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A team of research staff have organised the Making Waves seminar series, which aims to encourage discussion of gender balance issues at Aalto university, and in accademia more widely. The project is supported by the School of Science Diversity Fund. 

The project is led by Stavrina Dimosthenous, Milica Todorović and Ondrej Krejci from the Department of Applied Physics. It aims to address diversity in STEM; the so-called “leaky pipeline” in academia – the fact that gender balance decreases up the career ladder.

"I think the project and the talks and workshops we have organised will do very well to motivate attendees, and ignite open discussion and action towards actively changing the way we do things in academia, and the way we see diversity." said Dr Dimosthenous. “The opportunity to apply for the funding for a project I've dreamt of for years was fantastic. Being able to host experts from such diverse backgrounds in STEMM fields is wonderful.”

The Making Waves series will start with a seminar by Sonja Niiranen from Tampere University, whose research focuses on how different teaching techniques can be used to increase motivation and enthusiasm for technical subjects amongst girls. She will also detail some of her work for ‘Equal Career Paths for Women – NOW! (2020–2022)’, a project which aims at supporting and promoting equal employment and career development of women, particularly in the field of technology. Information about the event and a link to register can be found here: /en/events/sonja-niiranen-girls-and-technology-education 

Making waves will hold 3 events per semester. The series will take place on Otaniemi campus wherever safely possible, but as a hybrid event and will also be always available to be participated in live online. 

For more information, visit the Making Waves website.