The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was the occasion for a panel discussion on “Women in Science: Stories, Challenges, Visions.”. The meeting between the university management and speakers from research, PhD students, female staff, and employees took place on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, in the Minerva building at Moyzesova 9.
The discussion was hosted by Vice-Rector Assoc. Ing. Silvia Ručinská, PhD., university professor, and JUDr. Ľudmila Elbert, PhD., university associate professor.
The main topics were:
– Stereotypes and gender prejudices in science
– Balancing work and personal lives of women scientists
– The road to gender equality in science
– Mental health of women researchers
Opening remarks were given by the Vice-Rector for Science, Research, and Project Agenda, prof. RNDr. Renáta Oriňaková, DrSc., who reminded the audience that the conference was being held on the tenth anniversary of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science announced by the UN General Assembly. “This day is an opportunity to reflect on the role of women and girls in science and, at the same time, to remind ourselves that there are still obstacles preventing them from developing their full potential, such as stereotypes, prejudices, and lack of support,” maintained Vice-Rector Renáta Oriňaková, who believes that women are still underrepresented and that it is necessary to create an equal environment and to find solutions to improve the working conditions of women.
The following women scientists from our university spoke about their scientific careers and personal experiences:
– prof. MUDr. Jana Kaťuchová, PhD. (Faculty of Medicine)
– doc. RNDr. Andrea Straková Fedorková, PhD. (Faculty of Science)
– doc. Mgr. Adriana Jesenková, PhD. (Faculty of Arts)
– doc. Mgr. Gabriela Kravčáková, PhD. (Faculty of Public Administration)
– RNDr. Ivana Šišoláková PhD., University Associate Professor (Faculty of Science)
– JUDr. Žofia Mrázová, PhD. (Faculty of Law)
– Mgr. Petra Filipová PhD. (Faculty of Arts)
– Mgr. Martina Martausová, PhD. (Faculty of Arts)
– Mgr. Ľubica Gregová Širicová, PhD. (Faculty of Law)
Among the audience were researchers from various faculties, as well as promising PhD students with ambitions in science. The importance of the event was also underlined by the participation of other vice-rectors of UPJŠ: prof. MVDr. Monika Halánová, PhD; Dr. h. c. prof. Mgr. Slávka Tomaščíková, PhD.; doc. PaedDr. Renáta Orosová, PhD., Dr. h. c. prof. MUDr. Pavol Jarčuška, PhD.; prof. Mgr. Jaroslav Hofierka, PhD. and the university Ombudswoman prof. h. c. doc. JUDr. Mária Bujňáková, CSc.
During the two-hour event, many inspiring stories were told, and a lively discussion began on a number of pressing issues related to the progress of women in science. At the same time, interesting suggestions for improving the status of women in science at our university were outlined, with Vice-Rector Silvia Ručinská emphasizing the connection of the event and the topic of the women’s and girl’s status in science with the principles of the Human Resources in Research Strategy and its implementation at UPJŠ v Košice.
