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Celebrating Women in Science: Advancing Battery Research

February 11 – International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the crucial role women play in driving scientific progress across the globe. While there has been significant advancement, women are still underestimated, overlooked and underrepresented in many areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This is why today we celebrate the amazing women in DigiCell and aim to inspire the next generation of female scientists in battery research.

We asked our female team members about what sparked their interest in pursuing a career in battery research, their advice for aspiring female researchers in the field of battery research, their typical workday, what challenges they’ve faced, and what steps need to be taken to encourage more women to pursue careers in battery research. Read their answers below.

  • CARLOTTA FRANCIA – Associate Professor at Politecnico di Torino

    What does a typical workday look like for you? My research focuses on developing and optimizing electrode materials for various battery chemistries, with the aim of adapting them for electric vehicle or energy storage applications. This addresses persistent challenges such as safety concerns, development costs, recycling.

    What changes would you like to see to encourage more women to enter STEM fields? After graduating in Chemistry, working in the battery field didn’t feel like the most natural fit for me, but I soon realized the opportunities that it has to offer, many of which weren’t presented to women in the past. By fostering an atmosphere of positivity and engagement, we can inspire more exceptional women scientists to join our community.

  • HANNAH SEFEROVIC – Postdoctoral Researcher at Johannes Kepler University Linz

    What does a typical workday look like for you? Each working day brings new tasks and variety, which I really enjoy. My day usually starts with checking emails and addressing the most important ones over a nice cup of tea. I then dive into planning or continuing experiments. For the DigiCell project, this involves investigating the properties of different electrode materials using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) and analysing the experimental results. Some days I focus on making special probes for our microscopy work, which requires a visit to our university's main campus to work in the clean room. We also have a weekly group meeting to discuss progress, address challenges and plan next steps. And of course, no day is complete without lunch and coffee breaks with my colleagues, which adds to the collaborative and great atmosphere within our team.

    What advice would you give to any aspiring female researchers in your field? When I began my bachelor’s studies in physics, I was fortunate to share this journey with several other women. Some of them are still in my life today, and I'm proud to say that we've all gone on to excellent jobs that allow us to build successful careers and enjoy financial independency. My advice to any young woman considering a career in STEM is that there's no such thing as failure. Maybe you realise that it's not the right thing for you, which can lead you to something more suited to your interests. Or you discover that you're on the right track - and in a few years, you could be one of those successful women I’ve mentioned, which in my opinion is a journey worth taking.

  • MAHNOOR NAFEES – PhD Student at University of Roma Tre

    Have you faced any challenges as a woman in science, and how did you overcome them? As a Women in science, I have faced challenges like gender bias, unequal opportunities, and stereotypes. To overcome these, I have built support networks, advocated for equity, persisted through obstacles, and defied stereotypes. I thrive as a mentor and create opportunities for future generations. Despite these hurdles, I stand for the women who continue to break barriers and shape the scientific landscape, ensuring greater representation and recognition in the field. Every challenge faced in this field is a steppingstone to deeper understanding and innovation. Whether it's pushing the boundaries of materials, enhancing energy storage, or creating more sustainable solutions, each breakthrough brings us closer to a more sustainable and efficient world.

    What changes would you like to see to encourage more women to enter STEM fields? To encourage more women to enter STEM fields, especially in material science and battery research, we need to increase representation by showcasing successful female role models, create strong mentorship and networking opportunities, and promote STEM education for girls from an early age. Addressing implicit biases, offering flexible work arrangements, and supporting work-life balance are also essential. Additionally, fostering confidence, self-advocacy, and ensuring women receive sponsorship and equal recognition in their careers will help create a more inclusive and supportive environment. These changes can empower women to thrive and make significant contributions to STEM fields.

  • MÓNICA DELLA PIRRIERA – Photonic & Vision RD Manager at Leitat Technological Center

    What does a typical workday look like for you? As a RD manager, I monitor the implementation of the RD projects, focussing on impact and exploitation. In parallel, I manage the customer network and our technology portfolio in order to increase the technology transfer to companies and industries.

    Have you faced any challenges as a woman in science, and how did you overcome them? Fortunately, I have not faced many challenges during my career. However, in an interview I was asked about my personal issues, like if I have children. I have two children. They discarded my application because they considered two children were a great personal burden.

  • PAULA CENTIONI – Principal Researcher at Leitat Technological Center

    What does a typical workday look like for you? I start my day by organizing my tasks and reviewing project progress. Throughout the day, I attend meetings, solve technical challenges, and collaborate with my team. I always set aside time to learn about new technologies to stay up to date in my field.

    What advice would you give to any aspiring female researchers in your field? Prioritize what you enjoy and believe in yourself. STEM careers are challenging but incredibly rewarding—you get to solve real-world problems, innovate, and make a tangible impact. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay curious, and don't hesitate to take on new challenges.

  • SABRINA TRANO – PhD Student at Politecnico di Torino

    Have you faced any challenges as a woman in science, and how did you overcome them? I was part of the mere 10% of female engineering students in my class. In group work, my voice was often ignored, a result of societal norms that make women less confident in STEM. However, while many male students dropped out, all the women persisted, making up 33% of graduates. To overcome the lack of woman in science, I became one of them.

  • SILVIA BODOARDO – Full Professor at Politecnico di Torino

    What does a typical workday look like for you? A typical workday for me is dynamic and multifaceted. I dedicate a significant portion of my time to research, coordinating complex projects, and participating in European initiatives focused on future-oriented battery technologies and involving young scientists

    What advice would you give to any aspiring female researchers in your field? Be bold and curious! The battery field is full of opportunities to shape a sustainable future. Build a strong network, embrace challenges, and value your unique perspective. Your voice matters—pursue ambitious goals and inspire others along the way.