IHME Women in Health Metrics Spotlight: Agnieska Micek, Associate Professor, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
Published April 4, 2025
This interview transcript has been lightly edited for clarity
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
Along with two other girls who were my best friends, I dreamed of becoming a teacher from the beginning of high school. In line with my interests, I began studying mathematics at the Jagiellonian University and then decided to continue my studies in a doctoral program. I tutored for a long time and then took a job at the medical college as a biostatistician. The application of mathematics in the field of health and medical science is my passion. I really enjoy being an academic and teaching students, as well as working with biologists and medical scientists on research projects.
Can you share any challenges you’ve faced as a woman in this field and how you overcame them?
I think a lot of people at the university are confident and willing to take risks, especially men, but I am rather self-doubting. This made my career not easy at the beginning. In addition, I changed my area of research – because I am a mathematician by training, it was not easy for me to advance in medical school, and I had to overcome some difficulties to achieve my goals. Working with two young people, a woman and a man from Italy, ambitious, very good scientists, helped me a lot. The most important thing in collaboration for me is people.
What advice would you give to young women interested in entering this field?
My advice is to be more confident and prioritize what is really important.
Agnieska Micek
“Policies should be directed toward quality of research as a priority, this will also ensure support for women in health science.”
How did you get involved with the GBD/IHME and how has it impacted the way you do your work?
My two colleagues with whom I worked were involved in GBD/IHME, and I joined the research team after their recommendation. I would like to form relationships between some institutes and/or individuals with the right attitude, access to data, and inspiring to scientific activity. I would like to join international projects with the possibility of intellectual contribution and to develop the ability to perform investigations with rigor. After joining GBD/IHME, I deepened my scientific competence and I met scientific partners with good reputations in their field of research. I am glad to join the network and programs in the health field that span a wide distribution of research priorities and involve multiple countries.
Can you share any ongoing projects or research you’re involved in that you are particularly proud of?
I am involved in ongoing projects on role of polyphenols in maintaining mental health, and we investigate the impact of polyphenols and some dietary patterns on cardiometabolic health.
How do you see the future of health metrics science evolving with more women in leadership roles?
I am enthusiastic. Women are generally good communicators who collaborate effectively with others, which facilitates expressing and implementing their ideas. However, in my opinion, competence, not gender, should be the most important thing; I believe there should be no gender quotas.
What policies or initiatives do you think are necessary to support women in health metrics science?
Policies should be directed toward quality of research as a priority. This will also ensure support for women in health science. Federal agencies should aim to fund critical research, including health-related research. Policies should focus on identifying gaps in knowledge and funding. Some awards can be founded to showcase the success of women working in science.
How can we better recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in this field?
Funding awards for women working in science is a good idea so that they are more appreciated and their achievements are better recognized. Holding events with both scientists and professionals can help celebrate and popularize the achievements of outstanding researchers, including women.