Women in STEM becoming independent: Our shared motivation and enthusiasm are our driving force

I am a structural biologist and independent research group leader in Tübingen, Germany. My way to independence led me over the globe—first from Russia to Germany, then to the USA and back to Germany—so I could start my lab in 2023 to work on molecular mechanisms of inflammation in cancer and other diseases. And while the transition from a postdoc to a PI [principal investigator] was overwhelming at first, now I can say that every move and every experience I made on the way was essential and prepared me for a new role better than I initially thought. Starting a lab for me felt like being a single actor in a theater and demanded every skill I ever learned. But now seeing my team getting more independent and getting along, the projects producing the first results, and collaborations introducing unexpected horizons makes me really happy. For those who like me hesitate a lot: transitioning to a PI only sounds scary; in reality, it is just one more step on your way to doing really good science.

I am a basic immunologist, and I trained in Italy and the USA. Eventually, I had the opportunity to establish my own laboratory in Germany, which focuses on macrophages and phagocytosis.

During my training, I got to appreciate different ways of doing science, being a mentor, and leading a group. However, that wasn’t enough. My professional journey so far has taught me that beyond the science itself, there can be unexpected challenges, such as fitting your research interests to available grants, and picking up the management skills needed for successfully running a lab.

Finding my way was not always easy, but seeking advice from experienced colleagues on setting priorities and addressing daily challenges, even joining their lab meetings, helped me find my footing within this new setting and in my role as mentor and principal investigator.

Their support showed me that it is not just about individual determination, the work you do, or the highest starting package you get, but also about the environment you are in. Surrounding yourself with supportive colleagues who have your back and who are open to collaboration can make all the difference.

I am an immunologist who established my laboratory in 2022. My research focuses on unraveling the developmental origins of health and diseases, with a particular emphasis on myeloid plasticity in maternal-fetal health. Starting my own laboratory has been an exciting yet challenging endeavor, demanding that I step out of the confines of my comfort zone and acquire new skills beyond those obtained during my PhD training. Fortunately, I was guided through this transition by my postdoctoral mentor, who actively encouraged and facilitated opportunities for me to develop experience in essential PI-related skills such as mentoring, collaboration, and grant writing. Along with the support of colleagues and friends, this experience has played a pivotal role in bolstering my confidence and establishing effective operational systems within my lab. As a female scientist, I’ve encountered challenges of balancing motherhood with my research pursuits. However, I’ve learned to identify complementary overlaps, embracing the unexpected and finding joy in simultaneously fulfilling both roles. Witnessing the growth of my trainees and their diverse contributions to science has been immensely rewarding. I am eager to continue this journey alongside my team, working collaboratively to make meaningful strides toward improving human health.

My lab studies neuroimmune interactions in peripheral tissues, especially at mucosal barrier surfaces. I established my lab in August 2022. From my days as an undergraduate student, where I was exposed to science and learned how to develop experiments in the lab, which later became my PhD lab, I always had the goal of becoming a principal investigator (PI). The academic environment has always felt like a comfort zone to me—where people are friendly, ideas flow freely, and now, with the added joy of guiding and supporting the next generation of scientists. Somehow, alternative career paths never crossed my mind, at least not thus far. Of course, I encountered challenges and bottlenecks in my research endeavors. I would suggest: (1) having a hobby—for me, it’s playing ice hockey—which distracts you from the pressure; (2) don’t hesitate to seek help. You will find people are more willing to help than you might think. As for the right time to become independent, it has always been scary to leave the nest. However, once you have gained experience in securing grants, mentoring junior fellows, and crafting research proposals, I’m sure you are ready. So, take the leap. Everything will be okay. And when you look back, you’ll be very proud of yourself.

My lab uses skin as a model to study epigenetic mechanisms governing stem cell functions in tissue homeostasis and diseases. During my PhD and postdoc training I had two exceptional mentors, both of them women, with whom I developed my scientific taste and experimental rigor. The papers and awards garnered during training, plus networking, certainly help with getting job interviews. Ultimately, it is the research vision and who you are as a colleague that lands you the job. Keep working in the lab with your team on the first paper(s) was the best advice I got. Making discoveries and getting grants are gratifying, but getting to train aspiring individuals and shape their careers is all the more rewarding. The academic path, with all of its promised freedom, joys, and bumps: take it with family or friends, those who would cheer with you every step along the way.

I am assistant professor at the Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology at Ghent University and VIB Center for Inflammation Research. My team focuses on understanding the crosstalk between keratinocytes and their microenvironment in health, regeneration, and carcinogenesis. I find it very rewarding to lead a team making discoveries in the fascinating world of skin biology and translating these to the clinic. A crucial decision in my career path was to invest in collaborations with trustworthy partners. For me, joining forces with clinical, fundamental, and industrial collaborators helped me pave the way to independence and increased my international visibility. A specific piece of advice to female scientists is to ask for credit when appropriate. I often see my male colleagues negotiate boldly for author positions, while female scientists are often more modest in these matters.

As well as being a team leader, I am also mother of two young children. Motherhood thought me to be even more flexible in managing my time and to delegate when needed, skills that serve me well as a principal investigator.

I am a scientist committed to advancing our understanding of immune crosstalk in early life and women’s health. I was incredibly fortunate to have started my independent research team 4 years ago at the University of Pennsylvania. In this time, I have realized that if the traditional biomedical postdoctoral experience is like training for a marathon, then becoming a PI is like competing in a bike race. Suddenly, you are thrown into a different competition where all the wrong muscles are toned, and you are still expected to succeed. But what remains is the built resilience and stamina to try, learn, adapt, and gradually move forward. Acknowledging and naming these striking differences in training versus performance has helped me to embrace the many learning curves of transitioning to running my own research team. I have learned to grant myself grace and to reframe small trip-ups just as evidence of growth in progress. (Photo credit: John Soares)

I am a hematopoietic stem cell biologist, and my research team studies how cell size impacts the function of stem cells in mice and humans.

When starting a research group, I think it is important to have a clear vision of your goals and what research questions you want to answer, on a small and big scale. This can also help when selecting candidates during hiring. I was lucky to hire people that wanted to join my team because they were similarly excited about our research questions. Our shared motivation and enthusiasm are our driving force. Furthermore, establishing a working atmosphere that values teamwork and sharing supports our happiness and efforts to make discoveries.

I highly encourage everyone who wants to become a research group leader. I cannot imagine myself in a better job!

I head the Early-life Microbial Immunology Laboratory in Australia. My scientific journey has taken me from studying the formidable tuberculosis pathogen to exploring the symbiotic relationship between humans and microbes.

After being trained by the incredible mentors in India and Singapore, my career took a pivotal turn when I moved to Australia. Launching a new laboratory amid the COVID-19 pandemic while embracing first-time motherhood, in a completely new country, presented a unique set of challenges. This period was not only about setting up physical equipment and protocols but also about establishing a new balance between personal life and professional ambitions.

My biggest hurdles were moments of self-doubt that seemed to have an impeccable sense of timing. What has kept me anchored through this whirlwind are the support and guidance of my mentors and an incredibly indulgent family: two stellar recipes for success. In my laboratory, we aim to foster an environment that challenges traditional norms, promotes flexibility, and embraces the prowess of time, which are especially crucial for women in science who may be balancing multiple roles.

I drive my inspiration from women in STEM across world, who are redefining what it means to be a leader and a caregiver, often simultaneously. As Marie Curie once said, “The path to success is neither swift nor easy”; we certainly embrace the challenges in science. However, a century later, we must strive to pave the way for future generations in STEM, hoping to make the path a bit smoother and opportunities more abundant.

I am an Austrian junior group leader at the IRB Barcelona. My team studies the biology and metabolism of innate immune cells in different environments. Guiding such bright researchers to advance knowledge is what I always strived for. Yet everything comes with its challenges. In 2023, I started alone in an empty lab in a new city. The exceptional support of my postdoc mentor together with the outstanding help of my host institution (start-up package, administrative/purchasing support, and junior mentoring initiatives) was fundamental. Their main suggestion was to initially focus on obtaining good funding, which then allows [you] to concentrate on research and training your team. Therefore, I took a lot of time for grant writing before even opening the lab, at the expense of my own research progress. This paid off and now it gives me invaluable peace of mind. Being a junior PI remains stressful, but doing fascinating science with inspiring people is the prize.

My lab aims to develop sophisticated preclinical models to improve the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy treatment for cancer patients. I never anticipated staying in the U.S. after postdoctoral studies but am now an assistant professor at the University of Utah, three flights away from my home in Tasmania. The Office of Career and Professional Development at my postdoctoral institution was a great resource for enhancing my awareness of fellowships that supported a transition to independence and ensuring my preparedness for the job market, which was more intuitive for individuals who had grown up in the U.S. academic system. Faculty life is busier than I could imagine; mentors that help to prioritize your time effectively are essential. However, mentorship can often bring diverse opinions. Ensuring that you align with voices that are consistent with the lab environment you want to cultivate is critical. When making my first hire, some would say you need “hands” to get moving; others would emphasize the need for selectivity. I waited six months for my first hire to join; this person helped to shape the lab culture, ensuring each lab member felt included and responsible for the goals and running of the lab, also aiding further recruitment.