Women in Science: Voices from the SUNFUSION Consortium
On 11 February, we marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by reflecting on the pioneering women whose groundbreaking discoveries continue to inspire advancements in bio-based technologies.
With this blog post, we turn our focus to the women building on that legacy within the SUNFUSION consortium. Through their expertise, dedication, and leadership, they are advancing research and contributing to sustainable solutions across diverse scientific fields.
In this article, we share the experiences, motivations, challenges, and advice of the women working on our project. By highlighting their journeys, we aim not only to recognise their contributions but also to inspire the next generation of girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM and envision themselves as future leaders in science.
Women’s Perspectives: Driving Change Through Science
In the first part of this blog post, we feature insights from three accomplished women who play key roles in our project: Pascale Gillon, Research Director at GEPEA–CNRS–Nantes Université; Anne Roubaud, Engineer-Researcher at CEA; and Christina Samara, PhD candidate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Each has built a career driven by curiosity, resilience, and a shared commitment to innovation. But what aspects of their work do they enjoy most
For Pascale, experimental research is the most rewarding part of her role. Anne finds fulfilment in collaborative research and scientific exchange with colleagues. Meanwhile, Christina values the constant opportunity to learn and embrace new challenges.
Different Paths to a Career in Science
When asked what initially drew them to science, their answers reflected diverse and personal journeys.
Pascale was inspired by the intellectual freedom that research offers — the ability to explore ideas and develop independent scientific strategies. Anne was motivated by a desire to understand chemical processes, particularly in biomass conversion and the development of sustainable biofuels. For Christina, curiosity was the driving force, from a deep desire to understand how things work to contributing to the global research community.
Overcoming Challenges
Reflecting on their careers, some of our speakers acknowledged that being a woman in science can come with additional challenges.
Pascale shared that she sometimes had to work harder to demonstrate that her research strategy was worthwhile, particularly when others underestimated her capabilities. Anne emphasised that women are often less likely to actively seek recognition for their achievements, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy.
At the same time, Christina noted that she has not personally faced significant gender-related obstacles, having worked in inclusive and supportive research environments. This serves as an encouraging reminder that positive and equitable workplaces do exist and that fostering such environments should remain a shared priority across the scientific community.
Advice for Future Scientists
At the end of the interview, we asked each of them what advice they would give to their younger selves.
Anne encourages: “Don’t be afraid. Do what you truly want and what motivates you.”
Pascale’s message is simple yet powerful: “Keep going!”
Christina reflects: “Believe in yourself and your intelligence, because you are capable of achieving far more than you imagine.”
Their words reflect resilience, determination, and the courage to pursue one’s passion.
Expanding the Conversation: More Voices from SUNFUSION
Moving on to the second section of our blog post, we highlight insights from three other distinguished professionals who have made significant contributions to science and technology. These women bring unique perspectives from different fields, further enriching our understanding of the challenges and opportunities for women in science.
We spoke with Eva Kostarellou, Research Engineer at Centre for Research and Technology Hellas; Megan Kirschmeier, a Research Associate from German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Gordana Racić, Scientific Project Manager at Foodscale Hub.
We once again began by asking these inspiring women which aspects of their work they find most fulfilling.
Eva highlights her passion for problem-solving, contributing to innovation and sustainability, and embracing continuous learning. For Megan, the most rewarding part of her work lies in understanding how things function and applying that knowledge to design technologies that can help drive the transition toward a more renewable future. Gordana, on the other hand, values working in a positive and supportive environment, surrounded by colleagues who are not only professional collaborators but also trusted partners and friends.
Personal Journeys and Professional Purpose
The path to a scientific career for the women involved in our project has been shaped by personal experiences, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.
Eva was drawn to chemical engineering by her desire to understand how science can be applied to address real-world challenges. Her curiosity about practical solutions and tangible impact guided her academic and professional choices.
For Megan, the journey into engineering was deeply personal. Inspired by her two older brothers, she developed an early interest in the field. Mathematics and science were always her favorite subjects, and seeing the kinds of projects her brothers worked on made engineering seem both exciting and meaningful, a natural extension of what she already loved.
Gordana’s motivation stemmed from a different perspective. She realised early on that scientific research does not create impact on its own; it requires structure, strategy, and strong coordination to translate ideas into real-world outcomes. She was drawn to the space between science and implementation where concepts evolve into funded projects, international partnerships, and tangible societal impact. Supporting researchers in shaping their visions and watching ideas grow into successful initiatives ultimately inspired her to pursue this career path.
Navigating Challenges in the Workplace
When asked about the challenges they have encountered as women in science and how they have overcome them, the responses reflected both shared experiences and individual perspectives.
Eva highlighted that being a young woman in a traditionally underrepresented field can sometimes lead to feeling overlooked. She addressed this by building confidence, remaining persistent, and consistently demonstrating strong technical expertise.
Megan shared that she has been fortunate not to face significant adversity in her career as an engineer. While she is familiar with the experience of being the only woman in the room, something many women in technical fields encounter, it has never discouraged her. A strong support network and encouragement to pursue her passion have played a crucial role in her confidence and resilience.
Gordana noted that, like many women in scientific and project leadership roles, she has at times had to work harder to ensure her voice is equally heard in strategic discussions. Research project management demands negotiation skills, decisive leadership, and confidence, qualities that are not always readily attributed to women, particularly at the beginning of their careers. She overcame these challenges by trusting her expertise, continuously strengthening her competencies, and consistently delivering results. As she reflects, credibility builds over time, and sustained performance speaks for itself. She also emphasised the importance of supportive professional environments where collaboration and mutual respect are genuinely valued.
Together, their experiences illustrate both the progress that has been made and the work that remains. While challenges still exist, confidence, competence, and supportive professional networks continue to be powerful tools in overcoming them.
Lessons for the Future
As our conversation came to a close, we invited the professionals to reflect on their journeys and share a message with their younger selves. Their responses offer encouragement, clarity, and a powerful reminder that growth often comes through perseverance.
Eva’s advice is direct and empowering: “Trust yourself, be confident in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.”
Megan also highlights the importance of self-belief: “Be confident in yourself, your thoughts, and your ideas.”
Gordana reflects more broadly on the importance of intuition and courage: “I would tell my younger self to trust her intuition, stay curious, and never be afraid to take up space. Not every path will be clear from the beginning, and that’s perfectly fine. Believe in your abilities, be patient with yourself, and don’t give up when things feel challenging, growth often comes from those moments.”
Together, their words underscore a shared message: confidence, persistence, and self-trust are essential companions on the journey through science.
