Women in Science – Empowering Inclusive Futures

Women Shaping the Future of Science: EWORA at the International “Women in Science (WinS)” Conference

11–12 February 2026 | Vilnius, Lithuania

On the occasion of UNESCO’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) hosted the second edition of the international “Women in Science (WinS)” Conference, bringing together approximately 50 scientists and researchers from more than 18 countries.

Held under the theme “Empowering Inclusive Futures”, the conference provided an important platform for dialogue on gender equality in science, the advancement of women in academic leadership, and the structural and cultural barriers that continue to affect women’s career progression.

The conference was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Lithuania, highlighting its national and strategic importance. Discussions throughout the two-day programme addressed institutional responsibility, evidence-based policy-making, inclusive leadership cultures, mentorship, and the role of universities in fostering sustainable and equitable research environments.

EWORA Representation

The European Women Rectors Association (EWORA) was represented at the conference by its Vice President, Sondan Durukanoğlu Feyiz, who contributed to the high-level discussion “Rectors’ Perspectives on the Status of Women in Academia.”

In her intervention, Prof. Feyiz underlined the persistent structural and cultural dynamics that shape academic careers:

“The numbers speak for themselves – as academic careers progress, the number of women decreases. This is not merely a structural issue; it is a cultural one, related to family roles and societal expectations.”

Her contribution reflected EWORA’s longstanding commitment to strengthening women’s leadership in higher education and to addressing systemic barriers that limit women’s full participation in academic decision-making and governance.

Strengthening European Dialogue on Inclusive Futures

The conference gathered national and international leaders, including university rectors, ministers, ambassadors, representatives of research councils, and academic ethics bodies. Key themes included:

• Gender equality in science policy and institutional governance

• Transparent evaluation and career progression systems

• Inclusive academic cultures and leadership responsibility

• The role of mentorship in supporting women’s advancement

• The intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation, and gender equality

EWORA’s participation in the WinS 2026 Conference reflects the Association’s active engagement in European and international dialogues on gender equality and academic leadership. Through collaboration with partner institutions and networks, EWORA continues to advocate for inclusive futures in science and higher education.

🔗 Conference website: https://www.winsconference.eu/