka was represented by its president, Jelena Likić, who presented the Girls Own STEM project.
– Despite the fact that women make up 52% of employees in science and technology in Europe, and as much as 57.8% in Croatia, they remain underrepresented in higher academic and research positions. Particularly concerning is the data from the European Commission, which states that only 26% of full professors at European universities are women. These numbers clearly show that while progress has been made, there is still a long road to full equality, emphasized Vice President Glasovac.
The roundtable speakers, including award-winning women in science, professors from technical faculties, mentors, and project leaders promoting girls in STEM, shared their experiences regarding the challenges and obstacles they face in their scientific careers.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Particularly inspiring were the stories of women who broke the “glass ceiling” and the projects “Girls in STEM” and “Girls Own STEM!”. These initiatives aim to encourage girls from an early age, starting in preschool, and later in elementary and high school, to pursue STEM fields. Participants agreed that education is the key to long-term change—through eliminating stereotypes, creating role models, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
– Systematic support, mentorship, and shifting societal attitudes are key factors in increasing the number of women in STEM. The roundtable’s conclusion emphasized that despite obstacles, success is possible. Women in STEM continue to lead change, open doors for future generations, and prove that science is indeed feminine.
Distinguished Participants
The roundtable included the following distinguished participants:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stella Fatović – Ferenčić, Head of the Department for the History of Medical Sciences at the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, recipient of the HAZU Award for Medical Sciences (2023)
- Dr. Maja Šetinc, Senior Assistant at the Institute for Anthropology, recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Award (2024)
- Dr. Nastia Degiuli, Full Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb
- Dr. Ivana Martić, Senior Assistant at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, recipient of the “Vera Johanides” Young Scientist Award (2023) by the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences
- Dr. Lidija Androš Dubraja, Senior Research Associate at the Ruđer Bošković Institute
- Jelena Likić, President of Bioteka and Project Leader of “Girls Own STEM!”
- Biljana Stipetić, Marina Jurašić, and Valentina Blašković, teachers from First Elementary School Ogulin and leaders of the international project “Girls in STEM”
Additionally, several members of parliament participated in the discussion, including Marija Lugarić (Chair of the Committee for Gender Equality), Vesna Bedeković (Chair of the Committee for Education, Science, and Culture), as well as Marijana Puljak, Tanja Sokolić, Branka Juričev Martinčav, and Ana Puž Kukuljan.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Vice President of the Croatian Parliament, Sabina Glasovac, for recognizing Bioteka’s work and inviting us to participate in this event.
The full roundtable discussion is available for viewing on the Croatian Parliament’s YouTube channel: Watch here.
Photo: Croatian Parliament