FEBS Letters marked Women in Science Week 2025 by announcing a writing contest, inviting researchers to share stories about their female role models in science.

We received many submissions from a diverse range of researchers—including not only bioscientists, but physical and social scientists—both celebrating inspiring women and their contributions to science, and highlighting the challenges faced by female researchers past and present.

• Rayane da Cruz Albino (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), "Black Pitch Illuminated: The legacy of Professor Jean H. Langenheim"
• Cara Giovanetti (University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), "It Takes a Village: Preparing women in science for difficult times"
• Rachel James (University of Edinburgh), "Remembering the R/evolutionary Biologist Lynn Margulis"
• Ashwini Kedari (University of Helsinki), "A Journey Sparked by Dr. Kamala Sohonie"
• Ioana-Felicia Marin (University of Valencia), "The Women Who Inspired Me: A reflection on Romanian migrant lives and a research journey"
• Mahaiwon Shadang (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), "The Other Women"

This shortlist represents researchers from all career stages and reflects a wide range of perspectives on what it means to celebrate women in science. Stay tuned for our announcement of the overall winner, whose essay will be published in the FEBS Letters Scientists' Forum!