Eindhoven Hosts Women in Science Week to Boost Gender Inclusivity
Eindhoven, Sunday, 9 February 2025.
Eindhoven University celebrates the Women in Science Week, running from 9 to 15 February 2025, featuring events like speed-dating with female scientists and a focus on sustainable technologies.
Dynamic Program Lineup
The week’s highlight is a meet-up event scheduled for February 12, 2025, at the TU/e campus Atlas building [1][5]. The program opens at 14:30 with welcomes from Silvia Lenaerts, Rector Magnificus, and includes the launch of ‘Driven by Challenges,’ a new video series showcasing five women working on sustainable technology innovations [1]. The event features a notable keynote by Dr. Tila Pronk, an Associate Professor of Social Psychology and recipient of the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award in 2022 [1][7].
Networking and Recognition
A cornerstone of the event is its speed-dating session, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with over 50 inspiring female scientists [1][7]. The program also celebrates the Marina van Damme Grant, a €9,000 scholarship supporting talented female TU/e alumni in their professional development [1]. Kavitha Varathan, a previous grant winner, will share insights about the award’s impact on her career trajectory [7].
Part of Global Recognition
This initiative aligns with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11, 2025 [3]. The timing reflects a broader global movement to increase women’s participation in STEM fields [GPT]. The week-long celebration also marks five years of TU/e’s Irene Curie Fellowship program, which aims to equalize the balance between male and female scientists [1][5].
Collaborative Organization
The event is a joint effort between Eindhoven University of Technology, Fontys Engineering, and the WISE Network [5]. The organizing team includes key TU/e members Elle Abzach, Liesbeth Castelijns, Cindy de Koning, Natasja van der Velden-Huijboom, and Fontys Engineering’s Annelies Moors [1]. The initiative welcomes all participants interested in promoting diversity in science, regardless of their gender or background [5].