Since 2020, Sophie Gryseels has been a researcher and professor at the University of Antwerp with a FED-tWIN position, which also connects her to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. She studies the evolution of viruses in mammals, combining genetics, fieldwork, and historical museum collections to unravel complex questions. Her work gained extra attention during the COVID-19 pandemic and has important societal applications. For example, she researches the risks of imported wild meat for public health and nature conservation.
For Sophie, her work combines scientific curiosity with practical applications, making it both challenging and incredibly fascinating. “Sometimes it feels like a giant puzzle, but that’s exactly what makes it so much fun."
Importance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
When asked why the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is still important, Sophie explains that such a day helps remind female students and scientists that they hold just as important a place in science as their male colleagues. She shares her own experience: "As a student, I noticed that almost all my professors were men. That has an impact. This predominantly male image makes it more noticeable when a woman excels academically. Deep down, it reinforces the idea that women perform less well."
Challenges for women in science
Sophie points out that many young female academics hesitate to pursue a scientific career. "Partly due to self-doubt, but also because of the challenge of balancing work and family life. Women often think they need to put science first in order to succeed, which can be discouraging."
She believes this can change if more women hold high academic positions. "More representation shows that an academic career and a balanced life can go hand in hand. Right now, the balance between men and women in high academic positions is still uneven. It’s important to see what we can do to change that."
Tips for future scientists
"Follow your interests and motivation. Don’t be afraid that you won’t succeed. If you’re motivated and genuinely interested in something, you will always find a way. That’s the most important thing.