In the Media and Public Engagement

Where Advocacy Meets Action

The Women in STEM Network (WiSN), powered by Mums in Science, is an international initiative driving equity, visibility, and leadership for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This page highlights selected speaking engagements, media features, and scholarly contributions from our members and ambassadors, demonstrating how advocacy and expertise are transforming opportunity into action across the global STEM landscape.

Presentations and Guest Lectures By WISN Ambassadors

Keynote Talk: Why Women Need STEM and What Organisations Can Do to Retain Them
Women in Aviation, Marine and Transport (WiAM&T)
Malta
Date: April 2026
Presented by Dr Shara Cohen, Founder & CEO, Women in STEM Network

Dr Shara Cohen delivered a keynote at the Women in Aviation, Marine and Transport event in Malta, bringing together professionals from across aviation, maritime, and land transport sectors. The event was hosted at The Marriott Hotel and supported by industry partners including Zampa Partners, FlyPeople, Aeroates, Malta International Airport, and Alfred Jobs.

Her talk focused on the relationship between women and STEM careers, and the role organisations play in shaping whether that relationship is sustained over time. While there has been significant progress in encouraging women into STEM, Dr Cohen highlighted that the primary challenge is not entry, but retention.

Drawing on her work in workforce systems and leadership, she explored why capable professionals leave at specific stages of their careers and how this reflects structural and cultural factors within organisations. The session examined how leadership systems, progression pathways, and workplace design influence long-term engagement and advancement.

The talk also connected these challenges across industries, noting that aviation, marine, and land transport face many of the same issues in retaining talent. This reinforced the importance of cross-industry learning and collaboration when developing more effective and sustainable workforce strategies.

Dr Cohen’s keynote contributed to wider discussions throughout the event on early engagement in STEM, the expectations of the next generation, and the need for organisations to evolve in order to support a diverse and resilient workforce.

Women in Engineering and STEM Session
Capital City College, Enfield, London
Date: February 2026
Presented by Dr Taisiia Mukii, Ambassador, Women in STEM Network

During National Apprenticeship Week, Dr Taisiia Mukii represented the Women in STEM Network at a Women in Engineering and STEM session hosted by Capital City College in Enfield. The event also marked the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The session brought together industry experts, female apprentices, students, and educators to discuss career pathways into engineering and other STEM disciplines. Speakers highlighted the importance of inclusive environments within technical sectors and encouraged young women to explore future opportunities in science and engineering.

Dr Mukii’s participation reinforced the Women in STEM Network’s commitment to engaging with educational institutions and supporting initiatives that inspire and guide the next generation of women entering STEM careers.

Your Personal Journey into STEM
Chandan Seth Nanda and Paula Darley.
Date: 11 February 2026
School: St George International School and Preschool, Sofia, Bulgaria
Student age group: Grades 4–12

Advancing Mentorship and Skills Development for Women in EdTech
BETT UK January 2026, London
Presented by Dr. Taisiia Mukii

This engagement highlighted the role of mentorship in supporting women’s progression across education and technology. As part of the Women in EdTech Mentorship Circle, Dr Taisiia Mukii contributed to an international dialogue on building essential soft and technical skills, fostering inclusive professional growth, and strengthening global networks. The session underscored how targeted mentorship initiatives create practical pathways for knowledge exchange, partnership development, and amplifying women’s voices across the EdTech ecosystem.

Women in Life Sciences Panel – Visionary Voices Stage
Professor Vasiliki Kalodimou and Dr Taisiia Mukii, Founding Ambassador, Women in STEM Network
Cell UK 2025 Conference (Oxford Global), London, November 2025
The session covered breaking barriers, inclusive working cultures, and supporting the next generation of women leaders.

Ethics in AI and Lifelong Learning: Evolving Responsibilities in a Digital Age
Oxford University Department for Continuing Education Ethics Colloquium, June 13, 2025
Presented by Dr. Taisiia Mukii
This expert poster presentation explored ethical practices in artificial intelligence within lifelong learning. Selected from a competitive field, the presentation spotlighted equity, digital inclusion, and the relevance of the Women in STEM Network in shaping responsible innovation.

Empowering Women in Microbiology: Strategies for Global Equity
Royal Microbiology Conference (AC25), April 2025
Presented by Prof. Sharon Brookes, Molly Cohen, and Dr. Shara Cohen
This expert poster presentation addressed underrepresentation in microbiology leadership and featured WiSN as a model for scalable, inclusive professional networks.

Mums in Science: A 17-Year Journey Supporting Women in STEM
Royal Microbiology Conference (AC25), April 2025
Presented by Prof. Sharon Brookes, Molly Cohen, and Dr. Shara Cohen
Celebrating nearly two decades of community-building, this presentation highlighted WiSN’s evolution into a global platform for mentoring, CPD-accredited training, and advocacy.

Guest Lecture: Women in STEM – International Experience
Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy (105th Anniversary), March 2025
Presented by Dr. Taisiia Mukii
This lecture explored the role of international platforms in fostering equity, and the importance of cross-border mentorship, leadership training, and collaborative partnerships—particularly in support of Ukrainian women in STEM.

Women’s History Month University Event
March 2025
Presented by Prof. Ruth Morse
This talk introduced students and faculty to the Women in STEM Network, outlining membership opportunities, available resources, and the importance of sustained advocacy for women in academia and research.

International Day of Women and Girls in STEM
Hosted by HolyNations International Ministries, February 11, 2025
Panelist: Dr. Shara Cohen
Dr. Cohen participated in a high-level panel engaging over 100 participants across the UK, US, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Discussions included leadership, scholarship access, and the role of equity-focused initiatives in supporting future STEM careers.

International Women’s Day Feature – Royal Society of Biology
March 8, 2025
Dr. Shara Cohen was interviewed about the global impact of the Women in STEM Network and its mission to empower women through access to tools, training, and international community support.

5th Anniversary of Algerian Women in Science

Dr. Zakia Alioua represented the WiSN at the 5th Anniversary of Algerian Women in Science, where she introduced the platform to 25 engaged attendees—representing a broader network of over 500 women in STEM.

Featured Publications

Designing Institutions for the Age of Advanced Computing
Author: Dr. Shara Cohen
Published in: NovaReason,  Feb 16, 2026
URL: https://novareason.org/article/designing-institutions-for-the-age-of-advanced-computing

STEM Needs You: Why It’s Time for Young Women to Shape the Future of Science and Tech
Author: Dr. Shara Cohen
Published in: ENTECH Online, Issue 7 – July 2025
URL: https://entechonline.com/women-in-stem-network-empowering-future-leaders/

Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou’s Mission to Empower Women in STEM
Author: Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou
Published by SelectScience, 2025
An inspiring feature exploring Dr. Kalodimou’s dedication to equity in science and her involvement with the Women in STEM Network.
Read the article

Shaping Tomorrow: Empowering Women in STEM
Author: Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou | Editor: Dr. Vassilia Orfanou
Published by LUDCI.eu (Luxembourg’s Diplomacy & Communications Institute), 2025
Read the article

Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Empowering Women and Girls in STEM
Author: Dr. Vasiliki E. Kalodimou
Published by Drug Target Review, IWD 2025
Read the article

Reports and Stakeholder Publications

Market Report on Women in the STEM Sector
Published by Mums in Science Ltd, 2024
This report provides international analysis on current trends, persistent challenges, and future recommendations to support women in STEM careers.
Download the report

View our monthly stakeholder reports HERE

The Women in STEM Network continues to engage globally through conferences, media partnerships, and policy discussions. For speaking or collaboration enquiries, please contact us.