On 11 February, the global community marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an initiative of the United Nations dedicated to strengthening the participation of women in scientific research and leadership.

To celebrate the day, the SUSTAIN COST Action invited women across its network to share their inspiring scientific moments and explain why those experiences were meaningful to them. Their reflections highlight impact-driven research, international collaboration, inclusive leadership, and the transformative power of science.

Dr. Rahman Nurkoviæ, Full Professor of Geography at the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, shared that her inspiring moment lies in the opportunity to learn with colleagues and transfer new knowledge through COST workshops. She expressed her eagerness to improve her understanding of EU COST strategies, enhance cooperation with experts across Europe, and build a strong professional network. For her, participation in COST workshops represents an important step for both personal and professional development, as well as an opportunity to contribute to her country’s academic growth.

Dr. Primitiva Andrea Mboyerwa from the Department of Soil and Geological Sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, described a defining moment in her scientific journey when her research moved beyond experimental plots and academic publications to inform national and global decision-making. She highlighted her role as Tanzania’s country team lead in contributing to the FAO-led Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils report, where locally collected data informed international assessments used by policymakers. She also reflected on securing a six-month Soil Science consultancy at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna as a major milestone.

For Dr. Mboyerwa, this moment was meaningful because it marked a transition from nationally focused research to global, mission-driven science. It validated the relevance of her field-based work on soil–water–plant–nutrient interactions and reinforced her commitment to bridging rigorous research with practical, scalable solutions that address land degradation, climate change, and food security.

Dr. Irene Christoforidi of Hellenic Mediterranean University, Greece, shared that her most inspiring SUSTAIN moment was witnessing how well-coordinated actions driven by shared purpose can create lasting impact. Collaborating with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds showed her that sustainability is not merely a concept, but a commitment to shaping a lasting future for communities in saline-affected areas. She explained that this experience reinforced her belief that meaningful change occurs when knowledge is translated into action, and it continues to motivate her to pursue her work with deliberate intention and a long-term outlook.

ªansel Bildiren, a PhD researcher from Türkiye, reflected on being asked to give a mini presentation during a SUSTAIN Training School. Although the presentation lasted only ten minutes, she described it as a significant milestone because it was her first time presenting on such a high-level academic platform. While she had previously participated in Erasmus mobility programmes and presented abroad during her undergraduate and graduate studies, this experience was particularly meaningful as it marked her engagement within an advanced international research framework.

Prof. Dr. Jutta Papenbrock from Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, highlighted the strong participation of young researchers—especially young women—within the SUSTAIN Action. She noted that they actively contribute to discussions on high-level science, research impact, and effective dissemination strategies. The open and equal working atmosphere, where younger female researchers contribute innovative ideas efficiently and confidently, is highly encouraging. For her remembering, this dynamic inspires hope for a shared European future built on collaboration and inclusivity.

Parisa Güneº from Bilecik ªeyh Edebali University, Türkiye, described her participation in the Gender Equality session of the COST Connect meeting in Brussels in May 2025 as a particularly meaningful moment. Representing SUSTAIN at a high-level European platform allowed her to advocate for gender balance and inclusivity within the project. During discussions, she emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in COST activities and proposed more child-friendly meeting environments to support researchers with caregiving responsibilities. Her perspective received strong interest and attention. For her, the experience was invaluable—not only for strengthening SUSTAIN’s visibility within the COST framework but also for advocating structural improvements that promote gender equity.

Astghik Sukiasyan from the National Polytechnic University of Armenia reflected on a realization that shaped her scientific journey: that science is timeless. While working on her PhD dissertation and adapting theoretical models to natural conditions, she recognized how today’s research lays the foundation for future societal transformation. This understanding became especially clear during discussions within the SUSTAIN COST Action, where interdisciplinary exchange inspired her to continue her environmental research. For her, science is not only a means of obtaining knowledge but an endless path to transformation and self-discovery.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, SUSTAIN celebrates these reflections as powerful examples of how women scientists contribute to research, policy, innovation, and inclusive scientific culture. Their voices demonstrate that impact-driven science, collaboration across borders, and equitable participation are essential pillars of a sustainable future.