In November 2025, researchers, students, and members of the public gathered in Gothenburg for the seventh conference of the Nordic Network for Diversity in Physics. Held at Chalmers University of Technology in collaboration with the event Physics that Shines: Stories of Discovery and Change, the conference became a vibrant meeting place for both scientific discovery and important discussions about inclusion in physics.

Among the keynote speakers were two highly inspiring researchers: Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who spoke about her groundbreaking discovery of pulsars and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated academic world, and Jess Wade, who shared her work to raise the visibility of women scientists by writing about them on Wikipedia. Together, they illustrated how scientific breakthroughs and social engagement can go hand in hand.

The conference also highlighted pressing questions about the future of academia. A study from Stockholm University showed that many young researchers are drawn to academia by curiosity and a passion for research, yet an increasing number later choose alternative career paths. For men, this is often linked to job insecurity, while women are more likely to doubt their own competence—a pattern that raises important questions about how academia can become more sustainable and inclusive.

One of the most thought-provoking contributions was a talk by Mairi Sakellariadou, president of the European Physical Society. She emphasized the importance of international collaboration in a time of growing political uncertainty, reminding the audience that science is at its strongest when it transcends national and political boundaries.

Participants described the conference as an energizing experience—full of inspiration, new perspectives, and a sense of optimism for the future. The event was made possible with support from Chalmers and GENIE Initiative.