The International Day of Women and Girls in Science invites us to reflect on how science shapes our future and who gets to shape science. Today’s global challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and energy transition, demand more than technical solutions alone. They require diverse perspectives, inclusive leadership, and long-term thinking.
For this reason, women play a vital role in research and innovation. When scientific teams include different experiences and viewpoints, they become more creative and better equipped to solve complex problems. Within the CIRCUBATT project, women researchers contribute not only scientific expertise, but also approaches that strengthen collaboration and sustainability across the battery value chain.
Finding a place in science through self-understanding
For Mao (Maggie) Xu, Co-Investigator of the CIRCUBATT project from the University of Greenwich team, choosing a career in science was not defined by a single moment. Instead, it developed gradually through reflection and experience. Over time, she learned more about the type of environment in which she feels motivated and supported.
She discovered that she enjoys working in spaces that value curiosity, exploration, and collaboration. Research also offered room for long-term thinking and continuous learning. As a result, science became a field where her personal values and professional interests could align in a sustainable way.
Importantly, this journey challenges the idea that scientific careers require early certainty or a perfectly planned path. Many researchers do not begin with a clear destination in mind. Instead, they grow into their roles through exploration and learning. Therefore, allowing time for self-discovery can be just as important as technical training.
Within projects like CIRCUBATT, this diversity of paths adds clear value. Different backgrounds and ways of thinking strengthen teamwork and improve problem-solving. In this way, personal development and scientific progress move forward together.
Progress over perfection
Looking back at the start of her studies, Mao Xu highlights one key lesson: progress matters more than perfection. While attention to detail is essential in research, waiting for ideal conditions can slow development.
Instead, she emphasises the importance of moving forward and learning through action. Progress often comes from taking small steps and adjusting along the way. For this reason, confidence grows through experience rather than flawless preparation.
This perspective is especially relevant in academic environments, where high expectations can create unnecessary pressure. By focusing on steady progress, researchers can remain motivated and open to learning.
Rethinking misconceptions about research careers
Another common misconception about research careers is that success depends on having a very specific background or exceptional performance from the beginning. From Mao Xu’s perspective, starting points do not define long-term potential.
Research benefits from different cultures, disciplines, and ways of thinking. These differences introduce new ideas and approaches to problem-solving. In fact, diversity often strengthens creativity and innovation.
Within interdisciplinary projects like CIRCUBATT, this variety becomes a clear advantage. It supports collaboration across technical, economic, and social dimensions. As a result, research outcomes become more robust and relevant to real-world challenges.
Women driving sustainable innovation
Women in CIRCUBATT also lead innovation beyond academic research. Azadeh Motealleh, co-founder of Shift Materials AS, brings a materials science background to the development of sustainable lithium iron phosphate cathode materials made with recycled components.
Her work focuses on turning research into practical solutions that support Europe’s circular battery value chains. By combining scientific knowledge with entrepreneurship, she demonstrates how innovation can move from the laboratory to real-world application.
European research projects like CIRCUBATT play an important role in this process. They provide long-term support, foster collaboration, and help transform ideas into action. As a result, they enable sustainable technologies to scale and create impact.
A message to the next generation of scientists
For young girls considering a future in science, Mao Xu offers an honest and encouraging message. Doubt and difficulty are part of any scientific journey. However, these moments do not signal failure.
Instead, being kind to oneself and remembering why the journey began can help maintain momentum. Sometimes, progress means taking one small step forward. That step is often enough.
This message reframes success in science as persistence rather than perfection. It also highlights growth as a continuous process, shaped by learning and resilience.
Creating space for women in science
CIRCUBATT supports women in science by creating space for their ideas, leadership, and expertise. By valuing curiosity, collaboration, and long-term impact, the project strengthens inclusive research practices.
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the voices within CIRCUBATT remind us that sustainable innovation depends on people as much as technology. When science remains open and inclusive, it delivers solutions that benefit society as a whole.
About CIRCUBATT
The CIRCUBATT project is a Horizon Europe initiative (grant number 101192383) dedicated to redefining the European battery sector by making it smarter, greener, and more circular. The project focuses on integrating AI, data analytics, and sustainable design across the entire battery lifecycle, from design to recycling.
CIRCUBATT aims to reduce Europe’s dependency on critical raw materials, lower environmental impacts, and strengthen competitiveness in the global battery market. Stay updated on progress and upcoming events by following the project on LinkedIn and visiting the CIRCUBATT website.