{"id":179244,"date":"2026-05-27T11:09:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T09:09:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pb.edu.pl\/2026\/05\/27\/kobiety-w-swiecie-nauki-i-stem-miedzynarodowa-debata-uniwersytetu-europejskiego-across-w-politechnice-bialostockiej\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T15:59:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T13:59:36","slug":"women-in-science-and-stem-international-debate-of-the-across-european-university-at-bialystok-university-of-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pb.edu.pl\/en\/2026\/05\/27\/women-in-science-and-stem-international-debate-of-the-across-european-university-at-bialystok-university-of-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"Women in Science and STEM. International debate of the Across European University at Bialystok University of Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"
Do the challenges faced by a female researcher in Poland differ from those in Egypt, Moldova or Nigeria? It turns out that passion for science speaks a common language. On 20 May 2026, at Bialystok University of Technology, during the international hybrid debate \u201cWomen in Science\/STEM\u201d, female researchers from several continents discussed their passion for STEM fields, their academic career paths and their everyday efforts to overcome stereotypes.<\/div>\n
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This unique event \u2013 organised as part of the 16th International Staff Week and the Across European University alliance \u2013 demonstrated that diversity and equal access to knowledge are not merely slogans, but a living and inspiring practice.<\/p>\n

Three generations of women researchers at Bialystok University of Technology<\/h4>\n

The debate, conducted entirely in English, focused on STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). It offered a multifaceted perspective on women\u2019s academic careers.
\nBialystok University of Technology was represented by three researchers at different stages of their careers:<\/p>\n

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  • Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska, PhD, Eng. \u2013 Vice-Dean for Development and Cooperation at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, an expert in concrete recycling and a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright STEM Impact Award in the United States <\/li>\n
  • Justyna To\u0142stoj-Sienkiewicz, PhD, Eng. \u2013 affiliated with the Department of Dynamic Systems at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, with 25 years of academic experience, specialist in industrial robot programming and supervisor of the Robotics Student Research Group <\/li>\n
  • Magdalena Rodziewicz-Weremczuk, MSc Eng. \u2013 doctoral candidate at the Doctoral School of Bialystok University of Technology, combining research on composite materials with daily laboratory practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u2013 We wanted to ask our speakers how they became scientists, what challenges or doubts they faced at the beginning of their careers, how their professional paths developed, and how they combined them with their private lives \u2013 emphasises Assoc. Prof. Joanna Mystkowska, DSc, PhD, Eng.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    The experiences of researchers from Bialystok University of Technology were contrasted with fascinating biographies of representatives from international universities. Contributions were made by: Dr Nermin Ali (Professor of Physics and specialist in materials engineering from Mansoura University in Egypt), Dr Galina Lisa (lecturer in management and leader of sustainable development projects from Moldova State University), and Dr Tolulope Eunice Kolajo from the University of Ibadan \u2013 the first registered female engineer in Nigeria in the field of Wood Products Engineering.<\/p>\n

    From teenage dreams to patents<\/h4>\n

    The participants discussed what motivates them every day to enter laboratories and what initially sparked their passion for science. Difficult topics were also addressed, including cultural barriers, work\u2013life balance, and the ongoing struggle with stereotypes that still portray mechanical engineering, robotics or advanced construction as a \u201cmale-dominated field\u201d.<\/p>\n

    An important part of the debate was dedicated to advice the speakers would give to teenage girls standing at the threshold of their future educational choices. The conclusion was clear: passion, determination and the courage to resist external narratives are key.<\/p>\n

    Watch and be inspired<\/h4>\n

    Before the \u201cWomen in Science\/STEM\u201d debate, short video interviews (reels format) with researchers from Bialystok University of Technology were recorded. In them, they share insights into their daily work and passion for innovation. They are available on the university\u2019s YouTube channel.<\/p>\n

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