On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, FEP highlights the journeys, challenges, and perspectives of three of its leading researchers, focusing on their paths, obstacles, and views on the role of women in academia. Aurora Teixeira, Cristina Fernandes, and Teresa Fernandes, recently featured in the World’s Top 2% Scientists List 2024, discuss the difficulties they have faced, the changes needed in science in Portugal, and the advice they would give to young women wishing to pursue a scientific career.
Challenges and Opportunities
Aurora Teixeira emphasises that although times have changed, and it is now easier for women to be in science, there are still barriers to overcome. “Despite the growing number of women in science, in general, and in economics, in particular, women remain underrepresented in top academic positions, are less likely to be promoted to the highest ranks (full professor), to lead large research projects, or to be recognised as prominent voices in economic discourse.” However, she highlights that her experience has been “challenging and very rewarding.”
Cristina Fernandes shares a similar view: “Being a woman in science today is still a path full of challenges, but also opportunities.” The biggest challenge, according to the researcher, was balancing professional life with personal life. “When I started my academic career, I had a very young daughter, and leaving her in the care of my parents was something that was deeply difficult for me.” For the FEP professor, “family support and understanding are very important,” as the research profession requires continuous work, often beyond conventional hours.
On the other hand, Teresa Fernandes considers herself fortunate to be a woman in academia. “Unlike other fields, academia is an inclusive place where I don’t feel any type of discrimination, but rather total freedom of spirit and respect among peers.” For the researcher, the challenges she faced were not due to being a woman, but rather the result of her initial lack of experience in academia.
What Still Needs to Change
Regarding science in Portugal, the researchers point out various aspects that still need improvement. For Aurora Teixeira, it is essential to “increase the public recognition of research and scientific knowledge,” as well as “address the underfunding of research and higher education.” Cristina Fernandes agrees and adds that “it is crucial to increase the budget allocated to science, while also promoting closer links between universities and industry.” Teresa Fernandes believes that there is still “regionalism and a certain established status quo,” and stresses the need to improve career progression processes.
Inspiring Future Generations
When asked how to encourage more women to pursue scientific careers, the researchers emphasise the power of example. “Showing that it is possible to balance a successful professional life with a balanced and happy family life is crucial,” says Aurora Teixeira. Cristina Fernandes highlights that science offers “a power that is neither coercive, political, nor financial, but the power of knowledge production.” Teresa Fernandes argues that incentives for scientific careers should focus on “work-life balance, funding, employability, and career progression.”
Advice to Young Researchers
Aurora Teixeira, Cristina Fernandes, and Teresa Fernandes also offer advice to young women who dream of following this path. Aurora Teixeira encourages resilience: “Follow your dreams and ambitions with confidence in your abilities.” Cristina Fernandes stresses the importance of persistence: “Never give up, because ‘history does not remember the weak.'” Teresa Fernandes emphasises that “dedication, vocation, voluntarism, resilience, and talent are essential for a successful scientific career.”
Inspired by figures such as Marie Curie, Elinor Ostrom, and Maria Manuel Mota, the three FEP researchers are now role models for future generations. Their advice is clear: a scientific career is demanding but rewarding, and it should be embraced with passion, dedication, and resilience.
