Women & Science: Trends & Perspectives in Europe – Greeting

From:

Organizing Scientific Committee of the Conference

“Women and Science: Trends and Perspectives in Europe”

Dear friends,

I had a strong desire to attend the important conference you are organizing and to contribute to your fruitful discussion about the trends and prospects for women scientists in Europe. However, my justified absence does not prevent me from greeting your event today and congratulating the National Center for Social Research and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for their organization and contribution to opening a fruitful dialogue that I am sure will be substantial and rewarding.

Today, it is fully understood, at least within the institutions of the European Union, that the relationship between science and technological development is strengthened through research. If we want to maximize the development level of the EU member states, we must enhance research. However, there is a fundamental issue that continues to define and limit Europe’s research potential: the underrepresentation of women in science, research, and economic development.

Despite the fact that the number of women in most areas of economic, social, and political life is continuously increasing, their presence in the field of scientific research and technological development is barely visible. This underrepresentation of women in most EU member states, despite their differences, leads to a waste of human resources, inevitably affects choices and priorities in research, and results in imbalances and distortions in the outcomes of publicly funded research.

Research and technological development policy is the third largest spending area in the Union’s budget, following agriculture and structural funds, and serves as a strong tool for shaping the future European society. The Fifth Framework Program for Research and Technological Development is crucial, with extensive socioeconomic impacts, and seeks to establish a consistent approach to gender issues, aiming to lay the groundwork for balanced participation of men and women in scientific and technological research. The Opinion of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights, which I was responsible for drafting, significantly contributed to this approach, addressed to the Committee on Research, Technological Development, and Energy.

It is certain that greater participation of women at all stages of the formulation and implementation of various research programs could positively influence key choices and priorities in the research sector, leading to significant results in economic and social development.

This policy is promoted at all levels and concerns research by women -women as researchers- for women –ensuring that research meets the needs of all citizens- and about women –research should contribute to understanding gender-related issues.-.

Certainly, a collective effort and coordinated actions are needed for the positive measures being taken to yield results.

I sincerely wish you every success in your conference proceedings.

With warm regards,

ANNA KARAMANOU