siaa_logo_blue Magda Stavinschi magda_circle

Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy (AIRA)

Romania

Job Title: Senior researcher, 1st degree (former Director of AIRA 1990-2005)

 

She is an Astronomer: How many years since you got your maximum degree?

Magda Stavinschi:  15 years.

 

SIAA: Do you feel it was more difficult for you to get a job or a promotion in comparison with male astronomers?

MS: Not obviously, but I felt more or less that men found it difficult to have a woman director.

 

SIAA: Are women under-represented in your institution?

MS: Before they were the majority (not in high position!); now the number of women is slowly decreasing.

 

SIAA: What is your family status?

MS: I am a widow; I have one daughter who is a researcher. 

 

SIAA: Have you had any career breaks?

MS: Only a few months for maternity.

 

SIAA: How difficult did you find your return to work?

MS: I felt only by losing time for publishing articles.

 

SIAA: How many hours per day do you normally dedicate to work?

MS: Practically, all the time I am awake.

 

SIAA: What would most help you advance your career?

MS: The help of my mother in raising my daughter, and now, unfortunately, my solitude which pushes me for more and more work. 

 

SIAA: What recommendation would you make to young women starting their career in astronomy?

MS: To dare, don't loose the femininity and to find practical solution for having time for family (it remains always in 1st position in life) and a science career.