Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to celebrate the incredible contributions women have made in expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge and innovation. Despite historical challenges and ongoing gender disparities, women have made groundbreaking discoveries in fields such as medicine, genetics, physics, and environmental science. This day not only celebrates their achievements but also underscores the importance of continued efforts to promote gender equality in science.

At USERN, we proudly uphold our motto, “Science Without Borders,” and actively support young girls in pursuing careers in science. We are committed to empowering women in research and academia at every stage of their journey. By fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we strive to build a more diverse and dynamic scientific community—one where talent is recognized and nurtured regardless of gender or background.

Women scientists today are leading cutting-edge research, driving innovation, and making discoveries with real-world impact. Their work is essential in addressing global challenges, from public health crises to climate change. As we celebrate this day, we reaffirm our belief that empowering women in science paves the way for a brighter, more innovative future for all.

Honoring Outstanding Women in Science: USERN Prize Winners 2024

We are proud to announce that the majority—three out of five—of USERN’s 2024 Prize winners are exceptional women whose pioneering research is shaping the future of science.

Ewa Szumowska – Poland
USERN Prize Laureate in Social Sciences
For: Understanding Proneness to Extremism
"Women bring not only expertise but also unique perspectives to science. It is essential to support their representation."

 

Tiziana Cappello – Italy

USERN Prize Laureate in Biological Sciences

For: Embryotoxicity Tests and Multi-Biomarkers to Unveil the Impact of Microplastics on Embryomics

"My vision for the future is a world where discussions about gender equality are no longer necessary because opportunities are based solely on merit."

 

Fabiana Corsi Zuelli – Brazil

USERN Prize Laureate in Medical Sciences

For: Peripheral Blood Immune Signatures of Psychosis: Testing the Regulatory T Cell Hypothesis

"Women who receive awards and hold leadership positions must pave the way for others, especially young and junior scientists. It is our responsibility to inspire and support the next generation of women in science, and I take that responsibility seriously."

Honoring Excellence: Celebrating Past Women Prize Laureates

In addition to this year’s winners, many remarkable women have been recognized with the USERN Prize in previous years. Their outstanding research has significantly advanced our understanding across multiple scientific fields:

Medical Sciences

• Lucina Qazi Uddin (USA), 2017
• Eugenia Morselli (Chile), 2019
• Sara De Biasi (Italy), 2022
• Hao Chen (China), 2023
• Fabiana Corsi Zuelli (Brazil), 2024

Physical & Chemical Sciences

• Maria-Magdalena Titirici (UK), 2017
• Giulia Grancini (Switzerland/Italy), 2019
• Mirjana Dimitrievska (Switzerland), 2022

Biological Sciences

• Valentina Cauda (Italy), 2017
• Jianing Fu (USA), 2022
• Tiziana Cappello (Italy), 2024

Social Sciences

• Lianne Schamaal (Australia), 2020
• Katrien Fransen (Belgium), 2023
• Ewa Szumowska (Poland), 2024

Advancing Gender Equality in Science: Empowering Her Voice

As a scientific community, it’s our mission to empower women in science by creating opportunities, promoting mentorship, and ensuring equal access to research and education. By amplifying the voices of women in science, we can break barriers, celebrate achievements, and foster a more inclusive and dynamic scientific community. Let’s continue advancing progress through diverse contributions, free from limitations, and create a future where talent and innovation know no bounds.