What is the exhibition "The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean" about? 

Sabina Cveček: The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean exhibition celebrates the achievements of female scientists from the Mediterranean who have received or contributed to the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships. Showcased across multiple countries, the exhibition features 29 panels highlighting their personal journeys, from childhood inspirations to professional milestones. It emphasizes the cultural diversity of the Mediterranean region and the impact of these fellowships on their careers. By making their stories accessible in nine languages, the exhibition aims to inspire young generations, increase women’s visibility in science, and showcase the Mediterranean’s scientific talent as part of the European Researchers’ Night initiative and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Why is it important to highlight the work of these researchers? 

Cveček: Highlighting the work of these researchers is essential for several reasons. First, it increases the visibility of women in science, challenging gender biases and encouraging greater representation in research fields where women remain underrepresented. Second, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and achievements helps inspire younger generations, particularly girls and persons from diverse backgrounds, to pursue careers in science. Third, it emphasizes the Mediterranean region’s rich intellectual and cultural contributions to global scientific advancements. Finally, by demonstrating the impact of the Marie Curie fellowships, which so far supported over 200,000 excellent researchers, the exhibition underscores the importance of international and intersectoral mobility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering a more inclusive and interconnected research community.

The exhibition aims to inspire young generations, increase women’s visibility in science, and showcase the Mediterranean’s scientific talent.

You are one of the women presented. What is the focus of your research? 

Cveček: My research focuses on interpreting prehistoric kinship and social organization in the eastern Mediterranean through interdisciplinary approaches. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellow, my X-KIN project explores how settlements, buildings, artifacts, and biological markers function as ‘material codes’ of kinship in prehistory. I also examine how ethnographic reports can illustrate, rather than simply verify, the variability of kinship practices during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age in southeastern Europe and Anatolia. Drawing from socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, and archaeogenetics, I aim to deepen our understanding of non-state social organization, emphasizing the dynamic and diverse ways making kin, beyond genetic ties, in past communities. Learn about why kinship still needs anthropologists in the 21^st century in my recent publication in Anthropology Today.