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Cláudia Cavadas

Vice Rector for Research, University of Coimbra

Cláudia Cavadas (CC) is Vice Rector for Research of the University of Coimbra (Portugal), director of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, and coordinator of the initiative GendER@UC. In 2019 was elected as member of the Executive Board of the European University Network “Coimbra Group” (Brussels) and since June 2021 is vice-chair.

CC is PharmD, Master in Cell Biology, and PhD in Pharmacology, University of Coimbra, Portugal. CC did her PhD in collaboration with the University of Lausanne and CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland. CC is Professor at the Department of Pharmacology and head of the research group Neuroendocrinology and Aging Group at CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra. CC has experience as principal investigator of several national and international funded projects, supervisor of more than 50 graduate students, and is co-author of more than 90 research papers. CC is the former elected President of the Portuguese Society of Pharmacology, was the former coordinator of the Science Communication Office of CNC and the former vice-director of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Participating in the "Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead" panel at the European Leadership Academy was a truly transformative experience. Meeting 29 incredible young women from diverse backgrounds was both humbling and inspiring. The Academy showed me firsthand the immense impact that can be achieved when young women are given the right opportunities and a platform to grow. I left the Academy feeling more empowered and optimistic than ever.

Maro Manoli

CEO & Co-Founder, E-mbracelet

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It may sound cliché, but the best part of the European Leadership Academy were the caring and passionate people who contributed to it, after the end of the European Leadership Academy, I now feel the most confident and passionate that I have ever been. Importantly, the program was completely free of charge, as an ambitious young woman whose family has always struggled financially, the European Leadership academy was a dream come true in many ways.

Veronika Anna Denner

Student. Represented Austria at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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This transformative journey has prepared me for anything life may throw my way. What touched me most was the opportunity to connect with girls who, like me, share the same dreams yet are wonderfully diverse. They truly inspired me in countless ways. I learned so much about myself throughout this process; the school has impacted every facet of my identity, teaching me self-confidence and the imporance of colaborartions with others.

Lara Markelj

Student. Represented Slovenia at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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I knew that the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was going to be an incredible experience but I didn't expect it to be life-changing! With a jam-packed week full of both interesting and challenging discussions, panels, masterclasses & workshops, I left each day feeling inspired and invigorated. I would encourage any young woman interested to apply regardless of your background and experiences - the European Leadership Academy provides an environment for all young women to thrive in.

Amy Calleja

Student. Represented Malta at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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Sisterhood, support and inspiration are just some of the aspects that we have experienced! The European Leadership Academy is an exceptional and priceless program which opened our horizons for the future. For me, one of the best characteristics of the program was its holistic approach. The range of speakers and experts was extraordinary just as their kindness and openness to answer our questions and connect with us.

Katharina Hertel

Student. Represented Germany at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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