International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

Science thrives when it is inclusive, interdisciplinary and forward-looking. On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, ESICM proudly celebrates the women who drive discovery, innovation and leadership in intensive care medicine — and reaffirms its commitment to shaping a more equitable scientific future.

The 2026 theme, “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls,” highlights how progress depends on collaboration across disciplines. In intensive care, this synergy is already transforming practice: artificial intelligence supports diagnostics and decision-making, STEM expertise fuels technological innovation, social science informs ethical, patient-centred care, and sustainable funding enables research and education to thrive.

Yet, without deliberate action, these advances risk reinforcing existing inequalities. Empowering women and girls in science means ensuring equal access to digital skills, leadership opportunities, research funding and innovation ecosystems — particularly as AI and data-driven medicine reshape intensive care.

At ESICM, we believe that diverse, gender-balanced teams strengthen science, improve patient outcomes and accelerate meaningful innovation. By supporting women across research, education, clinical practice and leadership, we help ensure that the future of intensive care medicine is not only technologically advanced, but also inclusive, ethical and socially responsible.

Today, we celebrate women in science — and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where scientific excellence and gender equality advance together, for the benefit of patients, families and society.