Today we we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we take a moment to spotlight the women working at the Centre for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy (CTGCT). Their work stablishing, this, our new centre we think will shape the future of gene and cell therapy in Slovenia and therefore, help advancing innovative therapies, and pushing the boundaries of what rare diseases and cancer are treatable. Today, we share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in their own words.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Science has historically been a male-dominated field, but women have always been at the heart of discovery. At CTGCT, women are not just part of the team; they are leading research and the center itself, mentoring young scientists, and innovating at the cutting edge of gene and cell therapy.
Prof. Dr. Mojca Bencina, a senior researcher at the synthetic biology and immunology department of the National Institute of Chemistry and Head of the CTGCT reflects on her journey:
“As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I reflect on the remarkable women who have shaped my scientific journey. My journey in science has been significantly influenced by female role models, each of whom has played a crucial role in guiding and inspiring me.
The first significant woman to steer me towards science was my grandmother, a dedicated biology teacher. Her passion for the natural world and her ability to make complex concepts understandable sparked my curiosity and laid the foundation for my love of science. Her enthusiasm instilled in me the belief that scientific exploration is not only fascinating, but also a lifelong goal.
As I progressed in my studies, Professor Dr Tamara Lah Turnšek took on this mentoring role. Her guidance and tireless support gave me the confidence and knowledge to navigate the challenging world of scientific research. Under her mentorship, I learnt the importance of perseverance, critical thinking and collaboration — values that have stayed with me throughout my career.
I began my professional career at the National Institute of Chemistry, where I worked in a department headed by Professor Alexa Cimmerman. The presence of a female scientist at the top created an environment where the influence of women in science was palpable. The culture in the department reflected a strong sense of collaboration, support and excellence and reinforced the idea that women belong in leadership positions within the scientific community.
In the field of life sciences, women scientists are the rule rather than the exception. Throughout my career, I have always been surrounded by brilliant female colleagues with whom I have been able to have meaningful discussions, exchange ideas and grow together as scientists. The presence of women in my research environment has not only enriched my professional development, but also reinforced the importance of gender diversity in scientific innovation.
Now that I have taken on the responsibility of leading the Centre for Technologies for Gene and Cell Therapy (CTGCT), I am aware of both the privilege and the duty that comes with this role. It is my responsibility to actively promote the visibility of women in science and create opportunities for future generations of female researchers. I hope that by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, I can help break down barriers and ensure that women continue to succeed in science.
On this special day, I celebrate all the women who have paved the way in science and those who continue to inspire and guide the next generation. Let us work together to create a future where talent and dedication are the only determining factors for success, regardless of gender.”
Her current work on transcription regulation induced by ultrasound offers promise for in vivo therapies that aim at expressing a selected therapeutic gene in deep tissues. You can read more about it in this other article we published.
The Power of Mentorship and Representation
Having visible role models and strong mentorship has been key to progress. Dr. Darja Marolt Presen, a cell therapy specialist, emphasizes the importance of guidance in her international career:
“Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a mentor who encouraged me to take risks and push forward. Now, I make it a point to encourage young women to enter this field, because representation matters.”
At National Institute of Chemistry, mentorship programs and outreach initiatives are helping bridge the gender gap, ensuring that the next generation of female scientists has the support they need, a goal we aim to support from the CTGCT team. In fact, Prof. Dr. Mojca Benčina was chosen last year as Best Mentor of the National Institute of Chemistry.
Innovation Through Inclusion
Studies(1) show that diverse teams drive better scientific outcomes, and CTGCT thrives on collaboration. Project Monitor Polona Szilvassy at the CTGCT and expert financial accountant, sees diversity as an asset:
“Different perspectives foster more creative and innovative solutions. When we bring together diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities, and drive scientific progress forward. Inclusion isn’t just about representation, it’s about creating a richer, more dynamic environment where groundbreaking ideas can thrive.”
Her diverse background in management and accounting highlights how interdisciplinary expertise strengthens scientific innovation. The combination of knowledge from different fields enables a more comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges we face in science. This wide range of experiences and skills contributes to the development of new approaches and methods, allowing for faster progress and better results. Including different perspectives in science not only promotes innovation but also enhances equality and allows for the inclusion of a broader spectrum of talent, demonstrating that inclusion in science drives both equity and progress.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The women at CTGCT are committed to not only advancing their fields but also inspiring future scientists. Sergeja Šetina, a lab technician and the youngest member of the team, exemplifies the next generation of women in science.
“To join the CTGCT team at this stage of my career is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. I am thankful to see and be part of cutting-edge science first-hand.”
With the center still growing, CTGCT is focused on building a strong team. In 2025, we plan to welcome over 10 new scientists, offering an exciting opportunity for those passionate about gene and cell therapy to join us in shaping the future of the field. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in joining our team.
As we celebrate Women in Science Day, we honor the women at CTGCT and beyond who continue to break barriers, drive discovery, and redefine the future of medicine. Their voices remind us that the next big breakthrough could come from anyone—so long as we create the space for it to happen.
1. Gender-diverse teams produce more novel and higher-impact scientific ideas | PNAS