Ecraid

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

On the 11th International Women and Girls in Science Day, Ecraid is proud to launch a new video message celebrating the expertise, dedication, and clinical leadership of women in infectious disease (ID) research.

This year’s theme, ‘From Vision to Impact’, perfectly encapsulates the career trajectories of the women featured. These scientists and clinicians are not merely envisioning a more resilient world - they are actively developing the pan-European infrastructure required to make it a reality.

 

A Multidisciplinary Force

The contributors to this year’s initiative represent the full breadth of the ID landscape. Their collective expertise spans from intensive care medicine, medical microbiology, epidemiology, and anaesthesiology, to nursing and medical writing. It forms the scientific bedrock of our network. By integrating these diverse skill sets, we ensure that our research is scientifically rigorous and clinically actionable, as well as accessible. 

 

Addressing the Gender Gap

While we celebrate successes, we remain mindful of the persistent structural challenges within the scientific community. Globally, women still account for only 33% of researchers.

Ecraid is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, both within our own network and across the wider European research area. By amplifying the voices of our ambassadors, we aim to cultivate a sustainable pipeline for women and girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), a necessity for the advancement of global health.

 

Visions for 2036

To mark this occasion, we asked our contributors a pivotal question:

"What is your vision for the next generation of women and girls entering infectious disease research that you hope will be a reality by 2036?"

 

Their responses reflect a profound commitment to scientific excellence. We are honoured to collaborate with these distinguished professionals:

  • Lennie Derde – CEO, Ecraid; ICU Consultant, UMCU
  • Slavica Kvolik – Head of the Dept. of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine, Medical Faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University
  • Cristina Prat Aymerich – Assistant Professor & Medical Microbiologist, Ecraid
  • Arzu Topeli – Chairperson, Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Intensive Care & Sepsis Research Centre, Hacettepe University
  • Elske Sieswerda – Clinical Microbiologist & Epidemiologist, Ecraid
  • Helen van Run – Nurse & Medical Writer, UMCU / Ecraid
  • Despoina Koulenti – Internal Medicine & Intensive Care Specialist; ICU Consultant, King's College London; Visiting Professor, University of Ioannina 

 

About the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Observed annually on 11th February, this United Nations-backed initiative seeks to address gender inequalities in STEM and promote the full and equal inclusion of women and girls. 

As we mark the eleventh anniversary of this day and reflect on the 30 plus years since the Beijing Declaration, Ecraid remains dedicated to empowering the next generation to become active participants in the creation of scientific knowledge.