International Women’s Day – Let’s celebrate our female researchers: interview with Vanja Buvik!

Career and challenges

Q.: Could you share your journey to becoming a researcher? What inspired you to pursue this path, what challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from these experiences?

Ms Vanja Buvik: Curiosity, and excitement for learning new things took me to where I am today I think. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting a lot of inspiring people along the way. I cannot say that my path has been challenging for me as a woman, as I have in every step of the way been met by, supervised, and guided by great women. I appreciate having been surrounded by these role models all the way, although the gender balance in STEM isn’t always equal.

Role in the project

Q.: What do you do within the AURORA project? How have your studies and expertise enabled you to fulfil this role?

Ms Vanja Buvik: My role in the AURORA project is to study the chemistry of the CO2 capture solvent (CESAR1) over time, to assess any changes in its composition which in turn will increase safety and stability of operation, and ensure an environmentally benign process.

Europe

Q.: At European level, do you think the research sector has become more open to women? What could be done to achieve greater equality between men and women in this field?

Ms Vanja Buvik: I personally have not faced any particular challenges, but I do see that women still face challenges that men don’t. I think there’s still a way to go on ensuring equity around having children when you work in the high paced research sector, where women tend to carry the heavier load and be the ones to step back from research rather than the men.

Q.: As an expert in gas separation, what do you see as Europe’s most significant challenge in decarbonizing CO2-intensive industries?

Ms Vanja Buvik: We still need more incentives do drive this costly, but necessary process forward.

Q.: Finally, what advice would you give to future generations of women who want to become researchers?