Don’t be afraid to set difficult tasks: Spilevskaya on the role of Belarusians in science and education

Olga Shpilevskaya, Chairman of the Belarusian Women’s Union, said at the first forum of women scientists “The role of women in science and education” that Belarusian women have already left a mark in the history of science and are still actively involved in its development.

Olga Shpilevskaya noted that for the first time the forum of women scientists is held under the auspices of the Belarusian Union of Women, and stressed the special importance of the fact that its work begins within the walls of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus. According to her, the Belarusian land has always been a land of talents – people were born here for whom knowledge became not just a profession, but the meaning of life: they sought to learn, create and transmit knowledge to the next generations. Among these talented people there are many women who in different eras have proved that talent knows no boundaries, and the desire for knowledge can be ahead of its time.

Broad coverage and significant role of women in science

Belarusian women are involved in all scientific fields – from medicine, biology, physics and chemistry to agricultural and technical sciences, information technologies and humanities. They not only conduct research, but also assume leadership roles: lead research teams, manage departments and laboratories, form scientific schools and train new specialists.

“We are here today to talk about these women, those who have made history and those who are making it before our very eyes. To talk about the future, what science will be tomorrow, what discoveries will change our lives and who will create them, what opportunities we must give to the younger generation so that their talents can be realized. Today’s forum is not just about the role of women in science and education, it is a conversation about the human potential, the continuity and future of our country, the head of the Belarusian Women’s Union emphasized.

Science Without Borders: Talent, Work and Common Tasks

The development of science covers new horizons: humanity is exploring space, developing artificial intelligence technologies and complex biotechnologies. At the same time, as Olga Shpilevskaya noted, one thing remains unchanged: any development begins with a person who knows how to think, ask questions and look for answers to them.

Behind each of our achievements are hundreds and thousands of women who are engaged in daily research, teaching, working with undergraduate and graduate students, writing scientific papers, conducting experiments, defending dissertations, managing projects. Most importantly, they pass on their knowledge to the next generation. That is why the role of women in science is much more than statistics show. In my opinion, there are no male and female discoveries in science, there is knowledge, talent, professionalism, work and responsibility to society. Therefore, today’s forum is not a confrontation between women and men, on the contrary, it is a conversation about how to create conditions together under which every talent can be realized to the fullest. Supporting scientific work and creating opportunities for professional growth is a common task, said Olga Shpilevskaya.

Guidance to young researchers

She paid special attention to those who are just starting their way in science.

“Do not be afraid to set yourself the most difficult tasks, ask questions, seek answers, make mistakes and search again. The scientific path is rarely simple. But perseverance, the ability to continue searching, and the belief in the significance of one’s work ultimately results. The role of older generations of scientists is particularly important. The dialogue of generations should become one of the important topics of our conversation today, concluded Olga Shpilevskaya.

Photo: BELTA

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1. 1.The First Forum of Women Scientists will be held in Minsk on September 25