Uni.lu Launches Girls in SciTech Project

 On Thursday 9 January 2025, the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu) launched the "Girls in SciTech" campaign at the Forum Geesseknäppchen in Luxembourg-Merl.

The aim of the Girls in SciTech campaign is to encourage secondary school girls across Luxembourg to pursue studies in STEM subjects, namely science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Chronicle.lu spoke with Professor Serge Haan, coordinator of the project, at the event. He explained that the under-representation of girls in STEM areas was the inspiration behind the project. Increasing the participation of girls in STEM will lead to more diverse teams in research which will produce solutions and innovations from new perspectives and different viewpoints. He also spoke of the importance of role models, such as the alumni present at the event, to inspire girls to follow this path.

Philippe Hiligsmann, Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs at Uni.lu, delivered the welcome address and spoke of the importance of encouraging diversity and inclusion in science and technology fields. He emphasised the campaign's aim of creating an environment in which an enduring interest in STEM subjects is fostered, in order to inspire girls to pursue careers in this field. He noted that this was more than “just an event” but was a chance to create a more equitable future for science.

Luxembourg's Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, spoke of how encouraging girls to become pioneers of science and technology will, in turn, lead to a more inclusive and innovative future. She added that Luxembourg encourages diversity to drive innovation. By supporting girls to challenge stereotypes of the past, passions and abilities can be fostered to take on leadership and challenges such as climate change and energy in the future.

Serge Haan then presented the project. He displayed data showing that Luxembourg is at the lower end of the scale regarding girls graduating in STEM subjects and subsequently participating in research programmes. As part of the project, a short video will be released on a monthly basis, during the coming year, to showcase and promote STEM studies and careers for girls. These videos feature female researchers who have recently entered the job market in Luxembourg and abroad, as well as highlighting the multitude of jobs that can be accessed with a background in the various STEM disciplines.

Hania Tayara gave the keynote speech "Making Community: Science for all Women and Girls". She spoke of the organisation Native Scientists, in which she is a Programme Leader. Native Scientists introduces migrant children to scientists, for hands-on and fun activities, to promote their interest in scientific studies. Hania Tayara highlighted the importance of role models, mentors, teachers and positive parental influence to celebrate and promote the pursuit of sciences.

A round table discussion, facilitated by Lisa Burke, and featuring eight panellists (six women and two men) from various scientific backgrounds, followed. Many points were raised during the discussion, including how a balance of genders leads to better results, as solutions need to be seen from different viewpoints. As before, the lack of role models, stereotyping, gender bias and cultural reasons were mentioned as some of the factors discouraging girls in scientific studies. The panellists also discussed parental bias, including the fact that many parents tend to have a more positive attitude towards science and maths with their boys, even from a young age. These are among the determinants discouraging girls from science. The positive impact of teachers, role models and mentors was emphasised once again.

An interesting discussion on quotas raised some different viewpoints, one of which was that quotas do not substitute quality for gender. Increasing participation of women in STEM will inspire others to do so.

During the question and answer session, a secondary student raised the issue of combining raising a family with a STEM career. As with all careers, commitment, self-confidence, workplace and home support were mentioned as important factors. Luxembourg supportive policies and procedures in this area was highlighted. The right to have a career and family was underlined.

The launch of Girls in SciTech aims to encourage study in STEM subjects. With improved participation the traditional stereotypes will be challenged and successful role models will inspire others to join the scientific field, girls bring another perspective to the table, leading to different and innovative solutions and ideas. Diverse gender opinions are necessary to tackle many of the challenges facing today's society including climate change, energy and healthcare. STEM careers can increase confidence and empower girls and women to take on lucrative and fulfilling roles. Girls in SciTech project is a step in this direction.