Every year on 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrates the curiosity, dedication, and impact of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). At COREu, we are proud to shine a light on the women whose expertise and commitment are helping to shape a more sustainable future. One of them is Dr. Anna Król, Researcher at Oil and Gas Institute (INiG-PIB), who shares her journey into STEM, her work in COREu, and her advice for girls and young women considering a career in science.

1. How did you decide to pursue a career in STEM?

For over 20 years, science has been both my profession and my passion. I started my career as a chemist, driven by curiosity about how industrial processes affect the environment and how scientific knowledge can help reduce their impact. Over time, this curiosity grew into a long-term commitment to environmental protection in the oil and gas sector.

2. What does your work at INiG-PIB involve, and what is your role in COREu?

In my daily work, I address complex challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions, mercury emissions to the atmosphere, sustainable waste management, hydrogen technologies, and the environmental aspects of carbon capture and storage (CCS). I have contributed to numerous research projects and scientific publications, as well as to European initiatives under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.


Today, I am proud to be part of the COREu project, where I work on sustainable development and consensus management, and to collaborate on projects such as NHyRA, SHIMMER and PermittHy, where science meets real industrial needs.

3. What experiences have shaped your path in STEM, and how do you stay motivated?

What has shaped my path the most is the continuous process of learning: solving new problems, working with multidisciplinary teams, and translating research into practical solutions. Along the way, I have met many inspiring people who showed me that science is not only about data and equations, but also about cooperation, perseverance, and trusting your own abilities.

Outside the laboratory and project meetings, I find balance in nature. Living in the countryside allows me to step away from the fast pace of the city, spend time in my garden, and enjoy reading stories that spark the imagination in a different way than scientific papers do. This balance helps me stay curious and motivated.

4. What advice would you give to girls and young women who want to pursue a career in STEM?

If there is one message I would like to share, it is this: there is space in STEM for your ideas, your sensitivity, and your perspective. A scientific path does not have to be linear or perfect. It grows with experience, courage, and curiosity. Science needs diversity, and it needs women who are not afraid to ask questions and look for answers that can make the world a better place.