For Italian biophysicist Federica Migliardo, acting as a role model means doing outreach work to help change the image of scientists. The profession needs a makeover to let girls and young women know that ”a life in science is always different and intriguing–and a new challenge every day.”

The image of the scientist is still that of a male who is characterized by his full-time devotion to and exclusive identification with science, and who is unencumbered by personal relationships or family.

To counter this stereotype, in my opinion it is the moral duty of every scientist to act as a role model. Science is not only production, but also the transmission of knowledge. In our knowledge-based world, scientists must interact more with society as a whole and devote serious effort to change this outdated image.

I strongly believe that I have a responsibility to act as a role model in order to attracting girls to science and to encouraging young women scientists to stay in the profession. For this reason I actively participate in numerous events designed to promote and publicize science, such as Science Days sponsored by the Umberto Veronesi Foundation.

When I meet students in schools I try to transmit passion, enthusiasm and determination.
Girls are often victims of social conditioning that conveys the idea that women cannot be successful scientist: The first step is therefore to instill confidence by highlighting specifically female characteristics that can make women good scientist. In my view, women have special abilities that should be appreciated and which should be exploited to add value to research work. Research is both a product of individual talents and group effort. Women can contribute greatly to both aspects of successful research: their intuition, sensitivity and creativity enhance talent while their communications skills enable constructive dialog.

In addition, the typically female characteristics are precious assets in creating a transdisciplinary environment, where flexibility and cohesion are fundamental. My own scientific achievements�the formulation of a hypothesis concerning the bioprotective effect of trehalose and its rationalization in an innovative protocol for biotechnological applications�are the result of taking an unconventional, transdisciplinary approach to specific experimental techniques.

Women�s contribution to science should be based on an appreciation of the benefits of diversity. Gender equality means equal opportunity to take part in science, it does not imply the need for ”male” behavior in women, nor does it imply a desire to ”feminize” science. Science is gender-neutral by definition, and excellence can only be obtained through diversity.

Diversity is a solution to the ”leaky pipeline” phenomenon. Science needs the best male and female minds. Diversity enhances both creativity–making science open and innovative–and quality–because a wide range of experiences and viewpoints leads to a better understanding of the world. Diversity reduces the gap between science and society; the more diverse science is, the better it reflects society itself.

Another important advantage in attracting young people to our profession is that we can truly describe science as fun and exciting. The conclusion of a research project is both an end and a beginning, the culmination of accumulated knowledge as well the starting point for further discoveries. When I reach a goal, I am already in the process of imagining the next step. I immediately set my sights on a more ambitious project. This means that a life in science is always different and intriguing–and new a challenge every day.

The scientist’s professional connection to society lies in the usefulness of his or her work to others. I long to make a contribution to scientific progress by answering question relating to the long-term stability of biomolecules, an issue of utmost importance in today’s world. I want to dedicate my work to developing new processes for bioprotectant systems as well as to augment the extent to which they are used. (Bioprotectant systems improve the safety and quality of high added-value products in the biomedical, pharmaceutical and food sectors.) When I meet young students I encourage them to join me in dedicating their energies to creating a future where we have more knowledge and a better quality of life.

I wish to emphasize that receiving a UNESCO-L’OREAL For Women in Science National Fellowship in 2005 and an International Fellowship in 2008 have placed me in a privileged position: these awards are strong incentives to pursue in my research, prestigious opportunities to promote new scientific exchanges and collaborations, and extraordinary occasions to act as a role models for the next generation of scientists.

Influential women�s networks, such as the strong and active community created by the L’OREAL-UNESCO partnership, are key players in the research policy process. Such networks serve not only empower women scientists and increase their numbers, they also serve to give us a greater voice in policy debates and enhance our visibility. Visibility is fundamental to promoting a positive image of women working in a male-dominated field and fundamental to our being able to act as role models to inspire young women to enter the profession.

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