Women in Cognitive Science - Europe
Widening Inclusivity in Cognitive Science - Europe
Women in Cognitive Science (WiCS) is an umbrella organization dedicated to advancing equity, visibility, and inclusion for all scientists in cognitive science.
Founded in 2001 by Profs. Judith Kroll, Randi Martin, and Suparna Rajaram, WiCS has worked to celebrate the contributions of women, dismantle systemic barriers, and create professional development opportunities.
Due to the historical underrepresentation of women in academia, WiCS emerged from the collective effort of female scientists who recognized the need to unite in order to enhance visibility and support career development throughout the academic journey. As such, the primary audience for WiCS events includes individuals who identify as women (cisgender, transgender, and gender‑diverse) in cognitive science. However, participation is not exclusive, as we aim to foster collaboration across the entire community and emphasize that all are welcome. In 2021, WiCS broadened its mission to WiCS+, recognising its origins and standing also for Widening Inclusivity in Cognitive Science, signaling a stronger commitment to inclusivity for all historically underrepresented groups in cognitive science. This expansion includes promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across intersecting identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, ability, and socioeconomic background. WiCS+ is now a worldwide network with active chapters in Canada and Europe, and it continues to grow - expanding its reach, building connections, and shaping a more inclusive future for cognitive science.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and community‑building, WiCS+ empowers a global network of scholars and works toward a more inclusive and equitable field of cognitive science. Central to WiCS+ is the creation of safe, inclusive spaces free of violence, discrimination, and harassment, grounded in mutual respect, dignity, and human rights.
To learn how this idea first took shape and matured into a long‑lasting effort supporting gender equity in cognitive science, please read: Martin, R. C., & Rajaram, S. (2024). The founding and growth of women in cognitive science: An enduring legacy of Judith Kroll. The American Journal of Psychology, 137(2), 215–223, DOI.
WiCS+ Europe
The European chapter of WiCS+ (WiCS+E) was established in 2016 at the International Psychonomics Meeting in Granada, Spain, co‑founded by Drs. Teresa Bajo and Cristina Cacciari.
Mission
WiCS+E brings together cognitive scientists across Europe to increase the visibility of women and underrepresented groups, support collaboration and career development, and promote a gender‑aware approach to reducing inequality in science.
You will find us at:
- Biennall meetings of of the European Society for Cognitive Psychology (ESCoP): ESCOP provides regular support to WiCS+Europe by including an in‑person meeting and speed‑mentoring session as part of the satellite events in the conference program.
- Other international scientific conferences such as the International Convention of Psychological Science (ICPS), International Symposium on Bilingualism (ISB), or the Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition (SARMAC)
- Online events held at least once a year, with a recurring event every March to celebrate Women’s Month
Our goals are to:
- Provide resources for professional and research career development
- Foster collaboration and mentoring opportunities
- Create spaces for meaningful connections and open knowledge sharing
- Promote equity, inclusion, and visibility for scholars historically excluded from science
Through mentoring, shared resources, and collective care, we strive to make cognitive science a field where every voice matters.
Our Commitments
We are committed to:
- Celebrating the contributions of women and gender‑diverse scholars
- Promoting intersectional inclusion
- Providing meaningful support and visibility for scholars historically excluded from academia
- Creating communities rooted in mentorship, intergenerational dialogue, and collective care
- Centering queer, trans, and non‑binary voices as essential to the future of science
Contact
We are open to new initiatives, activities and meetings.
If you’re interested in organizing an event or helping out the current leadership team, please reach out to us.
- Email: wics.europe@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiCSEurope
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wicseurope.bsky.social
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/108927366/
Events
Upcoming Events
To be announced.
LAST EVENT
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Building Inclusive Computational Skills |  Online panel · International Women’s Month 23 February 2026 This online panel brought together researchers to discuss gender gaps in coding and modelling, how stereotypes shape confidence, and how to build inclusive computational skills across career stages. Read the event highlights |
Past Events
Information about past WiCS+E events, including panel discussions, seminars, and mentoring sessions, can be found on our Events page
ESCOP2025 event
Information about most recent ESCOP event WiCS+E events can be found here