On 27th May 2025, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) – Indonesia National Chapter, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) and Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), conducted the Science for Policy Workshop for Grassroots Women in Science in Indonesia 2025. With the theme “Empowering Indonesian Women in Science for Policy”, the event took place at the GRIT – Research Center Hall, ITS Campus, Surabaya.

The workshop was supported by the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA)-Asia and the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific (ISC RFP-AP), through the Grassroots Science Advice Promotion Awards 2024 program, awarded to Dr. Sri Fatmawati.

The opening session highlighted the need for greater inclusion of women in science and policymaking. Dr. Sri Fatmawati, Chair of OWSD Indonesia, underscored the importance of creating inclusive spaces for women, while ITS Vice Chancellor Prof. Nurul Widiastuti called for increased female participation in STEM. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, emphasized empowering women scientists as key contributors to policy development. Deputy Minister Prof. Stella Christie advocated for faster decision-making through collaborative research and expert platforms.

Prof. Yudi Darma stressed transforming Indonesia’s science ecosystem via collaboration and improved public science literacy. Dr. Yanuar Nugroho introduced practical tools—policy briefs, storytelling, and co-production—to strengthen the science-policy interface. Dr. Markus Prutsch from the European Parliament contributed global perspectives on inclusive science advice systems and advancing gender equity in policy processes.

The Action Plan Workshop invited participants to discuss real challenges in policymaking, including data integration, science literacy, and affirmative policies to boost women’s participation. The session produced science-based recommendations and long-term proposals.

To ensure impact and sustainability, OWSD Indonesia is committed to building a national network of female scientists in policy and developing open-access training resources. The Ministry of Education and Technology also expressed support to integrate this initiative into academic and policy frameworks. This workshop marks a significant step toward a more inclusive, evidence-based future, with grassroots women scientists playing an active role in shaping Indonesia’s policies.