My wish for the next generation of women physicists is 'to be seen and to be heard'. There are brilliant girls waiting for their time to shine. - Nashwa Eassa

I was speechless when they told me that I had been awarded an honorary doctorate. It’s a great honour. I’m convinced that it can also provide motivation for girls and young women – they see that traditional patterns can be broken, and they can gain the courage required to invest in their future.

Many women with a degree give up their academic career when they get married. They start a family and feel pressure from their family and society to stay at home and look after the children. Support from other women in the academic world may be decisive to them continuing their career.

Not only that, they also function as inspiration for girls and young women, and show that it is possible for them to go to university, if they can receive scholarships and the right support.