On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we interviewed some of our female colleagues on their visions and their states of mind about women & girls in science.
Discover their testimony:

• Pauline Ohlmann R&D Chemistry Engineer at Alsachim

1. What fascinates you the most about science?

What fascinates me the most about science is being able to participate in research helping the medical field, the fact of being able to create new molecules. Making new discoveries is a fascinating thing every day. No two days are alike.

2. What are you most proud of when it comes to your job?
I am proud to be part of the Shimadzu group, and more specifically Alsachim, one of the leaders in labeled molecules in the world. Even more so during this period of the covid-19 pandemic, where I am proud to have been able to participate in the research of covid-19 drug candidates.

3. What is a myth about women in science that you would like to debunk?
Women are as competent as men in science (and in any field).

4. What is your message to young girls and women around the world?
I think that in any field, whether it is science, literature or manual work, women have as much place as men. It doesn't matter what field a woman wants to grow in, as long as she is passionate about it and enjoys it, she should go for it!

• Carmen Maiereanu, PhD, Project Leader at Alsachim

1. What fascinates you the most about science?
The challenge of the unknown…and the ability of scientists to discover and learn new things all the time. Something unknown today could be discovered tomorrow!
We are going through a period when the importance of scientific research is more evident than ever, it is impressive to see how scientists have responded to the COVID-19 challenge, isn't it?

2. What are you most proud of when it comes to your job?
I am proud to see how the company has grown and developed! I joined the Alsachim team as an R&D organic chemist when it was a small start-up. 15 years later, the company has become an expert in the R&D of stable isotope labeled compounds, recognized worldwide and a partner for hospitals and bioanalysis centers by developing TDM devices, all in a group spirit where differences between men and women do not exist. Only skills matter.

3. What is a myth about women in science that you would like to debunk?
Personally, I have never encountered gender discrimination issues. I believe that equal opportunities work quite well in the field of chemistry research.
Today’s women are able to reconcile laboratory work and family life at the same time. I agree this was not always the case; in a not-so-distant past, women who pursued scientific careers made great sacrifices because, Society kept them away from education and professional careers. But nowadays, Society and mindsets have evolved.

4. What is your message to young girls and women around the world?
To the girls who are interested in a scientific career, I would tell them to ignore stereotypes and prejudices and to have confidence in themselves. If it is their dream to became a researcher, a scientist, they should follow it, because if they do their job with passion, anything is possible!

• Marie Jund, Manager of the Analytical Quality Control Department

Discover her testimony in video