Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day invites the global scientific community to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to advancing women’s rights. For materials science and engineering, it is a chance to recognise the contributions of women advancing the field — from fundamental research to technological innovation — and to reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive and equitable discipline.
President’s Message
Women have long been central to materials science and engineering, shaping our understanding of matter, developing materials that underpin modern life, and inspiring new generations of researchers. FEMS proudly celebrates the scientists recognised through our awards programme, including Elvira Fortunato and María Vallet-Regí (FEMS Materials Innovation Medal), Britta Nestler and Idalina Gonçalves (FEMS Materials Science & Technology Prize), and early-career researchers honoured through our Master’s Thesis Awards: Marta Zarzuela Amor, Lara Castanheira, Narea García de Albeniz, Adriana Eres-Castellanos, and Beatriz Coelho. Their work shows the excellence that flourishes when talent is recognised and supported.
Meaningful progress in gender equality in STEM has been made in recent decades, yet challenges remain. Women are still underrepresented at senior levels in academia and industry, and structural barriers persist. FEMS believes diversity is not only a goal but a scientific and organisational strength: diverse teams ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and produce more impactful science. This conviction is reflected in the FEMS Board, where Amarante Böttger, Anna Frączkiewicz, Annalisa Pola, and Joanna Wojewoda-Budka contribute their expertise and vision, building on the legacy of board members such as Aleksandra Czrńska, Anna Zervaki, Brigitte Kriszt, Helene Regle, Jana Hornikova, Margarethe Hofmann-Amtenbrink, Natalia Sobczak, and Paloma Fernández-Sánchez.
Supporting early-career researchers is one of the most important investments our community can make. Mentorship, visibility, recognition, and access to networks are not privileges but essential tools for talent to thrive. FEMS is committed to providing them equitably, ensuring the next generation of women scientists and engineers in Europe can build careers worthy of their ambition and ability.
On this International Women’s Day, I invite every member of our community — researchers, educators, industry leaders, and students — to take concrete steps to promote inclusivity. Nominate outstanding women for awards and leadership positions. Mentor early-career researchers. Advocate for equitable hiring, promotion, and recognition practices within your institutions and societies. Together, we build the inclusive materials science community that our field deserves.
FEMS President
Paula M. Vilarinho