It is well known that the dialogue between science and society is still difficult. Scientists are often criticized for their attitude for living in their laboratories without any contact with the external world; on the other hand, society seems to absent-mindedly follow the destinies of scientists but constantly calls them to tackle world-wide issues concerning, for example, health, quality of life and environment. In fact, degenerative diseases, nanomaterials and global warming are considered scientific revolutions: as a matter of fact, such paradigmatic turning-points will deeply modify our behavior and lives, therefore they are rather social challenges.

When I started the university courses, the first question I asked to myself was: “Why only 3 girls and 40 boys in the classrooms?” The answer arrived when I noticed the surprised look in the eyes of (almost all men) professors during the examinations that were successful, like saying “She is good notwithstanding she is a girl!”. I thought: “What ignorance!” without too much caring. Some years later I understood that this behaviour was very dangerous and it was the  justification for slowing down or stopping the career of a woman in science.

As an International Fellow I’m both honored and delighted to be present at the new Agora blog launch!...

Despite laws, regulations, good intentions and undisputed progress, women scientists in the European Union still suffer from job discrimination. Old-boy networks and old-fashioned gender bias are alive and well. Italian biophysicist Federica Migliardo writes that such practices not only perpetuate unfair treatment for women scientists, they also ensure that Europe will lose the global research race.

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.''