Name: Dominika Fricova

Country: Slovakia

Highest level of education: PHD

Major or field of study: Neuroscience

Current position: Principal Investigator

Dominika Fricova is a Principal Investigator from Slovakia, holding a PhD in Neuroscience. With a deep focus on advancing our understanding of the brain, she leads cutting-edge research in the field. Dominika’s expertise and innovative approach to neuroscience make her a prominent figure in her area of study, driving impactful discoveries and scientific progress.

Obstacles Dominika encountered throughout her educational and professional journey

Throughout her journey, Dominika faced several key challenges. Transitioning to a new field required extensive learning and adaptation. As a young female leader in a rigid environment, she worked to overcome biases and earn trust. Returning to her home country to establish her own research involved navigating funding and bureaucratic hurdles. These experiences shaped her resilience, adaptability, and leadership.

Strategies and actions adopted by Dominika to overcome these obstacles

Dominika overcame these obstacles through a combination of persistence, proactive actions, and strategic communication. She remained active in seeking opportunities to learn and grow, never giving up despite setbacks. Speaking up in difficult situations helped her break through biases and assert her leadership. Patience was key, especially when navigating bureaucratic challenges and establishing her research, as it allowed her to build relationships, adapt to new environments, and stay focused on long-term goals.

Key lessons and insights gained from Dominika’s experience

From her experience, Dominika learned that while dreams can certainly come true, achieving them requires an immense amount of dedication and hard work. She realized the importance of persistence, patience, and resilience, and that success is often a result of consistent effort, even in the face of challenges. It taught her that while the journey may be tough, the rewards are worth the effort when you stay focused and committed to your goals.

The importance of increasing female representation in STEM education and careers

Having more women and girls in STEM education and careers is crucial for fostering a diversity of expertise, opinions, and perspectives. When women are represented in STEM, it enriches innovation by bringing in unique ideas and problem-solving approaches. Diverse teams are proven to be more creative, adaptable, and effective, driving progress and solutions that benefit society as a whole. Representation also inspires the next generation of women to pursue careers in fields where they can make a lasting impact.

Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM

To encourage more girls and women in STEM, Dominika believes it’s essential to help them believe in themselves. Building confidence through mentorship, role models, and supportive environments can inspire them to pursue these fields. Hands-on experiences and fostering a growth mindset also help girls overcome self-doubt and realize their potential.

Initiatives and Programs Driving Women’s Empowerment in STEM

Loreal Unesco for Women in Science: The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have worked together for more than 20 years to help empower more women scientists to achieve scientific excellence and participate equally in solving the great challenges facing humanity.

EIC Women Leadership Programme: supports the role of women in innovation and tech, the European Innovation Council (EIC), in partnership with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), offers a skills enhancement and networking programme for women researchers and entrepreneurs, the EIC Women Leadership Programme.

Dominika’s advice to young girls considering a career in STEM

“I would encourage them to pursue their dreams, it’s an amazing field which can bring innovations and they can stand behind them.”