“We need female role models so that girls aren’t afraid to go into science,” says Prof. Cecília Maria Arraiano during her visit to IOCB Prague
Cecília Maria Arraiano is a globally respected RNA researcher. She founded and heads the research group “Control of Gene Expression” at the Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology, NOVA University in Lisbon. She returned there after completing a postdoctoral fellowship in the United States. She has authored nearly two hundred scientific publications. She describes her research focus as the study of how RNA governs cellular life. She is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), the first Portuguese scientist elected to the American Academy of Microbiology, and also a member of the Portuguese Academy of Sciences. At IOCB, she gave a lecture as part of the Dana Hocková Lecture Series, named after the late scientist who worked at IOCB.
Between 2014 and 2022, Prof. Arraiano chaired the working group on women for the Federation of European Biochemical Societies. She remains dedicated to supporting women in science, which is one of the reasons she accepted the invitation from IOCB’s Women in Science platform. During an open session, she shared personal insights from her journey to becoming a leading researcher. As she pointed out, the disparity between her and her male colleagues became most noticeable at higher academic ranks, where women remain significantly underrepresented in Europe – particularly in professorships, where they make up only 15 percent.
Prof. Arraiano emphasizes the importance of making accomplished women scientists more visible, as they can inspire others who are considering academic careers. “I’ve observed that female colleagues often struggle to assert themselves or recognize their value, in contrast to men, who usually have no shortage of self-confidence,” says Cecília Maria Arraiano. She believes that role models – women who have successfully combined a scientific career with family life – play a crucial part.
The Women in Science initiative at IOCB has been working since 2017 to improve working conditions for women. Its aim is to design and implement policies that help women remain in science despite various barriers. IOCB has committed to these goals through the action plan of the HR Award project.
The first Women in Science seminar took place in July 2017, launched by then-member of IOCB’s International Advisory Board, Cynthia Burrows from the United States. Her recommendations, along with the discussion that followed, resulted in proposals that became the foundation of ongoing efforts. Among other things, Prof. Burrows encourages women to learn from each other and seek feedback, take part in discussions, regularly request promotions and fair compensation, and not take the blame for project failures in which they are involved.
