SAVIA
For Women in Science
Slovak Association of Women in Science and Innovation
Vision
A future in which women in science have equal opportunities to advance, lead, and innovate without barriers, contributing to ground-breaking research and a more diverse, inclusive scientific community in Slovakia.
Mission
To provide support, build community, and advocate for and influence policies that enable women to play a greater role in research and innovation in Slovakia.
We strive to achieve gender balance in science, support career growth, and ensure that the voices of women in science are heard and respected.
Our activities
Inspiring the next generation of female researchers through visible role models
Increasing the visibility of women in science and research
On a symbolic level
We strive for the representation of women in the titles of public scientific events by encouraging the use of gender neutral or gender inclusive language.
For example, we contributed to the renaming of the national science festival “Noc výskumníkov” (Researchers’ Night, lit. Male researchers' Night) to “Noc vedy” (Night of Science, a gender neutral title). The new name does not diminish the event’s importance; on the contrary, it no longer excludes the participation of girls and women in science and research.
The Scientist of the Year award (lit. the male scientist of the year) is a high-profile event with a 25 year-long history. We addressed its non-inclusive name and suggested a correction to a gender neutral alternatives in an Open Letter on January 26, 2023, signed by 200 women and men in science. However, the organizators have not changed the name yet. Incidentally, no woman has ever won the main award.
On a practical level
We organize events in various cities across Slovakia, where aspiring female researchers can meet inspiring women from science, research, and innovation.
For instance, in 2024, with the support of the ESET Foundation, we organized a series of events called Science as a Career. A recording of the event in Košice is available on YouTube.
This year, we are launching a new nationwide project that will increase the visibility of women in science in Slovakia.
We’re very excited to share more details soon.
We build a community of women in science
who support each other's career development
Our registered members gain various opportunities
Creating a supportive network
Our online platform creates a safe space to meet other researchers, perhaps dealing with similar issues, chat privately or discuss in groups.
Growing together professionally
We organize relevant webinars and practical workshops, where researchers teach each other valuable skills.
Developing leadership skills
We encourage our members to represent SAVIA at their universities as ambassadors and lead local in-person events.
Empowering women in science and innovation
Initiatives to identify and eliminate barriers to women's careers in science and research
Shining light on issues
Members of SAVIA annually participate in the organization of a conference on gender equality in research and innovation called Fair Academia, which has been held since 2022. Experts at the conference address the most pressing and current issues and propose policy changes, and SAVIA of course participates in these discussions.
Steps toward a solution
We listen to the issues women in science face and strive to find solutions. For example, we are currently addressing a case of indirect discrimination, for which we prepared a legal analysis and sent it to the relevant ministries along with a proposal for corrective action.
Events in English
Our working language is Slovak, but we are immensely grateful for the lecturers from abroad who wish to hold their webinars in English.
Here is a selection of the webinars in English:
No events at the moment
Blog posts in English
SAVIA
Since October 2023, SAVIA has been a registered civic association.
Registration number (IČO): 55716130
SAVIA is a non-profit organization built on volunteer work.
We are always looking for volunteers, funding and collaboration opportunities.
You can also support SAVIA's operations and the expansion of our activities by making a voluntary financial contribution.
Thank you 💜.
IBAN: SK7783300000002002743157
SWIFT/BIC: FIOZSKBAXXX
Contact us: savia@savia.sk