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Science and research acquire real value when they step outside laboratories and engage with society. At that point, science ceases to be an abstract concept and becomes a living experience. This is especially important for children, whose worldviews are still being shaped. They should be constantly exposed to stimuli, new knowledge, and experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and imagination. Living role models, such as scientists, can serve as sources of inspiration and reference, helping children envision their future while opening new horizons.

 

On the occasion of the recent visit of Athena's researcher Dr. Niki Efthymiou, scientific collaborator of the Robotics Institute (IRO/HERON), to an elementary school in Vrilissia, aimed at raising students’ awareness of AI and Robotics, and following the discussion that took place regarding the importance of greater female representation in science, we celebrate the International Women’s Day through a meaningful conversation with her.

 

Question: You started in Mathematics and now work in Robotics. What attracted you to this field?

Answer:
I studied Applied Mathematics because I loved mathematics and wanted to apply it to society and address real social needs. Robotics is a field that allows exactly that.

Question: Which skill or mindset helped you most in developing as a researcher?

Answer:
A key element and defining characteristic of my work is teamwork. I believe research outcomes are better when we work in groups and that the benefits multiply through collaborations.

Question: You recently spoke to elementary school children about AI. What do you think is most important for them to understand at a young age?

Answer:
It is important to explain to children what AI is and how its models work. They need to intuitively understand that these systems rely on statistical models, and therefore they must develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to evaluate the results they receive.

Question: Children are a special audience when explaining what science means. How can you approach them in ways that increase their interest and encourage critical thinking?

Answer:
What I prefer in presentations is to first ask students about their own experiences and views. For example, I may ask them to judge whether an image is real or AI-generated and explain how they reached their conclusion. In this way, we open a discussion about the criteria they need to develop, instead of presenting them as a list they are unlikely to remember.

Question: What seems to concern young students today regarding the role of women in science?

Answer:
In students’ minds, things are simple: more women in research mean more minds, more diverse perspectives, and more innovative ideas.

Question: What difficulties do women face today in the research environment?

Answer:
There are several, but one of the main issues I would highlight is motherhood. Short-term research contracts mean that women in our field do not have the same rights as other working women in Greece. The situation is even more difficult for female PhD scholarship holders who lack insurance coverage, meaning they are not only unable to start families but cannot even afford to fall ill.

Question: What message would you like to send to girls considering careers in science and technology?

Answer:
Set goals with consistency, perseverance, and integrity, and keep striving until you achieve them.

Question: What would you like to say to women working in research?

Answer:
Inequality also exists in research. Historically, women have earned their rights through struggle. Therefore, change in this field will also come through continued effort and collective action.