Dr. Akansha Mehta, ERA Talent and researcher from FunGlass, Department of Glass Processing, was a featured speaker at the Global Women's Breakfast 2026, networking event organized to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The breakfast took place at Café Sissi, Hotel Elizabeth, Trenčín, Slovakia.
Akansha, who was a 2024 laureate of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme in Slovakia and a finalist in the ESET Science Award in the category Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia under 35, shared her scientific journey with attendees – emphasizing the importance of everyday routine and dedication in research. Her talk offered an inspirational perspective that resonated with the attendees, including other ERA Talents present, namely: Dr. Anusha Sekar, Dr. Anastasia Novokhatska, and Dr. Diana Lago.
The event was organized by FunGlass in alignment with the IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast 2026 (GWB) initiative that promotes a global network aimed at closing the gender gap in science. This year's motto, "Many Voices, One Science," highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion, and open dialogue in scientific research — values that correspond with the CLiCAM project.
The motto perfectly captures the daily reality at FunGlass, with researchers coming from 16 different countries and half of them being women. But the diversity is not just a statistic. FunGlass exemplifies how diversity in science – whether through gender, nationality, or background – strengthens research outcomes and creates a more vibrant and inclusive scientific community.
The event opened with a welcome speech by FunGlass Director, Professor Dušan Galusek, who drew upon his personal meeting with renowned primatologist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall to praise the invaluable contributions of women researchers. His reflections set an inspiring and thoughtful tone for the morning program.
Following Dr. Mehta's presentation, Dr. Zuzana Neščáková, Researcher from the Department of Biomaterials, shared her perspective on building and navigating a career in science. Dr. Neščáková has been featured by student science outreach initiatives highlighting women in science, such as the SAVIA "Her Science, Her Story" project, where students chose her as an inspiring scientist.
The program continued with a networking breakfast, providing researchers with valuable time to connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.
As the CLiCAM project and FunGlass look to the future, events like this networking breakfast underscore the commitment to fostering an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and contributes to advancing scientific knowledge.
