Roles of Universities in the 21st Century

The gender gap in global science and STEM research remains very significant. A recent study by MIT finds that women make up only 24% of STEM scientists in the United States, 17% in the European Union, 16% in Japan, and 14% in India. Why is this so? What can be done about it? Join us for a discussion with one of the top global scientists and academic leaders who did break through the glass ceiling, Dr. Karin Markides.

On June 1, 2023, Dr. Karin Markides was appointed as the new President and CEO of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). As you can see from her bio, her personal and professional journey offers unique insights into the world of global top science research and research management, as well as the linkages between top science, politics, and innovation. Dr. Markides’ experience is truly global, having built and led top research labs, research institutes, and universities in America, Sweden, and Europe.

Come join us for what will be a unique real-world insight into the linkages between diversity, top science, education, innovation, and future prosperity.

Event and Registration Details

• This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
• In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card or at the door.
• Online participation is open to the public and free.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Karin Markides earned her doctorate degree from University of Stockholm in Sweden and specializes in analytical chemistry.

After serving as President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden as well as American University of Armenia, she was elected for President and CEO of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in February 2023 to assume the post on June 1, 2023.

Dr. Markides has been appointed for life as Chair Professor of Analytical Chemistry Science and Engineering at Uppsala University in Sweden as well as Elected Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA) and has been involved in the selection of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and the promotion of science for society, schools, and academia.

She is also a mentor and board member of Einride, a start-up company founded by the alumni of Chalmers University of Technology, and has led industry by serving on scientific advisory boards for various companies.

As Deputy Director General of “VINNOVA,” the State Agency for Innovation Systems in Sweden (2004-2006), and Chairman of the Board of Johannesburg Science Park (2014-2016), Dr. Markides has also been fostering a culture of open knowledge and innovation ecosystems and contributed to the development of an ecosystem of collaboration between industry, academia and government.

Dr. Markides has also been deeply involved in policy development, serving as Development Leader and Chairman of The Swedish Scientific Council for Sustainable Development (2015-2019) and President of CESAER (Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research) (2009-2011).

As a researcher, she has filed and registered numerous patents, including “Novel Liquid Crystalline Compounds and Polymers,” “Chiral Polysiloxane Compounds and Polymers,” and “Multi-Element Selective Radio Frequency Plasma Detector for Capillary Gas Chromatography,” published 289 peer-reviewed papers, and delivered over 500 presentations to academia and general public.