The Science Girl (Bilim K?z?) Project
The Science Girl (Bilim K?z?) Project, initiated by M¨¹jgan ?ET?N in 2016, exemplifies a dedicated effort to support young women aged 18 to 28 pursuing studies in fundamental sciences such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy, as well as postgraduate studies in life sciences including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics. Through its comprehensive programme, the initiative has provided 81 young women with 830 hours of mentorship from 53 accomplished female scientists, while 43 participants have received scholarships and financial support.
The programme further emphasizes skill development, offering 256 hours of English language training and 502 hours of education in various fields such as artificial intelligence and TUBITAK project preparation. To support career readiness and academic engagement, the initiative provides young women with internship and job opportunities, simulations in preparation for master¡¯s programmes, and chances to publish their scientific articles in the Bilim K?z? magazine.
With the support of 43 institutional partners, the initiative has facilitated R&D and lab visits for 31 young women, establishing a robust scientific network through 33 collaborations with universities, R&D centres, and NGOs. Furthermore, outreach efforts have reached 345 event participants, raising awareness of the role of women in science. The Bilim K?z? calendar, showcasing 48 contemporary women scientists, further amplifies the visibility of successful women in Turkish science.
Recommended by: Isil Kurnaz, Gebze Technical University, Turkey
M¨¹jgan ?ET?N (The Science Girl Project)