International Women’s Day. Tackling Gender Equality in Science and Tech: Interview with Anna Silyakova

On this International Women’s Day, we want to shine a light on the incredible achievements of women within our organisation and beyond.

We are proud to honour our Science Lead, Anna Silyakova, who has been named one of Norway’s Top 50 Women in Tech by Norwegian associations Oda and Abelia. Over the past two years, Anna has worked to build up HUB Ocean’s connections to the global ocean science community to achieve a healthier ocean.

“I am very honoured to receive this award and I am immensely grateful to my colleagues for nominating me as well as the jury for including me in the list of amazing women in tech this year. I hope this award inspires other women in my network and my field of expertise to pursue their dreams, embracing whatever comes their way with grace,“ said Anna.

Pioneering a systematic collaboration between industry and science through ocean data

Lately, she has worked closely with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO on connecting the scientific with the industrial community to identify use cases where industrial data can be put to good use in hands of the scientists. This is truly pioneering work down a road less travelled if at all travelled in such a systematic way.

“The recognition of our remarkable colleague is inspirational, but also a reminder of how far we have to go before women have equal representation in the development of new technologies that will change the world,” said Kimberly Mathisen. “We must continue to support and promote women’s successes and strive for a more equitable society where every person has a chance to thrive.”

HUB Ocean’s CEO has been recognised as an “established female tech leader” by Abelia and ODA and has a strong focus on lifting the number of women working in tech and management.

Coming from a heavily male-dominated scientific field

Stanford University’s Women in Data Science recently released a white paper that says that, despite decades of programmes created to address the lack of gender diversity in computer and information sciences, only 17% of those enrolled in PhD programs are women.

“I studied and built a career in ocean and polar science, which was a heavily male-dominated field, and still is in some places. However, to me, the realm of the possible and gender balance in the field have never been part of the same equation. I was fortunate that the family in which I grew up was free of gender stereotypes and attributes. I also have a stubborn personality which helps me to get to where I want to be,” Anna explains.

Her best advice

And let us leave you with a few words of advice from Anna, stemming from her years of experience.

“At birth, we all have a different start and a different set of possibilities. However, I would like all women to remember that:

• You are very strong!

• This is your life and your journey, so stay true to your authentic self.

• Don’t worry about what others think.

• Ask questions, there is no such thing as a stupid or uncomfortable question.

• You are not an impostor in your field, and you have every right to be there regardless of social beliefs.”