On May 8, a group of 120 young researchers came to Amsterdam Science Park for the third edition of WomenNetPhysics (WNP), the largest Dutch networking event for women in physics. Bringing together both women and men, the event united participants through a shared interest in improving the position of women in the field. WomenNetPhysics 2026 was organized by: AMOLF, UvA IoP, ARCNL, and NIKHEF.
Talks and networking opportunities
The program consisted of four plenary talks by:
– Noushine Shahidzadeh (UvA): The path from research to professorship. Takeaway message: “Take breaks and don’t feel guilty about it.”
– Anna Watts (UvA): The educational pathways in physics. Takeaway message: “A physics career is very nonlinear. The choices that you make now do not define your future.”
– Genevieve Martin (ASML): Leadership in industry positions. Takeaway message: “Be brave enough to step into a room, even if it was not made for you. Find your north star.”
– Marijn Wiersma (author): Allyship, confidence and parenting. Takeaway message: “Supporting the underrepresented groups can only be achieved if everyone works together.”
In addition to these four talks, the event provided room for an exchange of ideas during poster, panel and career booster sessions.
AMOLF contributions
Two AMOLF researchers were part of the organizing committee of this year’s event: Wiebke Albrecht and PhD student Kim Bui. For Kim, this was the first time she attended the WNP event. She enjoyed the plenary talks and the thought-provoking ideas exchanged during the panel discussion.
What especially stayed with Kim was the response from participants afterwards. “Hearing that people felt heard, and that they recognized themselves in the stories being shared. That, to me, is what makes an event like this valuable: creating space for reflection, connection, and recognition.”
WomenNetPhysics 2027
WNP is looking for a location and an organizing committee for next year’s event. If you are interested in organizing the event – or have another question – send an e-mail to: info@womennetphysics.com
