Science is everywhere: For me, science is not something that happens in an ivory tower, but something that permeates our entire lives: from the ubiquitous smartphone in our hands to the protective flu vaccine in the winter months. Scientific discoveries and advances affect us all.

That’s why it’s important to let as many people as possible participate in them. Science should not only be discussed in a small, select circle, but belongs at the centre of our society.

Science is not just for geniuses: Through my science communication, I want to show both in the lecture hall and on Instagram that everyone can understand and comprehend science. My goal is to make complex topics understandable and tangible and to break down barriers. Particularly the STEM disciplines have an image of genius that needs to be dispelled. You don’t have to be a genius – you just need to be curious and interested. And what could be more exciting than the genetic code of life, the absurd world of quantum particles, or how artificial intelligence works?

Making women visible in science: Women have long been invisible in science. Their achievements were often not recognized or were attributed to male colleagues. That’s why, when we think of scientists, we usually think of Einstein, Darwin, or Galileo, but rarely of Lise Meitner, Rosalind Franklin, or Jocelyn Bell Burnell. In my science communication, I want to put female role models in the spotlight and break down stereotypes.

Elka Xharo studied medical informatics and biomedical engineering at the TU Vienna. She also trained as a medical physicist and has been working as an academic expert and lecturer at FH Wien der WKW for several years. She also runs the Instagram account The sciency feminist, where she focuses on science communication and female empowerment in science.