Organized by the Embassy of Slovenia with the contributions of the METU Office of Research Coordination and the Press Office, the exhibition titled “The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean” was opened at the Culture and Convention Center on January 13, 2025.
The exhibition was prepared as part of the MEDNIGHT project, supported by the European Union’s MSCA program. During the opening event, a panel was held in which Slovenian Researcher of “Marie Curies of the Mediterranean” Dr. Sabina Cveček, Turkish Researcher of “Marie Curies of the Mediterranean” Burçak Çullu, and MSCA Fellow and Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Career Development Working Group Term Chair Dr. Süreyya Akyüz delivered presentations sharing their personal experiences.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held in the Exhibition Hall of the Culture and Convention Center following the panel, METU President Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil expressed his pleasure in hosting the exhibition at METU, which has previously been held in countries across Europe, Asia, Afria, and the Americas. He highlighted the significance of contributing to the exhibition’s goal of enhancing the visibility of women in science and research. Dr. Yozgatlıgil said that the exhibition not only inspires women scientists and younger generations but also showcases the achievements of women scientists and researchers from diverse backgrounds, with different childhood stories, different families, hobbies and motivations, thereby contributing to the recognition of scientific talent in the Mediterranean region.
Following President Yozgatlıgil’s speech, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon extended her gratitude to METU for going beyond merely hosting the exhibition and organizing a panel that provided an opportunity for women researchers to share their experiences. She emphasized that this initiative demonstrated the commitment of METU to achieving true gender equality in scientific efforts. Minister Fajon expressed her hope that this exhibition that celebrates the lives and achievements of women scientists and researchers in the Mediterranean region would serve as a reminder that the transformative power of knowledge, collaboration, and the determination of women all around the world. She highlighted that women currently make up only one-third of researchers globally despite their remarkable contributions to the progress of humanity. Fajon continued her speech by stating that the exhibition aligns with her country’s priorities and guiding principles in domestic and foreign policy, which focuses on gender equality, supporting women empowerment, and promoting the global recognition of their achievements. She shared her belief that the women scientists and researchers featured in the exhibition would contribute to increasing this representation.
Featuring a total of 32 panels showcasing the biographies of women scientists and researchers from 22 countries, most of which are Mediterranean nations, the exhibition highlights their journeys from childhood years to their motivations, university education, and professional achievements. “The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean” exhibition will remain open until February 14, 2025.
