Women in Mobility: Shaping the Future
Progress in mobility depends on whose voices are heard. We spotlight Women in the MOVEO Project and the perspectives they bring to advancing our transport systems.
At MOVEO, women in mobilitiy contribute across a wide range of disciplines, helping to create smarter and more sustainable transport systems. Their work spans multimodal logistics, the development of AI based tools, advances in human centred digitalisation, infrastructure monitoring, and data driven solutions.
Brit Ross Winthereik
Professor and Head of Division of the Technology & Business Studies division at Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
“I am a Professor of Human-Centred Digitalisation and Head of Division. I lead research projects, teach, and supervise PhD and master students. My research focus is on how digital technologies operate in and beyond organizational contexts and on the role of users. In the MOVEO project, I lead the work package on digital inclusion in transportation mobility. Here we contribute qualitative, grounded research that helps highlight the voices, experiences, and everyday situations that are often overlooked in mobility planning.”
What motivates you on days when work becomes challenging?
“What motivates me is the awareness that research can meaningfully influence how technologies are designed and implemented in society. Understanding people’s everyday experiences of digital systems may help make public services fairer and more accessible. I am motivated by making a difference in creating the knowledge base for this. Collaboration amongst colleagues and students is also important – shared interest and determination is key.”
Maria Pina Limongelli
Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano, Italy
“My research focuses on using advanced sensing technologies to assess the condition of civil infrastructures and translate this information into better management decisions. By analyzing monitoring data, we can detect damage early, track the progression of deterioration, and predict maintenance needs. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance safety and promote sustainable infrastructure management by extending the lifespan of structures.”
What is it that made you enter your field of work?
“I was drawn to this field because it combines technology, problem-solving, and real-world impact. The idea of using advanced sensing methods to improve safety and optimize infrastructure management fascinated me. I also enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of the work, which sits at the intersection of civil engineering, data science, and management optimization.”
Marta Waldmann
Senior Logistics Development Specialist at Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology
“As a logistics specialist, I carry out research and development projects in the field of transport, particularly multimodal transport in the broad sense. Multimodal transport logistics is the combination of many modes of transport into a single chain. I study the operation of various modes of transport—sea, rail, river, and road—and their interactions at transshipment points—terminals and ports. The most interesting aspect is watching transport operations live at transport infrastructure facilities. The infrastructure itself, its equipment, and its operation are fascinating.”
What is your advice for young women at the starting point of their career?
“First: don’t wait until you feel “good enough.” That moment often doesn’t come on its own, and men rarely need it to take action. Learn on the fly, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know something yet: it’s a sign of maturity, not weakness.
Secondly, look for people, not just positions. A good mentor, a supportive team, or an inspiring supervisor can have a greater impact on your career than the “perfect” role on paper.”
Evelina Grigaite
Financial support EU funding project manager at Klaipėdos uostas/Port of Klaipėda
“At MOVEO project my primary responsibility is to ensure that all established goals and objectives are accomplished, while effectively coordinating the Klaipeda Port team to achieve the desired outcomes. My research involves leveraging artificial intelligence technologies and integrating infrastructural components at Klaipeda Port to develop an innovative interactive tool. This tool enables real-time meteorological forecasting, thereby improving the nighttime navigation of ships and increasing just-in-time traffic by up to 20%.”
What skills are essential for a career in STEM?
“Being in STEM, it’s essential to trust in expert guidance and continually seek innovative and interesting solutions. It’s important to rely on expert advice, integrate practices with experts, and continually seek self-improvement. A common misconception is the underappreciation of collaboration and mentorship. Working with experienced scientists can significantly contribute to understanding the practical applications of scientific studies.
My motto is “Everything is achievable!” With a positive attitude, any challenge can be overcome.
Agnieszka Kretkowska
Junior Logistics Development Specialist at Łukasiewicz- Poznań Institute of Technology
“I work at Łukasiewicz‑PIT as a Junior Logistics Development Specialist, where I collect, organize, and analyze logistics‑related data to support ongoing projects. My responsibilities include identifying operational improvement areas and preparing clear analyses and recommendations that enhance the efficiency of logistics processes.
My work focuses on applying creative, solution oriented approaches to challenges in the broadly defined field of logistics. I support the team primarily through analysis of logistics processes and data driven evaluations. My interests remain broad, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of work within a research institute.”
What is a misconception about STEM careers that you wish more people understood correctly?
“In my view, one of the common myths about an engineering career is that it demands extensive knowledge and exceptional talent from the very beginning. This is simply not the case. Engineering is fundamentally built on continuous learning and development. Technical expertise is important, but determination and perseverance are ultimately the key drivers of success in this field.”
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