Inspiration for Future Female Scientists

Enthusiasm and talent for science and technology are not determined by gender. However, women remain underrepresented in these fields and face specific barriers. Can we afford to lose their potential?

In the Girls’ Labs project, we aim to show young women through motivational programs that careers in science and technology are open to everyone and can be both enjoyable and fulfilling.

What Challenges Does the Project Address?

Girls and boys do not inherently hold preconceived notions about which professions they can pursue or what they are “made for.” In kindergarten, they remain largely unrestrained by societal norms and stereotypes; however, this gradually shifts as they advance through the school system. Their perspectives begin to narrow, causing girls to associate STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) primarily with men.

What is the Project’s Goal?

The project aims to help dismantle gender stereotypes associated with STEM fields and broaden the range of disciplines that secondary school female students consider for their future studies and careers.

What We Do

Training for Secondary School Educators and Mentors

Led by experts from the NORA organization, this training focuses on gender-sensitive teaching and motivating students to choose non-stereotypical careers.

Evaluation

An integral part of the project is evaluating the impact of project activities on the target group (educators/mentors and secondary school girls).

Motivational Programs for Secondary School Girls

  1. Girls Explore: Participants engage in an interactive workshop where they work with an educational infrared camera that visualizes otherwise abstract physical phenomena, making various STEM topics more engaging.
  2. Girls Go for It: Secondary school girls meet inspiring female role models from science and technology during career days at the NTC Research Center in Pilsen and Bosch in České Budějovice.
  3. Girls Create: Students prepare a team project using an infrared camera on a topic of interest and present it at an online conference for innovators.

Infrared Camera as an Activating Element in STEM Education

The NTC Research Center at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen utilizes unique infrared cameras and accompanying software to make science and technology more engaging for students. Professional thermal cameras are not typically accessible to schools due to the challenges of acquisition, maintenance, and complex operation. Therefore, the NTC research team has developed a specialized educational infrared camera that allows students to see and better understand abstract and invisible physical phenomena, making STEM education much more accessible and intuitive. Our goal is to demonstrate to the younger generation that STEM subjects are not just about abstract concepts but can also provide real-world solutions.

Attracting Young Generations to STEM Fields

How we present fields of study plays a crucial role in students’ choices regarding their education and careers. Perceptions of technology and engineering as difficult and dirty work, or theoretical physics as lonely laboratory research, can lead to biases. This may cause students to approach their studies with negative attitudes. It is essential to show that STEM fields are diverse and open to everyone, including through pop culture and relatable topics. By doing so, we can inspire young people to harness their imagination and creativity in science and technology.

Project Registration Number
CZ.03.01.02/00/22_020/0000850

Provider
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic

Program
Operational Program Employment Plus (OPZ+)

Total project cost
5 793 910,92 CZK

Principal Investigator
University of West Bohemia in Pilsen / New Technologies – Research Center (Mgr. Alice Nováková)

Financial Partner
Gender Information Center NORA, o.p.s.

Non-Financial Partner
Robert Bosch odbytová s.r.o.

Implementation Period
September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2025 (24 months)

Contact

Alice Nováková
Project Coordinator

E-mail: novakal@ntc.zcu.cz
Phone: 732 322 705