Press releases

First forum of women scientists opens in Minsk

MINSK, 25 September (BelTA) – The first forum of women scientists, “The Role of Women in Science and Education,” has opened in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

According to Irina Kazakova, chairwoman of the primary organization of the Belarusian Women’s Union at Belarusian State University, today’s forum is one of the landmark events of the Year of Belarusian Women. “We had long been promoting the idea of holding such a forum. We wanted to show that women are represented in all fields of science, from biology and mathematics to artificial intelligence, social sciences, and humanities. They combine research and teaching with caring for their families. The role of a woman scientist is highly responsible and carries great obligations, including passing knowledge on to the younger generation. At the forum, we will present the achievements of women in science, and there will also be a section on young scientists. We also want to raise a broader question: how to make use of all the achievements of technological progress, including artificial intelligence, while preserving the human being as an individual, protecting morality, spirituality and traditions,” she said.

As noted by Yulia Kochurko, chairwoman of the primary organization of the Belarusian Women’s Union at the National Academy of Sciences, a woman scientist remains a loving mother, a caring wife and a keeper of the home, while also being a professional in her chosen field. “We decided to bring our women scientists together at a forum so that they could network, share their plans and achievements, and discuss the problems that need solving. The forum has united women from across the country. We hope that such events will continue to be held in the future,” she said.

Emilia Kolomiets, director general of the Chemical Synthesis and Biotechnology state research and production association, academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, doctor of biological sciences and Scientist of the Year 2017, emphasized that being the only woman academician is a great responsibility. “I understand that one must always be at one’s best and that real, practical results are essential. Any scientific achievement requires enormous effort. And we need to pass knowledge on to young people, to make sure they are provided with equipment and reagents and work with modern technologies. All of this has to be organized. Young people are actively entering science. If there is a foundation, there will be scientific discoveries. It is also important to choose the right research topics, and for that you need to engage with other organizations, visit production facilities and find those who are interested. Only after such discussions have good projects and competitive products emerged,” she noted.

A plenary session of the forum was held at the National Academy of Sciences on 25 September. Thematic sections are also planned at the National Academy of Sciences and Belarusian State University. Particular attention will be given to the track “Life in Detail: Biomedicine and Biotechnology,” where representatives of the scientific community will deliver reports. Other sections include “Materials of the Future and Technologies,” “The Digital Universe,” “Digital Progress Without Moral Degradation: The Role of the Humanities,” “Social Sciences: The Foundation of Sustainable Life,” and “Young Women in Science: Contribution to Science and Prospects for Strengthening the Country’s Economy.”

Deputy Education Minister Yekaterina Petrutskaya noted: “Belarus has built a systematic approach to supporting promising projects, from the first ideas to the implementation of large-scale initiatives. A special role in this process is assigned to the younger generation of researchers. The Council of Young Scientists under the Education Ministry began its work in 2020. Today it brings together representatives from 43 universities across our country. This provides broad opportunities for rapid, fruitful and effective work in all regions of the country. The council includes more than 4,500 young scientists. The majority are women. Today, the Council of Young Scientists places particular emphasis on promoting careers in science among schoolchildren and students. They carry out a number of landmark projects. Young scientists serve as mentors and moderators of interactive zones and as ambassadors of science. And here, women scientists play one of the most important roles. I am confident that today’s section for young scientists will become a worthy platform for developing the best qualities of a researcher: leadership, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, responsibility and teamwork.”

She drew attention to the invaluable contribution of women scientists to the development of science and education. “You not only move science forward, but also inspire a new generation to pursue scientific achievements,” the deputy minister concluded.

The forum is organized by the Belarusian Women’s Union, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the Education Ministry, as well as the Minsk City Council and the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee.