International Day of
Women and Girls in Science

Birgit Sützl

Scientist
Area: High-resolution Earth system modelling

My work is on modelling cities, forests and mountains within our Earth system model. By representing in detail all the complex processes and interactions between these areas and the atmosphere, we can improve our predictions of extreme weather events.

The influence of the physical environment on weather and climate is fascinating. I hope my research enables a better understanding of how changes to these aspects of our environment could impact the future climate.

It can be challenging when there are few female role models around, but I have found that sharing concerns with women friends has given me great confidence in the workplace.

Mariana Clare

Scientist
Area: Quantifying uncertainty in forecasts

I use machine learning techniques to understand and quantify uncertainty in weather forecasts. Weather systems are chaotic, meaning forecasts can be uncertain. Meteorologists find it helpful to understand the full range of events that might occur. This is especially true if there is a chance of an extreme weather event, where an early warning can protect lives and infrastructure.

I enjoy working on the boundary between machine learning and meteorology, and want to continue applying cutting-edge techniques to make a real-world impact.

My advice to women in science is to study what you’re interested in and keep going even if you are one of the few women in the room – change must start somewhere!

Cristina-Iulia Bucur

Computer scientist
Area: Weather forecasts

The beauty of mathematics, computer science and physics, and the way they shape or try to explain our world, have always amazed me. I feel lucky to be involved in fields like computer science and artificial intelligence at this period of their advancement. It gives me great satisfaction that my work directly impacts the surrounding world and people.

Women should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and passions, and not get discouraged along the way. It can be an endurance race with its ups and downs, just like a marathon. Remember the power and enjoyment of simple things, like a caffe latte or a smile!

Tanya Warnaars

External project coordinator
Area: Researchers across ECMWF

Working across ECMWF, I support and coordinate all research projects funded by external sources. Much of our work is interdisciplinary and collaborative, so I also work with researchers across Europe, including from universities, research centres, private companies and others.

I find the dissemination of the project results particularly rewarding, as I enjoy being able to share outputs and results with the research community and the public.

Although my background is in science, I encourage those from other disciplines to try something new and push their boundaries if they want to move into the area. There is increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary work, particularly from the funders, so your experience could be very helpful!

Siham El Garroussi

Scientist
Area: Machine learning for climate change adaptation

My work consists of evaluating the impact of climate change on fire and flooding over Europe, and developing strategies, using machine learning, for adaptation and mitigation.

My hope is that my work will help support the prevention of weather-related risks under climate change and benefit society as a whole.

Don't let other people or societal biases discourage you from pursuing your passions. Surround yourself with supportive and empowering individuals who will encourage you. Keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be and be confident about taking risks and trying new things.

Zeynep Musoglu

Communications
Area: The Destination Earth initiative

Destination Earth is the European Union’s initiative to create digital twins of the Earth system, with the purpose of supporting climate change adaptation policies and decision-making for reducing the impacts of extremes. My work is on communicating about the initiative.

By promoting collaborations with creative teams, such as artists and storytellers, I truly believe we can effectively convey complex messages on innovative technologies to large audiences. This is key to supporting the transition to a more sustainable world.

I encourage everyone in science, women and men, to try new collaborative and creative projects when it comes to communicating their research output.

Ivana Aleksovska

Scientist
Area: Uncertainty quantification – Destination Earth

Uncertainty quantification is essential for assessing the confidence of weather forecasts. At ECMWF, we use a technique called ensemble prediction, which provides a range of possible forecasts.

Machine learning methods can complement ensemble forecasts and enhance the representation of uncertainty. My role is to combine low-resolution ensemble forecasts with a high-resolution forecast and use machine learning to support the uncertainty quantification for weather-induced extreme events.

To all women in science: Don't let anyone put you off and deprive you of your knowledge, your curiosity and your imagination. If you have all that, then you are on the right track. No matter what people say, it is your place in the world.