Diversity in Graphene @ GW2024
Diversity in Graphene
Equity, Inclusion & Diversity (EID) is not just a catch phrase, having a diverse and inclusive work environment encourages creativity, collaboration and effectiveness. This session explored the importance of diversity in research institutions and the benefits and challenges associated with creating an inclusive environment. Speakers explored their experiences and was followed by an open discussion on challenges faced and mechanisms for creating inclusive environments.
Diversity Speakers
Diana Marcano
Poznań Institute of Technology
Joyce Matsoso
University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
Ilaria Meazzini
Royal Society of Chemistry
Diana Marcano
Dr. Diana Marcano is a materials scientist with expertise in physics and materials engineering. She currently serves as Chief Engineer and Materials Development Specialist at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology. With over 15 years of experience, she has worn many hats, including those of scientist, engineer, technical consultant, and entrepreneur. Her primary passion lies in developing materials for renewable energy applications. A driving question in her work is: *How do different manufacturing techniques affect the properties of materials?* However, this is not her only curiosity.
Joyce Matsoso
Dr Joyce Matsoso is a postdoctoral researcher in the Sofer Group at University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czech Republic; specializing in synthesis and application of 2D material in renewable energy conversion and storage devices. She is a proud graduate mentee of the pilot Graphene Flagship Mentoring Programme (2021, mentor Ana-Maria Ciubotaru (ESF)) and is still fully involved in the programme to this date, currently working with mentor Stephen Hodge (VersarienTM plc). If not found in the laboratory hovering over devices, Joyce enjoys watching football and travelling to new places.
Ilaria Meazzini
Dr Ilaria Meazzini is a chemical scientist by background and is the Senior Programme Manager for Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) at the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Before moving to her current role, Ilaria spent several years working closely with the RSC chemistry community, to enable collaborations across researchers, policymakers and funding bodies on areas such as sustainability and air quality. In her current role, Ilaria leads the efforts of the RSC I&D team to increase the diversity of people choosing and fulfilling their potential in the chemical sciences. Areas of focus of the team include: disability and accessibility, gender parity, socioeconomic inclusion, race and ethnicity and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Ilaria was an advisory board member on the recently published “Gender Balance in the R&I Field to Improve the Role of Women in the Energy Transition”, a study funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency.