Within the FORGENOM project, we warmly invite you to an informal discussion dedicated to gender equality in research. The event is organised as a complementary activity to the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and aims to create an open and welcoming space for dialogue across disciplines and career stages. The discussion will connect systemic measures, institutional perspectives, and personal experiences of women scientists, while encouraging open exchange in a relaxed and informal setting.

Objectives of the Event

• To open a discussion on the current state of gender equality in research in Slovakia

• To present concrete tools and initiatives supporting gender equality (Gender Equality Plans, return schemes, awards)

• To highlight personal experiences of women scientists at different career stages

• To support networking and inter-institutional collaboration

Programme

Opening and Connecting Initiatives

• Introduction of the FORGENOM project and the relevance of gender equality in research

  RNDr. Ing. Anna Krivjanská, PhD., Comenius University in Bratislava

• Gender equality as a European priority and an invitation to the Férová akadémia 2026 conference

  PaedDr. Zuzana Vávrová, PhD., CVTI SR

• Personal reflections on gender equality in research

Institutional Perspective: Gender Equality at Comenius University

• Commission for Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities

  Presentation of the Commission’s activities, its mandate, and the implementation of the Gender Equality Plan (GEP) at Comenius University

  Mgr. Andrea Fábiková, PhD., Comenius University in Bratislava

Supporting Women in Science: Examples of Good Practice

• L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science

  Presentation of the programme, its impact, and information about the currently open call

  Ing. Ľubomír Bilský, SOVVA

• Experience of participating in the programme

  Mgr. Zuzana Garaiová, PhD., Comenius University in Bratislava, last year's laureate

• Slovak Academy of Sciences – Return schemes

  Project-based return scheme for researchers after maternity and/or parental leave. What works well and what challenges remain

  prof. RNDr. Ľubica Lacinová, DrSc., SAV

STREAM IT Project

• Supporting gender-inclusive STEAM education

  Zuzana Reptová, M.A. , Addsen

Informal Networking

An open networking session providing space for discussion, sharing experiences, and building new connections across institutions and career stages.

This event aims to foster open dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive research environment in Slovakia and aligning with the broader goals of the FORGENOM project and the European Research Area.