Mathematician Ivanna Bondar: "All the sleepless nights over formulas made sense"

Her passion for mathematics began with helping her father – a radio communications specialist and computer engineer. Unconditional family love and professional trust from her scientific advisor helped her become a researcher. She considers a favorable atmosphere in the work environment an important condition for a woman's success in science. In an interview for the project of the Institute of Mathematics of the NAS of Ukraine "Her Scientific Story," senior researcher of the same Institute, candidate of physical and mathematical sciences Ivanna Bondar spoke about why science is worth the attention and efforts of girls, how to move forward despite fear and mistakes, and why a scientist urgently needs to alternate different types of activities: - "Scientific discoveries in mathematics do not happen on schedule. It is not a conveyor belt, but rather an exhausting climb to the summit in the fog. There were periods when, after months of painstaking work, you get nothing fundamentally new. At such moments, a treacherous question arises: 'Is this really mine?' However, it is precisely during these periods of intellectual plateau that the true character of a scientist is forged. Ultimately, I realized that the absence of an immediate result is not a defeat but part of the process of calibrating thought, because in mathematics even the proof that a path is wrong is a valuable step toward the truth." - "In science, as in life, it is extremely important to have those who see the light of your talent even when you yourself are in the shadow of your search. Today, looking at my path, I understand: intellect provides tools, but it is people who give the strength to use them." - "Despite the difficult experience of my student years, the professional environment in which I work today turned out to be completely different – modern, open, and free of prejudice. This is an example of what science in the 21st century should be: a place where intellectual dignity prevails. <…> The department where I work today is a space of extraordinary tolerance. I feel sincere support from the administration, which creates all conditions for the development of women researchers. Such a climate in a scientific institution is not just a pleasant bonus; it is a strategic prerequisite for discoveries. When a researcher does not waste energy fighting 'glass ceilings' or proving her right to a seat at the table, she can fully direct her intellectual resource to solving complex mathematical problems. A healthy atmosphere in the team becomes that nourishing environment where childlike curiosity finally meets professional respect. This confirms an important truth: science develops fastest where people are valued, not status, and where the only criterion for success is impeccable logic and innovative thinking." - "In science, where the boundary between knowledge and the unknown is very thin, it is hard to avoid the feeling that your success is just a lucky coincidence. But over time, I learned not to fight this state but to use it as a filter for self-improvement." - "For me, success in science is not about titles on paper or high positions. It is about that special feeling when you manage to see the truth where there was only darkness before and find that 'beautiful' solution to a problem that yesterday seemed insurmountable. It is the opportunity to be useful to my country, to add my intellectual contribution precisely now when we need it so much. For me, true success is when your own drive for knowledge ignites a spark in someone else. It is living proof that if you combine intelligence with perseverance, you can solve any equation life throws at you." - "I would very much like us to finally move away from perceiving women in science as some special exception. In fact, STEM is a space where there is no room for stereotypes because true success here is born from intellectual courage and sincere curiosity, which have no gender. <…> Girls, science is the space of your freedom. <…> My advice to you is very simple: let your curiosity be stronger than your fears. <…> Making mistakes, doubting, and redoing everything from scratch is a normal part of every researcher's path. Just take that brave first step. Believe me, behind every solved equation or successful code lies such incredible beauty that each of you deserves to experience." - "The modern scientific paradigm proves: true progress is a function of equal opportunities and comprehensive involvement of talents, where the contribution of each researcher is critically important for the stability of the system. The emergence of women scientists in the public sphere qualitatively transforms the academic environment into an open, dynamic ecosystem. Female intellectual presence is that necessary component that ensures the movement of science toward new horizons. After all, when we make the role of women visible, we create continuity and succession, turning the experience of predecessors into a foundation for the courage of future generations. Ultimately, science only becomes complete when it integrates the entire intellectual spectrum of humanity, turning the diversity of views into a universal power of knowledge." Read the full interview Other conversations with Ukrainian mathematicians P.S. We remind you that on June 12, International Women in Mathematics Day, the Institute of Mathematics of the NAS of Ukraine will hold an international scientific-practical seminar "Ukrainian Women in Mathematics: Symmetry Analysis and Its Applications."