This year’s celebration addresses the theme of “Women scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”. The outbreak of the pandemic has clearly demonstrated the critical role of women researchers in different stages of the fight against COVID-19, from advancing knowledge on the virus, to developing techniques for testing and, finally, to creating the vaccine. In this time of pandemic, in which a health crisis is combined with severe economic effects, the contribution of science is of key importance for society’s recovery.

Dr Simona Kustec, Slovenia’s Minister of Education, Science and Sport, highlights the important role played by women researchers in the field of research and development and underlines the country’s commitment to a supportive, inclusive and ethical research environment that adheres consistently to the principle of gender equality in science:

In Slovenia we are working to create a research environment that adheres consistently to the principle of gender equality in science and encourages girls to reach all their potential. Gender equality is also one of the priorities of the new long-term research and development strategy currently being prepared by the Ministry, since in Slovenia we are aware that making full use of all our potentials is the foundation for the successful and innovative tackling of current and future global challenges.