Women in AI4LUNGS: Shaping the Future of Digital Health

Every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: science and innovation are stronger when they reflect the diversity of the society they serve. However, according to UNESCO, women make up only around one third of researchers globally, and the proportion is even lower in fields such as AI, data science, and engineering. Leadership positions and senior technical roles remain disproportionately male-dominated, especially in emerging digital technologies. This imbalance is not just a question of representation. It is a question of perspective, inclusion, and impact.

Women in AI4LUNGS!

Thankfully, there are many amazing women working in AI4LUNGS, bringing together technical, clinical, legal, and societal expertise, this diversity is essential. Responsible AI in healthcare cannot be built from a single discipline or perspective. It requires collaboration, inclusion, and representation at every level. Today we have the honor to present to you some of the amazing women working in AI4LUNGS, also giving some examples that, regardless of your background, you can always be part of a STEM project!

Magdalena Kogut is Counsel at Timelex, a Brussels-based law firm specialising in new technologies. In AI4LUNGS, she contributes her expertise in privacy and data protection, intellectual property management, AI regulation, and health law, ensuring that innovation progresses within strong legal and ethical frameworks. She frequently works on EU research projects at the intersection of technology and healthcare, advising on how emerging digital solutions can comply with evolving regulatory requirements.

What inspires her most about working on EU health projects is the opportunity to collaborate with leading academics and innovators across Europe. “Their expertise and ambition motivate me to contribute to a strong and thriving EU science and health ecosystem,” she explains.

"Women bring unique perspectives: attention to detail, pragmatism, collaboration skills, and clear communication, all of which are essential in complex, multi-partner innovation projects. If we aim to develop unbiased solutions, particularly in health, women’s voices are indispensable.” - Magdalena Kogut

Isabelle Schlegel is a Manager in Deloitte’s Consulting Chief AI Office, where she works on AI transformation and innovation. Within AI4LUNGS, she leads the work on ethical, social, and legal implications, helping ensure that the system is developed responsibly and remains human-centred. Her broader focus lies in Responsible AI- supporting organisations as they navigate the age of AI and embed trustworthy practices into governance structures and operational processes.

She is particularly inspired by cross-disciplinary collaboration and translating research into real-world impact. “AI is both a technological and societal challenge. It requires diverse perspectives, shared frameworks, and collective responsibility to shape technology in ways that truly serve society.”

“Responsible AI is about more than tech: it needs diverse data, governance, collaboration, and reflection on societal impact. Projects like AI4LUNGS matter because they help ideas grow across cultures and disciplines and turn them into action”, Isabelle Schlegel.

Dr. Maria Marín holds a PhD in Genetics and works as a Scientific Manager at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona. In her role, she oversees and supports clinical oncologists and translational scientists across cancer research projects. She guides research teams in grant applications, coordinates and monitors research activities, and advises on scientific strategy, ensuring that innovation is effectively translated into progress for patients.

“I believe success comes from coordinating diverse teams and enabling science progress. This work matters because well-managed research improves cancer patients’ quality of life, which definitely inspires me.”- Maria Marin.

While acknowledging progress, she also stresses that equality in STEM is still a work in progress. Stronger institutional support, improved work–life balance policies, and visible female role models are essential to retaining talent and inspiring the next generation of women scientists.

Marta Wilinska is an attorney-at-law specialising in new technologies law at Timelex. Her work sits at the intersection of law, innovation, and technology, where she helps organisations translate complex legal and technical challenges into practical, responsible solutions. She is driven by the belief that technology can genuinely improve lives, when it is designed and implemented thoughtfully.

For Marta, being a woman in STEM and tech-related fields is both empowering and motivating. While the sector remains male-dominated, she sees encouraging signs of change.

“I am inspired by the belief that technology can truly improve lives when it is designed and used responsibly.”- Marta Wilinska.

With a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Eleftheria Georganti contributes to AI4LUNGS as Project Manager for communication and exploitation activities from Future Needs. She works to ensure that the project’s results reach key stakeholders and that its long-term impact is sustained. Working on early-stage prototypes that have the potential to improve patient health is particularly inspiring for her.

“I feel equal, confident, and proud to be a woman in STEM,” -Eleftheria Georganti.

Representation Creates Possibility

For young girls considering a future in STEM, visibility matters. Seeing women lead research teams, publish scientific papers, manage complex technical infrastructures, shape regulatory frameworks, or coordinate international collaborations sends a powerful message: there is space for you here.

---

Stay updated on the AI4LUNGS research development and progress by following the project on X, Bluesky and LinkedIn, and subscribing to our newsletter for the latest insights and advancements.