On World Science Day for Peace and Development, which is celebrated annually on November 10, the University of Latvia organized an online event "Science Cafe", where several talented Latvian scientists including leading researcher from Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia Dr.phys. Līga Grīnberga gathered to discuss the topic "Woman in science - dare to reach".
The participants of the science café shared their answers to questions like – how to combine a scientist’s career and family and whether there is still time for a hobby. What are the steps to take in a career as a scientist? How participants of the discussion chose their fields of science? Are there still stereotypes about women in science, is there discrimination? Do women need science? How to speak with a person who does not believe in science? What are the specifics of a scientist’s work and what is the difference between scientist’s work and other works, what are the similarities? The online science café could be viewed on the Facebook and YouTube accounts of the University of Latvia.
Participants of the Science Café:
Iveta Pugajeva - scientist at the Chemistry Laboratory of the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR". She has been working in science for 7 years, before that she worked in a laboratory, winner of L’Oréal Baltic in 2020;
Līga Grīnberga - scientist at Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, has been working in science for more than 21 years, winner of L’Oréal Baltic in 2007;
Kristīne Šalma-Ancāne - researcher at Riga Technical University, 2016 L’Oréal Baltic laureate;
Anna Ramata Stunda - researcher at the University of Latvia, co-founder of a start-up company Alternative Plants producing raw materials for cosmetics.
The event was hosted by Ilze Dimanta, L’Oréal researcher and research project manager at the University of Latvia and also a visiting researcher at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia.
The video of the Science Café available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1bX1q1845s
The aim of the "Science Café" organized by the University of Latvia (UL) is to create a free discussion in an informal environment on scientific issues of public interest. It is an opportunity for any interested person - teacher, pupil, student, official, businessman, and pensioner ask questions to scientists and clarify what is not yet understood about a particular field of science.
The Science Café discussion was one of the events to celebrate the World Science Day for Peace and Development. This day highlights the important role of science in society and the need to involve more and more people in the debate on today’s scientific challenges. By strengthening the links between science and society, World Science Day aims to raise awareness of scientific advances and highlight the role and contribution of scientists to our planet and to its sustainability.
