IWD 2025: Antonia Vogt

 To celebrate her accomplishments, and in honour of International Women’s Day 2025, we asked Antonia to share more about her professional journey, along with how opportunities like RisingWISE helped shape her career and #AccelerateAction for fellow women in STEM. 

Can you tell us a bit about how you set goals and established the vision that brought you here, to the top of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Greece list? 

My journey to Forbes 30 Under 30 Greece was driven by a clear vision, resilience and a deep passion for science. As a single mother since age 17, I learned early on to turn challenges into motivation. Balancing motherhood with my education and research, I sought scholarships, embraced every opportunity, and stayed persistent in my pursuit of scientific impact.

My goals were never just about career milestones but about pushing boundaries in cancer and stem cell research to create real change. This recognition is a milestone, but my true mission remains: advancing science, improving lives and inspiring the next generation of researchers.

Throughout your academic journey, where have you found your collaborators, mentors and professional network? 

I built my network of mentors, collaborators and professionals through proactive outreach, research projects and leadership roles across top institutions worldwide.

• Mentors & Collaborators
  I’ve connected with mentors and collaborators from all over the world, many of whom I met at conferences where I spoke or through research projects. My work at Harvard, the Curie Institute, Cambridge and Oxford provided invaluable opportunities to engage with leading experts in cancer research and stem cell therapy.
• Professional Network
  Beyond academia, organizing workshops and engaging in public health discussions expanded my network to scientists, clinicians and industry leaders. Strong connections come from initiative, authenticity and a shared commitment to impact.

How have motherhood and your experiences collaborating with fellow women in STEM informed your approaches to building teams, leading projects, and negotiating on behalf of those teams and projects? 

Motherhood has given me resilience, adaptability and an internal drive to keep pushing forward. Balancing research and parenting since age 17 taught me to see obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth, bringing me closer to my goals.

Leading teams and projects, I prioritize inclusivity, mentorship and a supportive environment, especially for women in STEM. My collaborations reinforced the value of diverse perspectives, open communication and recognizing individual strengths.

Negotiating for resources and opportunities, I advocate for fair policies that support career progression without sacrificing personal responsibilities. Motherhood has shaped me into a leader who leads with empathy, persistence and a commitment to driving meaningful change in science.

What would you want to tell other women and mothers who are in this year’s RisingWISE cohort, or those who are considering applying for the next one?

To the women and mothers in this year’s RisingWISE cohort – or those considering applying – I want to say: you belong here, and your journey is worth it.

Balancing ambition with personal responsibilities, especially motherhood, is challenging, but it also builds resilience, adaptability and problem-solving skills – qualities that make you a stronger leader and innovator. Don’t let self-doubt or societal expectations hold you back. Use every challenge as a chance to learn, grow and get closer to your goals.

RisingWISE is more than a programme; it’s a community of brilliant, driven women supporting each other. Take full advantage of this network, seek mentorship and lift others as you rise. You are not alone – your ideas, your contributions and your presence in leadership and innovation matter.

You founded the Cambridge Robotic Surgery Society. How does the society ‘accelerate action’ for other women in surgical education? 

I founded the Cambridge Robotic Surgery Society to bridge gaps in surgical education and create opportunities for aspiring surgeons, particularly women, to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology. The society accelerates action by breaking barriers, fostering mentorship and providing equal access to training in robotic-assisted surgery.

• Breaking Barriers
  Surgical fields, especially those involving advanced technology, remain male-dominated. By organizing workshops, training sessions and collaborations with leading experts, we help women overcome the traditional barriers to entry in robotic surgery. 
• Mentorship & Networking
  We connect students and trainees – regardless of gender – with experienced surgeons, offering mentorship, career guidance and role models in robotic surgery. This support system empowers women to navigate surgical training and leadership roles with confidence.
• Equal Access to Training
  The society ensures that all aspiring surgeons, especially women, receive hands-on experience with robotic surgical systems, something often limited in conventional training pathways. By providing equal opportunities, we help close the gender gap in surgical education.
  
  By fostering an inclusive, skill-driven environment, the Cambridge Robotic Surgery Society helps women build expertise, confidence and networks, accelerating their success in surgical careers.