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The European Commission is at the forefront of promoting gender equality. Its Joint Research Center (JRC) is certainly a good example, with almost 40% of women in scientific roles as of January 2024. The number of female scientists has steadily increased over the past four years.
Four JRC scientists, Dora, Ana, Rafaela and Anatoli, will guide you through their interdisciplinary field and show how their research supports EU policy. Their work at the JRC helps EU policymakers develop science-based policies that have a positive impact on people and societies.
Dora Men | Ana Luis Moreno | Rafaela Corvi | Anatoli Chatsipanaghi
Dora Mehn – Where Chemistry Meets Biology and Physics
Dora is working on technology for health. She is contributing to the development of methods to monitor the amount of microplastics in drinking water. This methodology supports the Drinking Water Directive and will help EU countries measure microplastics in tap water.
From 2024, Dora will also lead an exploratory research project called “Pangolins”. This name comes from the animal that curls up into a ball using its scales as a shell. Just as pangolins are protected by scales, nanomedical products are protected by a coating that protects the particles. If the protective layer is defective, the human body may recognize the particles and cause an unwanted immune response. This exploratory research project aims to develop methods to confirm the safety of nanomedical products such as vaccines and cancer drugs.
For Dora, working in the field of research with medical applications is extremely rewarding. This is a rapidly growing field that has a positive impact on global health, and the work is always exciting and challenging.
“Chemistry, biology, and physics are strongly intertwined in our lab,” she says. “If you want to pursue this career, you need to always be open to knowledge from all scientific fields and stay curious.”
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Ana Luis Moreno – Boosting health crisis preparedness with biotechnology
Anna is a physicist working on biotechnology for biomedical applications. She analyzes, develops and implements technologies that help the EU prepare for new pandemics. In addition to improving population health, this research will inform policymakers about technology gaps (e.g., lack of real-time, portable, affordable devices to identify airborne pathogens), and Helps plan preparatory actions.
In particular, Ana is working on biological detection systems to monitor the presence of pathogens in the air. These systems can check indoor air quality to prevent the spread of viruses, which is especially important during a pandemic.
Anna is also leading an exciting new exploratory research project to develop 3D bioprinted cell models to assess the safety of nanomedicines, innovative medicines that harness the power of nanotechnology. Anna and her team aim to use 3D bioprinting to create in vitro cellular models that reproduce the complex structure and function of human tissues. These models allow us to study how our bodies react to different substances. Using the same method on real patients’ own cells contributes to personalized drug testing and treatment optimization.
“Biotechnologies open up innovative solutions to health crises. For example, they were used to rapidly develop vaccines for Covid-19,” explains Ana. “At JRC, we feel that the science we do has a positive impact on policy and society. I enjoy working in a multicultural environment at the Commission because I get to work with representatives of society. It was there that I realized that science knows no borders.”
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Raffaella Corvi – How to assess the safety of chemicals
Rafaela is a molecular biologist. She and her team work to ensure the safety of the chemicals we are all exposed to. Every day we come into contact with chemicals in our clothes, food, cosmetics, medicines, and even our drinking water. Therefore, it is essential to prove that these chemicals are non-toxic.
Raffaella assesses whether the methods used to evaluate these chemicals are efficient, standardized, and scientifically sound. Having a standardized and validated method means it can be used across the EU and beyond, ensuring a uniform approach.
This research not only has a positive impact on human health, but also protects the environment, as chemicals are also found in water, air and soil and can be toxic to things like bees and fish. .
Chemicals have traditionally been tested on animals. Rafaela is researching a wide range of innovative approaches, from using human cells to computer-based methods that can accurately model human biology. These alternative methods are often more reliable and effective than animal testing, while protecting laboratory animals.
“JRC is a unique workplace for scientists, where you can see the different stages of research, from the laboratory to regulatory enforcement to societal impact,” explains Raffaella. “You get exposed to different perspectives and it’s a great learning opportunity.”
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Anatoli Chatzipanagi – Clean Energy for Sustainable Development
Anatoli is a mechanical engineer specializing in renewable energy and photovoltaic panels. She monitors the development and progress of photovoltaic technology and analyzes her EU’s competitiveness in this field.
She is also working on an innovative application of solar power called agrivoltaic, which installs solar panels on farmland. This is a more sustainable and efficient land use than traditional land use, as the same land can simultaneously produce both crops and renewable energy.
Anatoli helps assess where agrivoltaic power plants can be located and their realistic energy production potential, taking into account factors such as location, existing land use, and conservation priorities.
This initiative supports the EU’s solar energy strategy and will help the EU reach its solar energy goals. It also supports the EU’s rural development policy.
Anatoli will also analyze what is required at the regulatory level for such applications. Her research at JRC clearly demonstrates how science contributes to her EU policy.
“In my work, we translate technical analysis into information that contributes to regulation and market evaluation,” says Anatoli. “I love when my work has a tangible, positive impact on our environment and society. I’m glad I ignored the prejudices and followed my dreams. I’ll do the same!”
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