Empowering women in science through role models, mentors, and support groups: a personal perspective

Abstract

In this personal perspective, we reflect on our personal journey, highlighting the significance that role models and mentoring played in them, and explore how they benefit early-career researchers, promote academic success, and contribute to the overall growth of the academic community. We – the co-authors of this article (Prof. Tatjana Parac-Vogt and Dr. Ann van der Jeugd) – share some special connections: we were both presidents of Belgium Women in Science (BeWiSe), a non-profit association that promotes the role and position of women in science in Belgium (Tatjana from 2012 to 2016; Ann from 2020 to 2024), and we have a thriving mentor/mentee relationship, which started in 2015 through the BeWiSe mentoring programme.