“The World Needs Science – and Science Needs Women.” With these words, TV host Olivia Kinghorst opened the first Swiss event of the L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Awards. I was seated in the middle of the hall at the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, feeling the stage lights above and the tense, anticipatory energy of around 150 guests who had come from the worlds of science, business, culture, and civil society.

For me, it was a truly special evening. I studied law myself while raising a small child—so I know the feeling of juggling professional ambitions and motherhood, and I understand how hard it can be to gain recognition and visibility. That made it all the more powerful to witness these four young scientists being celebrated for their outstanding research, and to see how their stories radiated hope and motivation.

The 2025 Award Winners: Visions Moving Switzerland

 

 

 

The award went to four remarkable researchers:

• Dr. Jana Ordon (University of Zurich)

• Dr. Giulia Santoni (EPFL, in collaboration with the University of Geneva)

• Dr. Annelies Voordendag (ETH Zurich, Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry)

• Dr. Mengyuan Xiao (University of Geneva, Geneva Observatory)

Each received a grant of CHF 25,000—a symbolic but important gesture to support excellence, equal opportunity, and visibility in Swiss research.

As a lawyer accustomed to the legal world, I was particularly impressed by how much the awardees not only conduct research but also take social responsibility. Their work spans neuroscience, geodesy, and astronomy—and each of them demonstrates that top-level research is not just numbers and data, but also courage, perseverance, and passion.

 

 

The evening was charmingly guided by host Olivia Kinghorst. In addition to the awardees, numerous distinguished guests attended, including:

• Claire Dieudonne, Country Coordinator & Market Director, L’Oréal Switzerland

• Thomas Zeltner, President of the Swiss UNESCO Commission

• Gabriela Tejada, Vice President of the Swiss UNESCO Commission

• Laetitia Philippe, Head of National Research and Innovation, SERI

• Benoît Dubuis, President of SATW

 

 

It was striking how all of them emphasized the importance of networking, mentoring, and visibility for women in science. I could literally feel the spark ignite among the audience—every speech, gesture, and applauding smile carried the message: women in science deserve recognition, support, and space for their ideas.

Claire Dieudonne summed it up perfectly:
“Strong female role models are crucial for lasting change. These four outstanding scientists inspire the next generations.”

Thomas Zeltner and Gabriela Tejada added:
“This program tackles systemic barriers that often exclude brilliant women in science, especially those balancing research with family.”

 

The Reality Behind the Numbers

 

The statistics speak for themselves: while roughly 55% of university students are women, their share in top academic positions drops to just over 30%. I know this all too well—from studying to professional life—the balance between career and family is a daily challenge. This is precisely where “For Women in Science” steps in: through funding, mentoring, visibility, and a strong network.

For me, the evening was not just a celebration of science but also a mirror of my own experiences. I remembered what it was like to study with a toddler at my side, writing papers, taking exams, and being a mother simultaneously. The stories of the awardees, especially Dr. Giulia Santoni, a new mother and neuroscientist, moved me deeply. They show that it is possible to combine family and cutting-edge research without sacrificing either.

It was an evening full of hope, optimism, and inspiration—a night that clearly demonstrated that science is not only about numbers and experiments but above all about people, courage, and passion.

 

Interview with Dr. Giulia Santoni

 

 

I had the chance to ask Dr. Santoni a few questions afterward. Her answers were inspiring, honest, and provided insight into balancing top-level research and motherhood:

 

1. What personally inspired you to study neuroscience and focus on personalized therapies?

 

“I have always been deeply interested in understanding human behavior. During my biology studies, I was fascinated by how much the brain shapes who we are—our thoughts, emotions, actions, and fears all originate there. This curiosity naturally led me to neuroscience. I want to understand what goes wrong in neurological disorders and how we can use this knowledge to develop personalized therapies that truly make a difference.”

 

2. How could your work with 3D brain models improve treatment options?

 

“With human 3D models of neural networks, we can test drugs directly in the lab and observe their effects—in a system that mimics the human brain astonishingly well. In the future, we could derive personalized organoids from individual patients’ cells, allowing us to study the precise mechanisms of their conditions and identify the most effective therapies.”

 

3. What does the FWIS Award mean to you personally and for your research?

 

“I became a mother three months ago and simultaneously learned I was one of the awardees. That moment was incredibly meaningful—motherhood in science is still often associated with fear of underperforming. The award shows me it is possible to be a scientist, a woman, and a mother at the same time, and still excel. It motivates me to continue my research and serve as a role model for others.”

 

4. What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome them?

 

“Challenges are inevitable. But the environment makes the difference. When you have people around who share your values and believe in you, you gain focus, encouragement, and resilience to overcome obstacles.”

5. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to a scientific career?

“Follow what truly excites you and stay uncompromising. Don’t be discouraged by statistics or stereotypes—science needs passionate, curious, and determined minds from all backgrounds. If you stay true to your passion, you will find your place in research.”

My Personal Conclusion

The 2025 FWIS Award in Zurich was more than a ceremony—it was a statement about the future of science: visible, inclusive, and human. The four awardees, especially Dr. Giulia Santoni, who attended with her child, demonstrate that excellence, passion, and motherhood do not have to be in conflict. It was an evening full of hope that set new benchmarks. I encourage everyone to pursue their dreams and not let societal expectations hold them back—hopefully, in 5, 10, or 20 years, the numbers will look very different.