Women in Data Science: Towards Gender Balance in Research
Women remain underrepresented in the field of Data Science. However, by building supportive communities and empowering young women to pursue careers in data science, we can accelerate progress towards a more inclusive industry.
To address this disparity, de.NBI & ELIXIR Germany together with Bayer AG have establishedan internal Women in Data Science (WiDS) series in 2021 . The series was dedicated to fostering a culture of female empowerment and providing opportunities for growth and development. The WiDS series comprises three virtual events in 2021 and 2022 as well as an interview collection in 2022 under the umbrella "Women in Data Science – Perspectives in Industry and Academia".
Based on these efforts the ELIXIR LEadership and Diversity mentoring programme was established. FIrst as a pilot study in 2023 and since 2024 as the 2nd Edition collectively offering over 20 women researchers from the ELIXIR network workshops, training, mentoring, and an opportunity to foster their leadership skills.
The ELIXIR-DE WiDS events collectively brought together close to 350 attendees. The presentations during the three events showcased the outstanding work of women in data science across sectors. Twelve exceptional female professionals from academia and industry generously shared their insights, inspiring attendees with their stories of perseverance and success.
We would like to express our thankfullness and gratitude to the presenters sharing their personal experiences and views:
- Amonida Zadissa (EMBL-EBI, Hinxton UK)
- Alba Jené, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, ES
- Aminoda Zadissa, EMBL-EBI, UK
- Bérénice Batut, de.NBI & ELIXIR-DE, University of Freiburg, DE
- Catherine Sirven, Bayer Crop Science, FR
- Erica Manesso, Bayer Crop Science, DE
- Janine Felden, de.NBI & ELIXIR-DE, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, Alfred Wegener Institute - Helmholtz Center for Polar- and Marine Research, DE
- Jen Spindel, Bayer Crop Science, DE
- Karina Gilbert, Ambassador Women in Data Science Barcelona, Head of Intelligent Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Research Center at UPC, Barcelona, ES
- Katharina Lauer, ELIXIR HuB, UK
- Katharina Meier, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, DE
- Marta Melé, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, ES
- Matt Dimmic, WiDS Guys Lead at Bayer, St. Louis, US
- Ricarda Miller Bayer AG, Crop Science, DE
- Veronica Lopez Remus, Bayer Crop Science, DE
- Ulrike Wittig, de.NBI & ELIXIR-DE, Institute for Theoretical Studies (HIITS Heidelberg), DE
We also heartfully thank everyone supporting the interview and event series:
- Alba Jené, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, ES
- Arwa Al-Dilaimi-Wendler, WiDS EMEA Lead at Bayer Crop Science, Monheim, DE
- Irena Maus, de.NBI & ELIXIR-DE, Administration Office, DE
- Katharina Meier, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, DE
- Maria Jose Rementeria, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, ES
- Nils-Christian Lübke, de.NBI & ELIXIR-DE, Administration Office, DE
- Ricarda Miller Bayer AG, Crop Science, DE
Interviews were conducted in 2022 to share experience from women in leadership positions and highlight the diversity of research performed across Bayer AG, de.NBI, and ELIXIR. DR. Eva Alloza (ELIXIR Spain) from the ELIXIR network, Ulrike Wittig (HIITS) and Bérénice Batut (University of Freiburg) from the de.NBI & ELIXIR-DE network as well as Katya Nevedomskaya (Bayer Pharmaceuticals) and Christian Taylor (Bayer Crop Science) were kind enough to share their views and experiences.
You can find the interview series here: interview series
By strengthening our networks and supporting one another, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment in the life sciences, where women can thrive and reach their full potential. We are grateful to our speakers for their contributions and look forward to continuing this important work towards female empowerment in data science.
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