Milica Radisic and Nafiseh Nafissi (L-R) presented at the Women in Science Breakfast at the 2023 Till & McCulloch Meetings
Working in science, whether in academia or industry, can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. For women pursuing careers in these fields, there are unique considerations and issues to be mindful of.
As such, the Women in Science Breakfast at the 2023 Till & McCulloch Meetings (TMM) held October 23-25 in Toronto, Canada, delved into the obstacles encountered by women pursuing careers in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. The session was hosted by the Stem Cell Network (SCN). Two leaders who have made significant contributions to the field made presentations:
- Milica Radisic, PhD, Professor, University of Toronto
- Nafiseh Nafissi, PhD, Executive VP, Research & Development, Mediphage Bioceuticals, and Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo
Drs. Radisic and Nafissi described their personal journeys, career paths, and triumphs over unique hurdles faced by women. They provided guidance to the audience of trainees and highly qualified personnel who identify as women, along with valuable insights that can be applied for both academic and industry-focused career paths.
For those who didn’t attend, this blog post provides a summary of three strategies that can help to empower and guide women in science toward success and fulfillment in their professional journeys, which have been drawn from the information that Drs. Radisic and Nafissi shared.
Build a supportive network
Creating a robust professional network is crucial for success in any scientific career. For women in science, having a support system of mentors, colleagues and peers can provide guidance, encouragement and valuable insights.
Dr. Nafissi shared that while applying to her PhD program she was exploring opportunities and met with an associate professor who was new to the university. They discussed and collaborated on new ideas and perspectives in the gene therapy field and, ever since, this individual has been Dr. Nafissi’s mentor, playing an instrumental role in the direction of her career. Further, they worked together to conduct foundational research and created a platform for the company Mediphage Bioceuticals.
Other suggestions for building a network are to seek out mentorship relationships, attend conferences, and actively participate in professional organizations to connect with others who share similar experiences and aspirations.
Also, SCN announced that it will be running a career development program for women in 2024 called Daring to Dare. In addition to networking with other women in science, participants in the program will be able to reflect on their career trajectories and make career decisions with confidence. The application process opens in December 2023. Visit stemcellnetwork.ca for more information.
Embrace confidence and assertiveness
In male-dominated fields, women may feel like their confidence and assertiveness is hindered. Dr. Nafissi spoke to this topic, as follows:
“I’ve seen that in some business meetings, [as a woman] you need to try much harder to raise your voice to get attention. When you do raise your voice and you know what you are talking about, you gain trust automatically. Of course, women need to try harder.”
The presenters also shared that women may find themselves in uncomfortable situations when working in science. Dr. Radisic provided some helpful advice:
“You will encounter sexist comments all the time, with less comments nowadays as people are more careful about what they’re saying because awareness of this issue has been raised. But, there may be situations where you will be disadvantaged. I would just say, just don’t internalize that. That’s the biggest danger. If someone is putting you in a disadvantaged situation because you are a woman, and you start to believe it’s the appropriate spot for you, that’s the biggest danger. […] Build your confidence as you go until you have a thick skin.”
It’s important that women in science recognize and overcome self-doubt, believe in their abilities, and assert their contributions. This looks like speaking up in meetings, sharing ideas, and not hesitating to take credit for accomplishments. Confidence not only enhances one’s professional image, but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.
Find a balance for work and life
Achieving a work-life balance is essential for long-term success and personal well-being. In demanding scientific professions, women must often balance career aspirations with personal and family responsibilities.
Dr. Radisic helped to frame the scope of a work week for those looking to enter academia: “You will be working 50-60 hours a week until you retire. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.”
She also shared, “I just want to say that it’s not easy to balance everything, especially if you have a big family. You must hire people to help you; there is no other way. You can’t do it all yourself. Think about how valuable your time is and prioritize work, like writing a [scientific] paper, over tasks like folding laundry if you have someone to help.”
Also, prioritizing self-care and communicating with colleagues, supervisors, clients, etc., if something outside of work requires attention, will help to enable success in the long run.
In summary, being a woman in science presents both challenges and opportunities. By building a supportive network, embracing confidence, and balancing work and life, women can navigate the scientific landscape with resilience and success. As more women contribute their unique perspectives and talents, the scientific community becomes richer, more diverse, and better equipped for the future.
Laine Bodnar
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