Women in the Ever Evolving Marine Robotics

International organisations, like the UN and EU, are striving to increase awareness and take measures for eliminating stereotypes and bridging the gender gap [1]. The role of technology is constantly evolving in our society and, more importantly, in the Blue Economy, which plays a key role in the Sustainable Development goals, e.g. resource management, development of new and inclusive technological education (quality education) and gender equality [2]. The call for an autonomous, smart and ever connected management of the resources of the planet is pushing the boundaries of Earth Observations, industry management and health systems. In particular, research and development in marine robotics is evolving quickly. This research branch is a kaleidoscope of diversity as far as applications, tech and innovation are concerned. In recent years, the topic of gender diversity and inclusivity within marine robotics received increasing attention. The EU included the sector “marine robotics” in the EMFAF-2022-PIA-WBE - Women in the Blue Economy call. The Institute of Marine Engineering of the National Research Council of Italy plays an important role gathering data and creating a network to raise awareness among researchers and technologists. Since 2020, the institute has worked to give visibility to the gender issue in marine robotics. In the framework of the Blue RoSES [3] project, it created a community that celebrates success stories of women in the field. Such a community worked to stimulate discussion and enhance the sensitivity of the colleagues through media [4] platforms and in person events in marine robotics conferences, e.g. Breaking the Surface field workshop [5]. The group explores the gender panorama among high-profile researchers and technologists, to better understand the gender stereotypes and gaps still existing in marine robotics and beyond. Recently, within the MONUSEN [6] project, the group also developed a quiz [7] to involve researchers in a fruitful discussion about the role of gender minorities in the thriving marine robotics community. Our presentation will expand upon the issues that emerged during the discussion.