February 11, 2025 – Today, we celebrate the incredible women in science! Every year on February 11, the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognizing the important role women play in scientific progress and innovation. The United Nations established this day in 2015 to raise awareness of the gender gap in STEM fields and highlight the need to support and empower women in science.
Despite increased awareness of the lack of gender equity in academia, change is slow and inequalities remain. According to UNESCO, less than 30% of scientists worldwide are women. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in science is key to driving innovation and ensuring a sustainable future.
At Oikon, we believe diversity strengthens scientific research and innovation. We are proud to support an inclusive work environment where women in science can grow and succeed. Among our 13 PhD holders, five are women: Dr. Nela Jantol, Dr. Jelena Mlinarec Novosel, Dr. Iva Odak, Dr. Ida Svetličić, and Dr. Božica Šorgić. We are also proud to have six women among our nine PhD students: Marija Bajica, Nikolina Bakšić-Pavlović, Kristina Matika Marić, Andreja Pavlović, Mia Vučevac, and Ivona Žiža.
To celebrate this special day, we spoke with three of our female scientists. Here’s what they had to say about their experiences in science:
Dr. Jelena Mlinarec Novosel
Jelena is the Head of the Laboratory for Biodiversity and Population Genetics at Oikon. Her research focuses on biodiversity conservation and population genetics, helping to better understand species’ genetic diversity and their adaptation to environmental changes.
Jelena believes that science is both challenging and exciting, as it constantly pushes the boundaries of knowledge. “Although experiments don’t go as planned most of the time, there is no greater happiness than when something new is discovered. Curiosity and creativity are what make me love science.”
Dr. Iva Odak
Iva is a geospatial expert specializing in geodesy, geoinformatics, and remote sensing. She applies her expertise in GIS to nature conservation, environmental protection projects, and natural resource management. By integrating geospatial data, remote sensing, and ecological research, she enhances environmental understanding and supports sustainable decision-making.
Iva emphasizes that science is an exciting field full of challenges and opportunities for growth, and she shares this message with young women: “Science is not about being the smartest person in the room, but rather about dedicating yourself to exploration through genuine curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to face your fears of failure. The world is full of secrets waiting to be uncovered, and I hope that more young women will take up this challenge.“
Dr. Nela Jantol
Nela is a biologist specializing in habitat ecology. She believes that science is the foundation of our understanding of the world, as it allows us to confirm or reject our assumptions about the world around us using scientific methods. This is why she finds science so valuable as “it provides us with solid ground to stand on and prevents endless relativization of reality.”
Nela says that curiosity, creativity, and a love for data are key to being a scientist. However, she also acknowledges the challenges women face in balancing work and personal responsibilities: “Being a woman in science is inspiring because of the many opportunities available. But it can also be challenging, as women often have more family responsibilities that take up time and energy. Despite this – or maybe because of it – women bring unique perspectives that make them an invaluable part of the scientific community.”
These great women, alongside their equally dedicated colleagues at Oikon, use their knowledge and scientific expertise to contribute to nature conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Join us in celebrating the achievements of women and girls in science and supporting a future that is more fair and inclusive for everyone!