Women in Corrosion (WiC)

"WiC“ celebrates women working in corrosion and in general, in STEM-related field in relation to the International Day of Women in Science on February 11th and International Women in Engineering Day on June 23rd.

Across STEM disciplines, including corrosion science and engineering, women continue to encounter structural and cultural barriers that influence visibility, recognition, funding, leadership progression, and work-life integration. Professional networks have demonstrated how community-building, mentorship, and open dialogue can strengthen inclusion and professional sustainability.

The YEFC together with the EFC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force aims to create structured spaces for discussion, visibility, and peer support within our corrosion community.

2026

6th edition: Building on the strong engagement and positive feedback from last year’s Women in Corrosion luncheon and photo campaign, the 2026 programme continues and deepens these conversations, and will include:

1. YEFC Career Webinar – Retrospective Perspective

Professor Sanna Virtanen has kindly agreed to participate in a YEFC career webinar, sharing reflections on her professional trajectory, leadership experiences, and lessons learned throughout her career in corrosion science.

2. Author Webinars – Perspectives on Academic and Personal Trajectories

a. Margaret Watson – How to achieve our potential?
On 5 March 2026, we will host Professor Margaret C. Watson, author of Women in Academia – Achieving Our Potential. Drawing on extensive academic experience and international research, she will discuss effective professional practice, the role of social capital, and the lived experiences of women navigating academic careers.

b. Alex Bollen – Motherdom
In late April/May, we will welcome Alex Bollen, author of Motherdom. From the perspective of a researcher and mother, this session will explore the emotional realities of early motherhood, the often unseen challenges faced by new parents, and how these experiences intersect with academic and professional life.

3. Online Discussion Panel – Motherhood and Career in Corrosion

In June, we will organise an online discussion panel dedicated to motherhood and career progression within the corrosion community. Building on the format successfully introduced at Eurocorr2025, this event will provide a safe and constructive space for experience-sharing and dialogue on a new thematic focus.

4. Women in Corrosion Luncheon – Eurocorr2026

The initiative will culminate in the Women in Corrosion Luncheon at Eurocorr2026, continuing the tradition of networking, visibility, and community-building within the broader EFC framework.

2025

5th edition: this year, we wanted to know what drives the work of the Women in Corrosion in order to inspire and encourage the next generation to enter the corrosion science and engineering field.

1. Meet the Women in Corrosion 2025

Meet the WomenInCorrosion2025

2. Women in Corrosion Luncheon – Eurocorr2025

The Women in Corrosion Luncheon created a meaningful space for open dialogue and shared reflection. The discussion highlighted that, regardless of background or experience, many professionals in the corrosion community face similar challenges – and that open, honest conversations are key to building understanding and support.

The session was moderated by Noémie Ott, Chair of the Young EFC, and featured insightful contributions from Andressa Trentin, Laura Kahn, Clara Vestberg, Maria Lekka, and Kristine Myksvoll, who shared their personal experiences and perspectives. Their openness sparked valuable discussions and encouraged participants to consider how we can all contribute to positive change across our field.

The YEFC warmly thanks Mankiewicz for their generous sponsorship and the EFC leadership team for their support in making this important conversation possible.

2024

4th edition: we are happy to celebrate women working in corrosion with two inspiring women, mentors and role models.

In the frame of the International Day of Women in Science, on February 15th, Jenifer Locke (Fontana Corrosion Center, Ohio State University, USA) discussed her career path and transition from industry to academia as well as sharing tips for a successful career and satisfied life. Recording here.

In the frame of the International Women In Engineering, Yolanda Hedberg (University of Western Ontario, Canada) discussed her career path and presented the CORRECT program on June 27th. Recording here.

The YEFC also joined efforts with EFC EDI task force, M.S.C.A. Steminist, Coatings - Open Access Journal and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to organize the Women in Science Week - February 5th-9th, 2024

2023

3rd edition: we ask women from industry, research institutes, and universities to share their passion for corrosion. They show the diverse the diverse breadth of careers available in corrosion, while also contributing to female
empowerment and gender equality.

Meet the #WomenInCorrosion2023

Chathumini Samarawickrama (RMIT University, Australia), M. Belén García Blanco (CIDETEC, Spain), Elena Messinese (Politecnico di Milano, Italy) and Patricia López (CIDETEC, Spain)

Anna Dobkowska and Ewa Ura-Bińczyk (Warsaw University of Technology, Poland), Naroa Imaz (CIDETEC, Spain), Paola Baquero (Applus+ Norcontrol, Colombia) and Rosalina Pérez (CIDETEC, Spain)

Amaya Garcia Casas (CIDETEC, Spain), Iqra Falak Sher (University of the Punjab, Pakistan) and Leire Bercianos Santa-María (CIDETEC, Spain)

Marian Corres Ortega (CIDETEC, Spain), Huichao Bi (DTU - Technical University of Denmark, Denmark) and Amaia Querejeta Tierno (CIDETEC, Spain)

Itziar García Urrutia (CIDETEC, Spain), Mónica Hernández (Infinity Growth, Canada) and Oihane Garrido Ibaibarriaga (CIDETEC, Spain)

Aleyna Bayatlı (Konya Teknik Üniversitesi, Turkey), Aliona Nicolenco (CIDETEC, Spain) and Elena Romanovskaia (University of Virginia, United States)

Meet the women of the YEFC board

Marta Mohedano (Universidad Complutense de Madrid), Claudia Martínez Piñón (CorrosionRADAR), Noémie Ott (OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule) and Andressa Trentin (VTT)