The blog series “Women in Science” introduces women from the TIB who give insights into their careers and personal experiences in science.
Dr Sabina Auhunas studied Pharmacy at Bogomolets National Medical University, and obtained her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine and is now working as a Philipp Schwartz Fellow at TIB (Open Science Lab).
She conducts research on metadata models for scientific instruments and their integration into research information systems. Her work focuses on improving metadata quality, interoperability, and the visibility of scientific infrastructure data, contributing to more resilient and sustainable research infrastructures.
In this interview, she talks about how diversity enriches science, about shifting directions in science, and why science is a marathon, not a sprint.
What fascinates you about working in science?
What fascinates me most about science is that knowledge does not exist in isolation. It becomes valuable when it can be shared, connected, discovered, and reused by others. This understanding is what led me from pharmaceutical sciences to open science, research information systems, and research infrastructures.
Today, I am inspired not only by scientific discoveries themselves but also by the systems that make research visible and accessible. My work focuses on improving metadata and research infrastructures, helping scientific knowledge remain discoverable, reusable, and sustainable over time. I enjoy working at the intersection of different disciplines, where collaboration, technology, and science come together to create solutions that can benefit entire research communities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is collaborating with people from different disciplines, countries, and backgrounds. Every field brings its own perspective, and some of the best ideas emerge when diverse expertise comes together. Science constantly challenges me to learn, adapt, and see problems from new perspectives, and that is something I truly enjoy.
As a woman in science, what would you have liked to have known earlier?
I would have liked to know earlier that it is perfectly okay not to follow a straight career path. Early in my career, I often felt pressure to have everything planned in advance. Over time, I learned that some of the most valuable opportunities appear unexpectedly and that changing direction does not mean losing focus. Looking back, every step of my journey from pharmacy and medical research to open science and research infrastructures has contributed to who I am as a researcher today.
I also wish I had understood sooner that success in science should not come at the expense of your well-being. Early-career researchers often feel that they must constantly work harder, publish more, and do more. Over time, I learned that science is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of yourself, maintaining balance, and allowing yourself time outside of work are not obstacles to success; they are essential for a sustainable career.
Another lesson I learned is that you do not need to fit a particular stereotype to belong in science. Especially at the beginning of a career, it can sometimes feel difficult to make your voice heard. I wish I had trusted my own expertise and ideas more and understood earlier that being yourself is not a weakness but a strength.
What advice would you give to girls and young women who are considering a career in science?
Stay curious, trust yourself, and do not be afraid to take up space. Ask questions, share your ideas, and believe in your abilities, even when you feel uncertain. You do not need to know everything before you begin. Science is about learning, exploring, and continuously growing.
Do not be afraid of failure. In science, not every experiment works, not every proposal is funded, and not every paper is accepted. These experiences are not signs that you are on the wrong path; they are part of the process. The goal is not to avoid failure but to learn from it and keep moving forward.
I would also encourage young women to seek mentors and build connections with people who inspire them. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my career have come from collaborating with colleagues from different countries, disciplines, and backgrounds.
At the same time, remember that your career is only one part of your life. Family, friends, health, and personal interests matter too. Protect your energy, make time for the things that are important to you, and do not feel guilty about setting boundaries.
A wish for the future of women and girls in science …
I hope that the future of women and girls in science can pursue careers in science without barriers, stereotypes, or having to constantly prove that they belong. I would like to see more women represented in leadership positions, decision-making bodies, and scientific communities across all disciplines.
Most importantly, I hope future generations of women in science will feel free to be themselves and to build successful careers without sacrificing their individuality or personal lives. I would also like to see a scientific culture that values collaboration alongside achievement, quality alongside productivity.
Diversity should not be seen as an exception but as a natural strength of science. The best solutions to global challenges emerge when people with different experiences, perspectives, and expertise work together.
The blog series “Women in Science” introduces women at TIB who provide insights into their scientific careers, role models and experiences from their everyday working lives. They all share their perspectives and wishes for the future of science and encourage other women to take their place with confidence.
Schlagwörter:
… arbeitet als Pressereferentin in der Stabsstelle Kommunikation an der TIB. // … is working as a press officer in the Communications Department at the TIB.
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… arbeitet als Pressereferentin in der Stabsstelle Kommunikation an der TIB. // … is working as a press officer in the Communications Department at the TIB.
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