‘I hope for an increasing number of women who decide to pursue a career in science, question ‘traditional’ roles and hierarchies, and set new, equal standards’

Tuesday 11 February is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To mark the day, we spoke to Marie Kupjetz, a researcher and cyclist taking part in Cycle for MS: Conquer the Tour. Here, Marie shares her thoughts on being a woman in science and her expectations for Cycle for MS 2025. 

Meet Marie 

My name is Marie Kupjetz. I am from Germany and pursuing a PhD in the Sports Medicine group at TU Dortmund University, led by Prof. Zimmer. My background in physiotherapy introduced me to the multifaceted symptoms of MS.

Supporting people with MS in adopting active lifestyles is incredibly rewarding. However, I am aware that there are still many unanswered questions about how to optimise rehabilitation and exercise in MS. Our group focuses on understanding how exercise affects immune and nervous system functioning and alleviates MS symptoms. My PhD examines the effects of exercise on kynurenines, tryptophan metabolites involved in neuroimmune signalling. 

Women and girls in science: Progress and Challenges 

In our group, over half the team is female — unusual for a STEM discipline in which women are often still underrepresented. Globally, I think that many women still don’t have the opportunity to participate in research, due to financial dependency or societal roles. 

For many young female researchers, balancing academic careers and family responsibilities can be challenging, often requiring difficult trade-offs. The choice a young female researcher makes ultimately defines her own identity as a researcher, a mother, or a researching mother. Although I strongly believe that a combination is of these roles is possible, I think that being both a researcher and a mother carries the risk of feeling inadequate in either or both aspects.  Most female researchers, including myself, will have to face these considerations sooner or later. 

Pursuing a career in research 

I believe a research career starts with genuine curiosity and passion. Equally important is finding a supportive environment to pursue ideas, exchange knowledge and expertise, and overcome doubts together. I am fortunate to be surrounded by such people. Although I’m still at the beginning of my career, it has been of great value to connect with other people working in the field of ‘Exercise in MS’. This allowed me to gain insights into different working groups and styles, to extend my skills and to become part of a very collaborative and open-minded research network.

I think that every career is a mix of planning and good luck, in the dynamic world of science, it sometimes comes down to being in the right place at the right time. 

Women and girls in science: My hopes for the future  

I think that many countries are on the right track in raising awareness of gender inequality and developing strategies to achieve gender balance in scientific positions. Nevertheless, I hope that, worldwide, the societal and political boundaries that withhold people of a certain gender from pursuing a career in science are progressively reduced.   

I hope for an increasing number of women who decide to pursue a career in science, question ‘traditional’ roles and hierarchies, and set new, equal standards. An increasing visibility of female researchers can inspire others to navigating the challenges of finding their identities between academic careers and family roles.   

Bringing passions together: Research and cycling   

When I first heard about Cycle for MS, I was immediately enthusiastic. It perfectly combines my PhD research and love of cycling. The match with my PhD topic and our research is incredible, because our research highlights that cycling has a significant range of benefits on MS symptoms and physical function, aligning with the statement exercise is medicine (in MS). 

Cycling has taken me through Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, and Switzerland – and this year it will be the Pyrenees! Travelling by bike is the perfect way to explore new regions and countries, as it is slow enough to appreciate the landscape but fast enough to cover some distance and explore different places. 

I can’t wait for Cycle for MS. I am excited for the great mountain views and to meet the rest of the team. I look forward to learning about everyone’s personal motivations for taking part and I believe the shared effort of conquering the mountains will quickly connect us as a group. I look forward to my passions for science and cycling coming together. 

You can donate to Marie and all the Cycle for MS 2025 Team here: Cycle for MS: Conquer the Tour