Rooted in Curiosity: Celebrating Women in STEM Through the IPMorama Lens
In a world shaped by science, technology, and innovation, it is impossible to overlook the persistent gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Although progress has been made, women remain underrepresented – particularly in leadership roles and in sectors such as plant science, agritech, and integrated pest management (IPM).
But behind every statistic lies a story.
This year, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the IPMorama project chose to spotlight the voices of two women who are not only advancing scientific research but also redefining what it means to thrive in STEM. Their journeys remind us that scientific breakthroughs are not just born in laboratories or experimental fields – they are deeply human stories of curiosity, perseverance, and belief in something greater.
Laura Stefan: Finding Balance Between Science and Nature
For Laura Stefan, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Agroscope, science was never a distant, abstract concept. It was something that wove together the rhythms of nature with the logic of experimentation. She speaks of her field, plant interaction research, with a grounded sense of wonder:
“I love working with plants because it allows me to connect with nature and understand its processes. Researching plant interactions is both fascinating and rewarding.”
Her early interests spanned the full spectrum of scientific disciplines. But it was plant science, its blend of theory, experimentation, and ecological relevance, that ultimately captivated her. As she explains:
“I liked most aspects of science, from the theoretical to the practical. Plant science intrigued me the most!”
Yet, like many women navigating academia, Laura’s path has been anything but linear. While driven by intellectual passion, she candidly shares one of the most significant challenges she has faced:
“The hardest challenge as a woman in science is finding stability in an academic career. I strive to stay motivated and push forward despite uncertainties.”
In this, she echoes a concern shared by many early-career researchers, especially women, whose contributions often unfold against the backdrop of short-term contracts, funding pressures, and systemic imbalances. But Laura’s story is not one of limitation. It is a story of resilience, of continuing to ask questions, of nurturing both plants and purpose, and of finding strength in curiosity.
Dr. Vanessa Prigge: Breeding for the Future
For Dr. Vanessa Prigge, the journey into science began with a seed, quite literally.
Now working as an R&D Project Manager and Potato Breeder at SaKa Pflanzenzucht GmbH & Co. KG, Vanessa leads cutting-edge research to develop more resilient crop varieties. It’s a mission that combines scientific precision with a larger global vision:
“The best thing about being a plant breeder is developing resilient crops that will feed future generations.”
Her story starts during her undergraduate years, where exposure to plant breeding programs helped her see science not just as a discipline, but as a calling:
“As an undergraduate, I had the chance to pursue research in breeding programs. I knew this was my path!”
Today, her work sits at the intersection of genetics, sustainability, and food security, domains that are becoming increasingly urgent as climate change disrupts agricultural norms across the globe.
Vanessa is also a strong advocate for equity in STEM. Her advice to the next generation of girls interested in science is simple, but deeply powerful:
“You are enough. Other people may have better access to resources, but passion and persistence make all the difference.”
It’s a reminder that scientific progress doesn’t rely solely on high-tech labs or elite institutions. Sometimes, it begins with the courage to be curious, and to keep going when things get tough.
Shaping the Future of IPM
The IPMorama project is built on the belief that sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management must be driven by diverse, multidisciplinary, and inclusive approaches. Women researchers are at the heart of this mission, not just as contributors, but as changemakers.
Their work is essential in fields like plant-microbe interactions, breeding for disease resistance, and understanding agroecological dynamics. But their voices also carry stories that inspire stories that humanize science and show young girls that there is a place for them in labs, in fields, and in scientific decision-making spaces.
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we don’t just celebrate accomplishments. We celebrate the journeys. The obstacles overcome. The quiet breakthroughs. The bold questions. And the belief that science is for everyone, regardless of gender.
To the Next Generation: Stay Curious
At IPMorama, we are proud to be part of a wider movement working toward gender equity in research and innovation. As we celebrate the women shaping our project today, we also look to the future with hope.
So to all the young girls who find joy in asking why, in taking things apart to see how they work, or in observing the quiet magic of a plant leaf under sunlight – we see you.
And to all the women in science, thank you for lighting the way.