Our recent gathering at University College London (UCL) brought together a vibrant group of colleagues within the framework of WG1 to strategize the next steps for the VOICES Action. This meeting marked another significant milestone in our ongoing mission to amplify young researchers’ voices and promote gender equality across academia and industry.

A Collaborative Discussion on Future Directions

The session, graciously hosted by Victoria Showunmi (@ShowunmiV), provided an excellent platform for sharing insights and aligning on key objectives for the upcoming phase of the project. Participants engaged in deep discussions, exploring ways to enhance our impact and further our commitment to creating a more equitable research environment.

A highlight of the meeting was the inspiring presentation by Anna H., who delved into the complexities of intersectionality in research careers. Her talk sparked lively debates and brought fresh perspectives on how intersecting identities can shape experiences and opportunities within the academic landscape. The conversation was a powerful reminder of the importance of considering diverse voices in our efforts to achieve gender equality.

Engaging Voices for a Collective Impact

We were delighted to have several key members of the VOICES network in attendance, including Anne-Sophie Godfroy, Dr. Rakibe Külcür, Victoria Lisnic, Moorosi Pontso, Justine Mercer, and Prof. Lynn Ang. Their contributions added valuable insights, helping to refine our strategies and set clear priorities for the next steps in our action plan.

The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to our goals made the meeting a productive and energizing experience. We look forward to implementing the ideas generated and continuing our efforts to ensure that young researchers’ voices are heard and valued.

Moving Forward

As we continue to navigate the final year of the COST Action VOICES, this meeting at UCL has reinforced our shared vision of driving systemic change towards gender equality in research. We are excited about the plans ahead and invite all our members and supporters to stay engaged as we work together to achieve our mission.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and initiatives, and thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this meeting a success!