Women in Science: Redefining the Room – EVOLVE Masterclass with Dr. Muriel Mari 

As part of the EVOLVE Mentoring Masterclass series, Euro-BioImaging hosted Dr. Muriel Mari (Aarhus University) on May 27, 2025 for an honest and powerful session: “Women in Science: Normalizing, Supporting and Leading”.

More than a personal talk, this masterclass became a space for reflection and collective dialogue on what it means to be a woman in science today and how we can foster a culture where women thrive and lead naturally.

Let’s create a space where every story is heard and valued without judgment

Muriel opened the session by challenging the idea that women in science are exceptional. “When you grow up seeing women in leadership, it feels normal,” she shared. But that visibility still varies depending on geography, culture, and institutional environments. By reflecting on our own stories, we recognize the conditions that made us feel welcome (or not) in science.

Beyond gender: Supporting real lives

The discussion explored how careers are often shaped not only by gender, but by life realities, particularly caregiving responsibilities. Muriel called on institutions to go beyond symbolic inclusion and instead create real support systems: fair parental leave, flexible career paths, and a culture that respects work-life balance.

A space for all stories

A core message throughout the masterclass was that there is no single ‘women in science’ story. Some take fast, linear paths while others navigate nonlinear journeys shaped by health, family, or culture. What unites them is the impact of their community like mentors, allies, and peers who believe in their potential.

Participants were encouraged to reflect and share: Who shaped your path in science? Have you ever felt pressure to prove you belong? What can institutions do to support real inclusion?

This masterclass was not just a moment of reflection, it was a call to action. Conversations like this remind us that true scientific progress requires diverse voices, shared leadership, and systems that value every career path.