The online event “The future needs her: Advancing women in STEM” will take place on March 3, 2026, organized by the Observatory in Patents and Technology of the European Patent Office (EPO). The event highlights the essential role of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), key areas for the future of innovation and sustainable development in Europe.

Although more and more women are choosing careers in STEM fields, only a fraction of them end up in leadership positions in research, launching technological startups or contributing as inventors in patent applications. This situation directly influences the development and exploitation of innovation potential at European level.

The event will present recent data and analyses on the career progression of women across patenting, research and innovation, carried out by the EPO’s Observatory in partnership with the European DOC-TRACK project tracking STEM specialists’ carreers over time.

The agenda also includes an inspirational component – ​​a conversation between two European-recognized inventors: Catia Bastioli, head of a top company and laureate of the European Inventor Award, and Marie Perrin, winner of the Young Inventors Prize, who will share experiences on the path from idea to impact.

A panel dedicated to public policies will also bring together experts in research, innovation and STEM fields to discuss current challenges, possible solutions and perspectives for strengthening the European innovation ecosystem.

The event is aimed at both women at the beginning or in full development of a STEM career, as well as those involved in public policy-making, research, industry or entrepreneurship, offering relevant information and current perspectives for a more inclusive innovation environment.

Participation is free, and further details and the registration form are available on the official event page, accessible at the following link:

https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/events/future-needs-her-advancing-women-stem