Gender Equality Interview Series

Gender Equality Interview Series

As part of the CALIPER project, we are conducting a series of interviews with inspirational role models who work in STEM research and innovation. We explore what motivated them to choose their career, their experiences and the barriers that they faced.

About the CALIPER project

The CALIPER project’s goal is to make research organisations more gender equal by increasing the number of female researchers in STEM, improving their careers prospects and integrating a gender dimension in research. The project supports nine research organisations, predominantly in Southern and Eastern Europe, to establish Gender Equality Plans. Here are some key facts about the CALIPER project. Find out more about the project’s progress.


AE Cardiff’s role in CALIPER

The Cardiff Hub is leading on communications across Europe and encouraging wider engagement with the project, producing digital content and organising events. 


This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 873134.

Professor Dame Angela McLean MAE appointed UK Chief Scientific Adviser

Professor Dame Angela McLean MAE appointed UK Chief Scientific Adviser

The UK government has appointed Angela McLean MAE to succeed Patrick Vallance as its chief scientific adviser. She will become the UK’s first female chief scientific adviser.

  • Credit: UK Ministry of Defence 2019


The Academia Europaea has congratulated Professor Mclean.

“The Academia Europaea is pleased to announce that our member – Professor Angela Mclean (elected 2018 – member of the Organismic & Evolutionary Biology Section), has been appointed as the new UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser. She follows in a long line of former UK CSA’s who were also distinguished members of this academy.

We hope to continue the links with Professor Mclean to further consolidate our strong role in scientific advice to the EU within the Horizon Europe SAPEA project and our Cardiff Knowledge Hub.”

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“I want young girls to know that it is perfectly normal to work in science and research.” An interview with Virginia Petre

“I want young girls to know that it is perfectly normal to work in science and research.” An interview with Virginia Petre

As part of the CALIPER project, we are conducting a series of interviews with inspirational women who work in STEM research and innovation. We explore what motivated them to choose their career, their experiences and the barriers that they faced.

  • Dr Virginia Petre and Oana Ionescu

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An interview with Katalin Solymosi and Linn Leppert

An interview with Katalin Solymosi and Linn Leppert

In this joint interview, Katalin Solymosi and Linn Leppert discuss Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, their experiences as women in science and the importance of the CALIPER project in addressing the gender balance in STEM fields.

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Building Bridges 2022 Spotlight Series: an interview with Moniek Tromp FYAE

Building Bridges 2022 Spotlight Series: an interview with Moniek Tromp FYAE

Moniek Tromp is the new Chair of the Young Academy of Europe. In this first interview since becoming Chair, she tells us about her ambitions and priorities for the YAE.

About Moniek Tromp

Professor Moniek Tromp is the new Chair of the Young Academy of Europe. She is Chair of Materials Chemistry at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and throughout her career, has been awarded prestigious fellowships/awards such as the EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship, NWO VIDI and the NWO Athena prize. She is active in numerous science advisory and a strong advocate for gender equality in the R&D community.

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“It’s important to know that no woman is alone. All of us have been there in one way or another.” An interview with Professor Asimina Kiourti

“It’s important to know that no woman is alone. All of us have been there in one way or another.” An interview with Professor Asimina Kiourti

As part of the CALIPER project, we are conducting a series of interviews with inspirational women who work in STEM research and innovation. We explore what motivated them to choose their career, their experiences and the barriers that they faced.





  • Professor Asimina Kiourti and Dr Maria Flouri

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The rewards and challenges of working in mental health: an interview with Professor Karina Lovell

The rewards and challenges of working in mental health: an interview with Professor Karina Lovell

Professor Karina Lovell shares insights into her career and research in the mental health sector.

About Professor Karina Lovell MAE

Professor Karina Lovell MAE is Professor of Mental Health in the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK. She served two terms as an NIHR senior Investigator and is now Emeritus. She was the Director of Research at the University’s School of Health Sciences until 2021. Professor Lovell has received several awards throughout her career, including a number of awards for patient and public involvement and engagement. She is past president of the BABCP, a fellow of EAN and a patron of Anxiety UK.

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My passion to serve the research community: an interview with Academia Europaea’s new President, Professor Marja Makarow

My passion to serve the research community: an interview with Academia Europaea’s new President, Professor Marja Makarow


In her first interview since becoming President of Academia Europaea, Professor Marja Makarow tells us about her leadership roles and sets out some of her priorities for Academia Europaea.

About Professor Marja Makarow MAE

Professor Marja Makarow is a Molecular Cell Biologist. She has been Director of Biocenter Finland, Vice-President of the Finnish Research Council – Academy of Finland, Vice-Rector of the University of Helsinki and Chief Executive of the European Science Foundation. Professor Makarow advised the EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation in the European Research Area Board, and the Finnish Government in the Council for Research and Innovation Policy. She is a Board member of the European Innovation Council and former member of the Governing Board of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology. She has served as President of the European Molecular Biology Conference and delegate of Finland in the council of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, and she established the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland. Professor Makarow was elected to the Academia Europaea in 2009. Her term as AE President commenced on 1st January 2022.

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