News

On 11 February 2026, we hosted the CeMM Women in Science Day Symposium 2026, an inspiring and highly interactive afternoon that brought together scientists and administrative staff from all levels, from PhD students to postdocs and PIs, and of all genders. Participants came together with a shared commitment to strengthening our research culture, engaging in open conversations, and sharing forward-looking ideas. From keynote and impulse talks to interactive thematic breakout discussions and a lively closing reflection, the program created space for honest dialogue, bold ideas, and practical strategies for change.

The symposium kicked off with keynote speaker Ulrike Felt, Professor at the Department of Science and Technology Studies at the University of Vienna and ERC Advanced Grant holder, who captivated the audience with personal stories, reflections on science governance, and thoughtful suggestions for institutional change.

We then heard several powerful and diverse career journeys:

• Sylvia Knapp, Head of the Research Division Infection Biology at MedUni Vienna, shared an honest account of leadership, resilience, and structural challenges for women in science.
• Brianda Santini, former project scientist at CeMM and now at NVIDIA working in AI-driven drug discovery, reflected on her path as a scientist, the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, and the importance of women mentoring women in science.
• Anne Miller, Junior Principal Investigator at MedUni Vienna, gave insights into establishing an independent research group in a field still largely led by men.
• Doris Chen, a bioinformatics data analyst at the Max Perutz Labs, shared her career journey and practical advice for women in science on navigating challenges.
• Giorgia Greter, microbiologist and entrepreneur recognized for her innovative research on gut microbiota-host interactions, described her transition from research to co-founding a biotech company after completing her PhD.
• Anita Ender, Managing Director of CeMM and AITHYRA, shared her personal journey to becoming the managing director of two scientific institutions, demonstrating how determination and vision can empower us to reach our goals.

Following the talks, participants joined rotating small-group panels for focused discussions on authorship and recognition; family planning and work–life balance; postdoc, tenure, and management opportunities; and impostor syndrome, fostering honest, cross-generational dialogue.

The symposium closed with a powerful contribution from Flora Petrik, research fellow and lecturer at the Institute of Education at the University of Tübingen, who shared her research on first-generation academics (students from working-class families who are the first in their families to attend university), adding an important perspective on social inequality in higher education and offering suggestions for better integration and support of these students.

Coming together in this way was a powerful reminder that meaningful progress happens when we engage with openness, evidence, and a shared commitment to change.

A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, participants, and organizers, Amelie Nagel, Michael Schöber, Katja Sommer, Hanna Toth, and Ariadna Villanueva, for making this symposium both inspiring and action-oriented. Together, we are building better science for all!

Take a look at the photo gallery here.