Female scientists from home and abroad urged younger generations of women to have full confidence, to be brave, and to grow and thrive in scientific fields if they find ambitions there, at a forum held in Shanghai on Saturday.

They also encouraged the young females to use women's strengths in resilience, kindness, mentoring and the sense of responsibility during their career paths and after they enter leadership positions.

They made the speeches at the World Laureates Association (WLA) SHE Forum, an event focusing on the power of women in promoting scientific excellence.

The event was part of the 2024 WLA Forum, which kicked off in Shanghai on Friday and gathered nearly 300 of the world's foremost scientific minds for a three-day gathering focused on addressing critical global challenges, fostering innovation and nurturing young talent in the scientific community.

Zhao Weili, vice-president of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, encouraged young women to be brave and to show themselves, to be bold and to ask questions even if they are in a professional venue where men overwhelmingly outnumbered women. 

"There may be pressure and setbacks in a woman's career in STEM disciplines, but I inspire all women who have passion in these fields to stay curious, share their own thoughts, and make their own decisions," she said.