Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls in science and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable research environment. At D2R, we recognize that representation matters – and we are proud to support the talented women who are pushing the boundaries of RNA therapeutics.
We recently sat down with D2R-funded researcher, Lucienne Tritten (Assistant Professor, Institute of Parasitology), and her postdoctoral student, Sabina Beilstein, where they shared their thoughts on the importance of gender diversity in science, especially RNA research.
Why is the representation of girls and women important in science?
"Women's diverse experiences, perspectives, and approaches bring unique strengths to addressing scientific challenges. For instance, research suggests that women may often adopt more democratic and collaborative strategies, which can foster innovation and inclusivity in science. Achieving greater representation is crucial, as visible role models inspire the next generation of girls and women to pursue scientific careers. This representation is especially important given the challenges many women face in balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. By promoting inclusivity and showcasing diverse success stories, we can create an environment where women feel empowered to thrive in science."
How can research in RNA therapeutics help women’s health?
"By prioritizing research and clinical applications on conditions that disproportionately affect women, RNA therapeutics have the potential to reduce the gender gap in healthcare and significantly improve outcomes for women worldwide. For example, our work in RNA therapeutics focuses on addressing a group of parasitic diseases that predominantly impact children and women living in poverty."
What can we do to retain women talents in science?
"There is no simple answer to this question, but based on our own experiences, several key factors stand out: Supportive environments that provide mentorship, flexibility, and resources to balance career and personal life are essential. Equal opportunities, such as fair access to authorship, collaborations, funding, and career development skills (including teaching), are also critical. Lastly, fostering respect and ensuring recognition are indispensable to creating a thriving professional setting. While these aspects may seem obvious, they are far from universally implemented and often require a cultural shift to truly take root."
What do you wish for the next generation of women in science?
"Girl power, of course! We wish them equal opportunities and freedom from gender barriers. We wish them to embrace and explore bold ideas, take risks, lead great research without fear of failure or judgment."
At D2R, we’re committed to supporting groundbreaking research that not only advances science but also promotes gender equality in the field. Let’s keep pushing for a future where every girl and woman has the chance to shape the scientific discoveries of tomorrow.
