Women in Science at KWR

At KWR Water Research Institute, science is not only about outcomes and impact, but also about the process: navigating uncertainty, collaborating across disciplines, and continuously learning along the way. By highlighting this day, we not only recognise the contributions of women in science, but also underline the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive scientific community in which different perspectives can thrive. 

Several women working at KWR share what the challenges are of working in science and what they have learned so far that they would like to pass on to others considering a career in science. 

“One of the challenges of working in science is that research rarely has a clear endpoint. Questions often lead to new questions, but this open-ended nature is also what makes scientific work interesting.”

Miina Yanagihara PhD

“Through my work, I have found that working with others often leads to insights beyond one’s own skills or experience. New perspectives often emerge through collaboration, and conversations with people working in different areas of science can be a source of inspiration.”

“What I find challenging, but at the same time very enjoyable about science, is that it constantly forces you to think critically and look beyond the most obvious explanation. The sheer volume of existing work can sometimes be overwhelming, because it’s easy to get lost in the many ideas and results that already exist. But that’s precisely what makes it so exciting to build on that and explore new perspectives.”

Femke de Boer MSc

“I am still at the beginning of my career in science, but a number of things have already become very important to me. First of all, it is important to remain curious and ask a lot of questions, especially those that do not immediately seem logical. In addition, I have noticed how valuable it is to talk to others when you are unsure about something or faced with a choice.”

“This question makes me pause and think about why I chose a career in science. I graduated with my PhD almost a year ago and looking back, the journey was not smooth. There were many moments when I failed- sometimes badly- when experiments simply did not work.”

Bahareh Kianfar

“Science, of course, is not an easy path.  In environmental science, challenges can come from messy data, experimental failures, system complexity, and communicating uncertainty clearly. Yet these challenges are also what shape the work. Sharing results, learning from failures, pushing past periods of stagnation can turn frustration to growth. Being patient, make sense of imperfect data, and learning from unexpected experimental outcomes are what bring me back to why I chose science.

What I have learned from working in science is the importance of sharing the journey. For anyone considering a scientific career,  finding a supportive group is crucial. Many of the best ideas take shape through conversation and collaboration, and within a supportive community, even the hardest scientific challenges can push toward meaningful outcomes.”

“In my research at KWR, I can delve into many different topics, all of which are important in their own way for healthy microbiological water quality. Collaborating with different disciplines can be challenging, but it is also very educational.”

Maaike Besteman PhD

“For me, a career in science at a university is very different from how I have experienced research at KWR so far. At KWR, I am now mainly enthusiastic about the applications of our research and the breadth of the various projects I am working on. I find it important that I now feel that my work makes a very direct contribution to society.

What I would advise others is not to lose sight of what energises you and what you ultimately want to contribute to in your career.”

“Working in science offers the opportunity to contribute to a water-wise and sustainable society. What I like most is when research projects involve collaboration between science, government and practice, and everyone can make an essential contribution from their own role.”

Marette Zwamborn MSc

“In science, your own work and reflection are important, but knowledge only really takes off when you build on existing knowledge, link up with current developments and seek connections with practice for implementation.”

Making a difference

Across these reflections, a shared theme emerges: working in science is closely connected to a sense of purpose that extends beyond individual projects. Building on this shared perspective, Mariëlle van der Zouwen, CEO of KWR, reflects on how water science contributes to society at large.

“Working in science allows you to make a real difference. Science is much more than conducting research alone. As a scientist, you are constantly anticipating: what does a good future look like, which fundamental choices need to be made, and what knowledge is required to support them?”

Mariëlle van der Zouwen PhD MA

“You co-create by working together with partners from practice towards a water-wise society. And you activate: by bringing new – and sometimes unconventional – insights from research into the societal debate. In this way, science contributes knowledge to a sincere and trustworthy future perspective.”

Why it matters

Together, these reflections show that working in science is shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and learning over time – often through uncertainty, experimentation, and exchange with others. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognise the diverse ways women contribute to science at KWR: in research, in practice and in the connections they build. By making room for different experiences and perspectives, science becomes stronger, more relevant and more closely connected to society.

Last year, we shared reflections from KWR researchers on what drives them in their work. You can read that blog here.