WomenNetPhysics 2026 brings physicists together to strengthen inclusivity in the field
On May 8, researchers from across the Netherlands gathered at Amsterdam Science Park for WomenNetPhysics 2026, the largest Dutch networking event dedicated to strengthening the position of women in physics. The annual event brought together around 120 participants for a day focused on connection, inspiration and practical discussions on inclusivity in academia and industry.
Exchanging ideas
The program featured four plenary talks by scientists and professionals from academia and industry. Noushine Shahidzadeh (UvA) spoke about the path from research to professorship, while Anna Watts (UvA) reflected on educational pathways in physics and the nonlinear nature of scientific careers.
Genevieve Martin (ASML) discussed leadership in industry positions: “Be brave enough to step into a room, even if it was not made for you.”
Marijn Wiersma, co-author of SOS Women at Work, addressed allyship, confidence and parenting: “Supporting underrepresented groups can only be achieved if everyone works together.”
Alongside the plenary program, participants could exchange ideas during a poster session and a panel discussion with Watts, Martin, Wiersma, and AMOLF group leader Kristina Ganzinger. The event also included a career booster session with industry partners QuantWare and Optics11, offering CV checks, mock interviews and a LinkedIn photo booth. The day closed with networking drinks.
A constructive, supportive space
“What stood out most was the engagement throughout the day,” says Charly Bolhuis, UvA PhD candidate and chair of this year’s organizing team. “It was great to see how easily participants asked questions, talked with the companies, and connected with each other. That’s exactly the kind of constructive, supportive space we hoped to create.”
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of creating supportive environments in which different perspectives and career paths are recognized and valued. The speakers all highlighted the need to find your own path, find your network and support, and that it is okay to make mistakes.
“It was wonderful to see so many people discussing and sharing their experiences in such an open and positive environment,” says Emilia Olsson, ARCNL group leader and contributor to the organizing team. “What stuck with me most was that we all have quite similar experiences, and that it is universal throughout academia and industry.”
Working together
WomenNetPhysics is organized annually, each time at a different Dutch university or institute. The 2026 edition was the third in the series, following earlier editions in Utrecht and Eindhoven.
This year’s edition was organized by the University of Amsterdam Institute of Physics (UvA IoP), ARCNL, AMOLF and Nikhef. From ARCNL, Olsson and PhD candidate Barsha Bhattacharjee were part of the organizing committee and in charge of creating the program. “We wanted to represent as many fields as possible where women with a background in physics are contributing,” reflects Bhattacharjee, “and it was rewarding to see that come together in the event.”
The organizers hope the event will continue to grow in the coming years and inspire new initiatives that strengthen diversity and inclusion within physics.
Contact
If you have any questions or are interested in hosting the 2027 edition of WomenNetPhysics, please contact info@womennetphysics.com.
Photo Credits
Sabine Haitsma
