RESOLV celebrates the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Science Day

The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 70/212 on 22nd December 2015, which proclaimed the 11th day of February as the annual commemoration of the the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 

Since then, this annual commemoration highlights and celebrates the role of women and girls in research with the goal of inspiring and engaging others, and improving gender equality in the scientific environment.

On the occasion of the International Day of Women in Science, RESOLV celebrates the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Science Day” every year in February by organizing an event full of interesting presentations and lot of space to share experiences. A theme is selected annually to highlight a particular topic and area of discussion around a focus point for diversity and gender equality in science.

 

Registration for the event is open. Deadline: 25 January 2026.

11 February 2026

Dr. Imogen R. Coe, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

"The Empathy Advantage: How Cultures of Care Strengthen Science"

Dr. Imogen R. Coe is a professor of Chemistry and Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) . Canada, and an affiliate scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. She is an active researcher and former academic leader, being the founding dean of the Faculty of Science at TMU. Dr. Coe is also an internationally recognized, award-winning scholar-activist with respect to the integration of principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) into research cultures in science.

 

Dr. Gabrielle Thomas, Menlo Systems GmbH, Germany

"Navigating DEI in Industry"

Dr. Gabrielle Thomas is the Group Leader for Marketing at Menlo Systems GmbH, based near Munich. She was awarded a PhD in Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics from Imperial College London in 2012, and since then she has worked in both academia and industry. In 2016 she was recognized as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Scientists, and currently serves on the Optica Board of Directors. She joined Menlo Systems in February 2022, and helps to support the company’s mission to deliver state-of-the-art photonics and quantum technology instrumentation to customers and partners globally

 

Dr. Ruth von Brachel, Research and Treatment Center for Mental Health, Germany

"Maintaining and Regaining Mental Health in Challenging Times"

Dr. Ruth von Brachel studied Psychology in Münster and Brisbane and completed her PhD on motivation to change in women with eating disorders in Osnabrück. Her current work at RUB focuses on improving, evaluating and disseminating diagnostic interviews for psychological disorders. She is also a licensed psychotherapist (cognitive behavioural therapy) and head of the postgraduate training for child and adolescent therapists.

 

Prof.  Raffaella Ocone, Heriot-Watt University, UK and Institution of Chemical Engineers

"Engineering an Academic Career: the Path to Scaling-up Ambitions"

Raffaella Ocone OBE FREng FRSE is Professor of Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, UK and the President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

In 2017, Raffaella became the first "Caroline Herschel Visiting Professor" in Engineering at Ruhr University in recognition of her contributions to ethics in engineering. That same year, she was appointed Cavaliere of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity by the President of Italy. In 2019, Raffaella was named one of the top 100 Most Influential Women in Engineering, a distinction given by Inclusive Boards in partnership with the Financial Times.

Raffaella’s expertise focuses on complex reactive systems. Her current research aims to advance thermochemical methods for producing hydrogen from biomass and other waste materials.

 

Dr. Lewis Hill, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Germany

 

 

 

12 February 2026

Dr. Iris Wangermann

Dr. Iris Wangermann

 “Unconscious Bias in Academia”

Join our “Unconscious Bias in Academia” workshop and discover how our brain tricks us into hidden biases – without guilt, but with curiosity and fun.

Together, we’ll explore why biases emerge, recognize common pitfalls in research, teaching, and career advancement, and reflect on our own thought patterns. Through interactive exercises, storytelling, and peer exchange, you’ll gain fresh perspectives and practical tools.

Learn how invisible barriers affect structures and processes, and develop concrete strategies for fairer, more transparent decisions. Walk away with checklists, guiding questions, and actionable methods to strengthen diversity and inclusion in your daily work. This is a space for insight, laughter, and shared discovery – where awareness meets practical impact.

Day of Women in Science

11 February is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

"In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015"

- United Nations