By Alexia Mastora | Communication Manager | RFF
On December 22, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/70/212, officially proclaiming February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This annual observance aims to promote full and equal access to, and participation, in science for women and girls worldwide.
At STELLA, we take this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of the women and girls working within our Horizon EU project. Their dedication, expertise, and passion drive innovation in plant health, digital technologies, and sustainable agriculture.
To honour this special day, we are sharing inspiring quotes from some of the brilliant women and girls shaping the future of science through STELLA. Their voices highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion, as well as their transformative power in research and innovation.
Spyridoula Dimitropoulou
Spyridoula is a Plant Pathologist working as a Research Αssistant at the Agricultural University of Athens.
“Agriculture in Greece has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but I chose to study nonetheless, driven by my fascination with how plants sustain life, their complex interactions with microbes, and ultimately the challenge of protecting them. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I celebrate the incredible impact of women in the field and encourage them to chase their scientific aspirations, break barriers, and create a brighter future!”
Dr. Anastasia Kannavou
Anastasia holds a PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and has built a diverse career in public policy, public administration, and project management. From 2019 to 2024, she served as a senior policy advisor and Head of Office at the European Parliament, where she managed key files related to the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Green Deal. Before her tenure at the European Parliament, Dr. Kannavou was the Acting Director of the Managing Authority for the Greek Rural Development Program 2007-2013, where she also served as the Head of the Programming and Evaluation Unit. In this capacity, she managed a €6 billion program. She also worked at the Municipality of Piraeus, where she developed the city’s Blue Growth Strategy, managed the Piraeus Integrated Territorial Investment (an €80 million project), and led several EU projects, including HORIZON, UIA, Erasmus, LIFE, and AMIF. Currently, she is a Policy Advisor and Project Manager, leading policy analysis tasks in HORIZON EUROPE projects.
“On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I am proud to lead the policy analysis and recommendations task in the STELLA project, where we harness digital technologies to protect plants and the environment. Through my journey in science and policy, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of women’s contributions in shaping evidence-based policies that foster sustainable agricultural practices and enhance environmental resilience. Let’s continue to inspire, support, and elevate women’s voices in science and policy within the European Union.”
Séverine Coubard
Séverine is an Agronomist working as a Project Manager at the Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin (IFV).
“As an agronomist working in the vine and wine industry, I am proud to contribute to the STELLA project, where we leverage digital technologies to protect plants and the environment. Through this initiative, I collaborate with experts from across Europe to enhance epidemic surveillance in viticulture using cutting-edge innovations. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the growing impact of women in shaping the future of science and technology.”
Kallia Kiokaki
Kallia is a student of Electrical and Computer Engineering, working as a Communications Manager at Green & Digital.
“Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I’m proud to contribute to the STELLA project as the Dissemination and Communication Manager for Green & Digital. As an Electrical and Computer Engineering student, I find it inspiring to bridge the gap between science, technology, and impactful policies. Highlighting the voices behind groundbreaking research amplifies knowledge and empowers the next generation of women in STEM to lead with innovation and purpose.
Despina Kabouridou
Despina is an Economist working as a Project Manager at reframe.food, contributing to research and innovation projects in the agrifood sector.
“Empowering women and girls in science is not just a matter of equality; it is essential for innovation and progress. When we invest in the potential of every girl and woman in science, we not only enrich our fields but also create a more equitable and innovative world. Let’s continue to inspire and encourage the next generation of female scientists!”
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