What is your best advice to women who want to start researching?

Klara Fischer, Associate Professor in Rural Development and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Communication. 

My research concerns how ideas and practices regarding today's sustainability challenges in food production and natural resource management are negotiated and turned into practice, and in particular how marginalised groups are affected. My recommendation to young women who want to pursue a career in research is to believe in your own ideas and find senior colleagues who support you and give you positive energy.

Seema Arora-Jonsson, Professor in Rural Development

I’m a Professor in Rural Development, and work with questions of sustainability and justice in relation to environmental governance, climate politics and rural development. Feminist thinking and gender, race, ethnicity, class and geography are central in my analyses. Participatory research and ethics and analysing environmental questions in a North-South perspective in the globalising context of environmental governance guide my work.

Do not take things for granted, always question injustice. Keep learning - be humble in face of all those who have spoken before you and of different ways of knowing, also outside of the academy. And go forth and keep researching to build a better world.

Elisabeth Rajala, Researcher at the Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health

I'm a veterinarian and researcher at SLU in the field of One Health - the connection between the environment, animal, and human health. In my research, I primarily focus on infectious diseases, zoonoses, and antimicrobial resistance.

What is your best advice for women who want to start researching?

Being a researcher is incredibly stimulating and provides great freedom. The work can be demanding at times, but I find it manageable to combine research at SLU with family life. So, my advice to women considering a career in academia is to keep an eye out for interesting PhD positions and give it a chance!

Sofia Boqvist, Professor at the Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health

I developed an interest in the field of veterinary public health during my studies at SLU and have been working in this area since graduating. After gaining experience in various authorities, I am now a professor at SLU. My primary focus is on foodborne infections.

What is your best advice for women who want to start researching?

Embrace new challenges and trust your instincts. Dare to ask questions, dare to experiment, dare to think innovatively, dare to explore new roads, and look forward to collaborating with individuals skilled in diverse disciplines