<\/span><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
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\u2014from studying to professional life\u2014the balance between career and family is a daily challenge. This is precisely where \u201cFor Women in Science\u201d steps in: through funding, mentoring, visibility, and a strong network.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It was an evening full of hope, optimism, and inspiration\u2014a night that clearly demonstrated that science is not only about numbers and experiments but above all about people, courage, and passion.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Interview with Dr. Giulia Santoni<\/h1>\n
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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:<\/p>\n
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1. What personally inspired you to study neuroscience and focus on personalized therapies?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
“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\u2014our 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
2. How could your work with 3D brain models improve treatment options?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
“With human 3D models of neural networks, we can test drugs directly in the lab and observe their effects\u2014in a system that mimics the human brain astonishingly well. In the future, we could derive personalized organoids from individual patients\u2019 cells, allowing us to study the precise mechanisms of their conditions and identify the most effective therapies.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
3. What does the FWIS Award mean to you personally and for your research?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
“I became a mother three months ago and simultaneously learned I was one of the awardees. That moment was incredibly meaningful\u2014motherhood 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
4. What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome them?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/em><\/p>\n5. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to a scientific career?<\/strong><\/p>\n
“Follow what truly excites you and stay uncompromising. Don\u2019t be discouraged by statistics or stereotypes\u2014science needs passionate, curious, and determined minds from all backgrounds. If you stay true to your passion, you will find your place in research.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>My Personal Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\nThe 2025 FWIS Award in Zurich was more than a ceremony\u2014it 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\u2014hopefully, in 5, 10, or 20 years, the numbers will look very different.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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