February 11th marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to recognizing the crucial role of women in science and technology and promoting gender equality in STEM. At Genomate Health, we celebrate their invaluable impact on scientific innovation and the future of precision medicine. Moreover, we are proud that almost half of our team is female. 

We are humble when we say that through their leadership, resilience, and passion for scientific innovation, the women at Genomate Health are driving progress and shaping the future of this field. 

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Why does diversity matter in STEM?

In STEM, the fusion of different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds drives creativity and fosters groundbreaking discoveries. In particular, gender diversity is pivotal in offering unique insights and approaches to problem-solving. Illustrating the transformative influence of gender diversity in STEM, the journey of Katalin Karikó, 2023 Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine, is compelling. Widely revered by the women in our team as a source of inspiration, Karikó's story exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity. Confronting numerous obstacles and setbacks, she persevered with unwavering determination, leading to a revolutionary breakthrough in mRNA therapeutics. Her (now) acclaimed research laid the foundation for developing COVID-19 vaccines and holds immense promise for addressing a diverse range of diseases.

While acknowledging the remarkable achievements of women in science, we must also recognize and address the challenges they may encounter. Our commitment to a supportive environment includes providing flexible working hours, generous maternity leave and resources to overcome obstacles that may arise in their professional journeys. 

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Women at Genomate Health

In honor of this day, we've asked the exceptional women of Genomate Health to share their sources of inspiration and offer advice for aspiring girls worldwide who seek to follow in their footsteps. Their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise provide invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating careers in science. From directors to junior scientists, their narratives intertwine with a common thread of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing scientific innovation.

Orsolya Peter, our Director of Human Resources, draws inspiration from trailblazers like Katalin Karikó. With a steadfast commitment to promoting STEM education and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, Orsolya empowers the next generation of female scientists to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society.

I always tell my daughter to pay attention in STEM classes because those are the basis of logical and critical thinking. For me, success relies on being flexible, renewable, open to new ideas, learning wisely, training your EQ, and helping people around you.

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Barbara Vodicska, our Head of Translational Science, is inspired by Karikó's resilience and determination. Another source of inspiration she cited is Angela Merkel, who seamlessly transitioned from scientific research to political leadership and emphasized the importance of combining scientific expertise with leadership skills. Barbara's leadership and expertise drive our translational research efforts, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application.

Angela Merkel personally inspires me. Merkel, who holds a doctorate in quantum chemistry, transitioned from a career in scientific research to become the Chancellor of Germany. Her path is a testament to the power of combining scientific expertise with leadership skills.

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Anna Varjassy, one of our Junior Scientists, exemplifies the transformative impact of women in STEM. With a background in bionics engineering, Anna brings a unique perspective to her work in precision oncology. Her dedication to improving patient outcomes fuels her passion for scientific exploration and is a testament to the transformative power of pursuing a career in STEM.

Contributing to patients' well-being through my work is uplifting and fills me with pride. I encourage everyone to pursue a science career, unlocking the potential for positive change.

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Alina Luchian, Brand Manager, is driven by a passion for leveraging the power of marketing to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Her work combines creative vision and strategic approach to drive awareness, engagement, and advocacy in the fight against cancer.  

I have the privilege of combining my passion for marketing and brand building with our mission to change cancer care. Every day, I'm inspired by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients through my craft.

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Ioana Stupariu, Chief of Staff and Head of Legal shares her perspective on navigating the challenges of working in STEM, particularly for female leaders. Her unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change through her work at Genomate Health reflects a deep-seated belief in the transformative potential of gender equality in Science and medicine. Drawing from her experiences and accomplishments, she aspires to empower the next generation of female leaders to foster a more inclusive and diverse landscape within the STEM community. 

While working with STEM does not come without challenges - particularly for female leaders - the opportunity to be part of groundbreaking discoveries, tackle complex problems, and make a tangible impact on society is what motivates me to persist, and I deeply believe what we do here at Genomate Health can help achieve that. Through my experiences and achievements, I aim to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders, fostering a more inclusive and diverse landscape within the STEM community.

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Encouraging the STEM women of tomorrow 

We believe that fostering the next generation of female scientists and innovators is essential for driving progress and solving complex challenges in healthcare and beyond. Through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach, we strive to inspire young women to pursue their passions in STEM fields. We envision a future where every aspiring woman in Science feels empowered to explore, innovate, and improve the world.

We invite you all to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and join us in encouraging young minds to pursue STEM careers. For open roles at Genomate Health, please check our careers page.