Our Societal Mission
Empowering women and young minds to shape the future of STEM.
At cobRNA, science is more than the work we do at the bench. It is a responsibility we carry into the wider world. Our laboratory is committed to building a scientific community that is inclusive, diverse, and international, where talent is recognised regardless of gender, background, or place of origin, and where curiosity is nurtured at every stage of life.
We translate this mission into practice through three interconnected commitments: supporting women already working in science, educating ourselves so that we can drive lasting change, and inspiring the next generation of scientists through outreach and education.
1. Supporting Women in Science
Our first commitment is to the women who are building their scientific careers today. We actively support and empower them by mentoring early-career researchers, sharing knowledge across generations, and creating opportunities for growth and leadership. We believe that strong professional networks, visible role models, and honest conversations about the challenges women face in academia are essential to building a more balanced research landscape. Through mentoring relationships, collaborative projects, and everyday acts of advocacy, we work to ensure that women in our field are heard, valued, and equipped to lead.
2. Educating Ourselves to Drive Change
Our second commitment turns inward. Meaningful change begins with continuous learning, so we commit to broadening our own expertise, examining our biases, and staying informed about the structural barriers that still shape who gets to do science and how. Lifelong learning, developing deep expertise, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for change are not separate from our research. They are part of how we choose to practise it.
3. Educating the Next Generation
Our third commitment looks to the future. We organise workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities for children and young people to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation to explore STEM. By inviting young minds, and especially young girls, into the laboratory and into the conversation, we hope to show that science belongs to everyone who is willing to ask questions, explore, and grow.
Inclusivity and International Collaboration
Underpinning all three commitments is our belief that science thrives when it crosses borders. cobRNA is proud to be part of an international research community, welcoming collaborators, students, and visiting scientists from around the world. We believe that diverse perspectives, whether cultural, disciplinary, or personal, make science stronger, more creative, and more relevant to the societies it serves. Within our team, we strive to create an environment where every member, regardless of nationality, language, identity, or career stage, feels respected, supported, and free to contribute their best work.