February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. HSZG female researchers talk about their scientific careers.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2015. It is celebrated annually on February 11 and is intended to commemorate the crucial role that girls and women play in science and technology.
According to the Austrian UNESCO Commission, a lot of research potential is lost worldwide because too few highly qualified and well-trained women work in research. The aim of the day is therefore to promote the full and equal participation and involvement of women and girls in science and to remind them of their crucial role in science and technology. In Germany, 22.7 percent of women are employed in science. Although the proportion of women in research and development increased in Germany between 2011 and 2021, it is still only 2.6 percent according to the Federal Statistical Office.
While women are often well represented in the humanities and social sciences, they remain underrepresented in the natural sciences and engineering. The reasons for this are often stereotypical notions of gender roles, a lack of visibility of female role models in science and family-unfriendly working conditions.
It is therefore still important to focus on equal opportunities in science and dismantle all structural barriers in order to pave the way for women and girls to enter science and actively promote their development opportunities there.
In the following, inspiring female researchers at the HSCG talk about their passion for science, their inspirations and what excites them most about their work.
Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and Professor of Business Administration
What inspired you to pursue an academic career?
My scientific curiosity was awakened early on during my studies at Stralsund University of Applied Sciences. I started working as a student assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in my second semester. There I was part of an interdisciplinary and international research team - that fascinated me. It wasn't just about applying theoretical knowledge, but also about developing solutions to complex issues as a team, adopting different perspectives and arriving at new findings together. In particular, the opportunity to make a lasting contribution through research - whether in industry or academia - motivated me to take this path. I also had inspiring mentors who showed me how enriching scientific work can be.
Was there a special moment in your career that you are particularly proud of?
There are many moments that I am proud of, but one of the most formative was certainly the switch from industry to academia. After working in the semiconductor industry for many years, I was able to contribute my experience to European research projects and thus build a bridge between theory and practice. I am particularly fulfilled by the opportunity to pursue science not only as an end in itself, but also to create added value for society. For example, my team and I are researching solutions for the human-centred design of the working world of the future in the context of digitalization.
What advice would you give to young researchers at the start of their career?
My most important advice: believe in yourself, you can achieve anything you want! Science requires passion, perseverance and the willingness to constantly take on new challenges.
I have always acted according to the motto: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Set yourself high goals and keep moving out of your comfort zone. Work consistently on your own dreams - for me, these are key factors for a successful scientific career. Mentors and networks also play a major role in this. They help to avoid stumbling blocks and gain new perspectives. Young researchers should be open to interdisciplinary collaboration and take every opportunity to network internationally.
What excites you most about your work?
The variety! No two days are the same - be it in research, teaching or working with international partners. I find it particularly enriching to prepare young people for their future, to accompany them on their development path and to give them opportunities. It also motivates me when research doesn't just remain theoretical, but has an impact in practice and enables social progress.
Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer at the HSZG
What inspired you to pursue an academic career?
It was more by chance that I set my sights on an academic career. I have many years of practical experience in child and youth welfare behind me. I also dedicated more than a decade to political lobbying at federal level. When I returned to Upper Lusatia, I was looking for a new direction and was offered the opportunity to teach at the university in the field of applied social sciences. This offer perfectly combined the experience I had gained and the opportunity to support young people in their studies.
Was there a special moment in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Pride is a word I can do very little with. Supporting young people in their academic and therefore professional development and giving them the tools to do so is simply wonderful. Reflecting on social conditions with them and then discussing the challenges for a human rights profession - as social work is - is important and significant.
What advice would you give to young researchers at the start of their career?
Unfortunately, it is still the case that young women in the social field in particular remain stuck in practice and girls do not really or naturally see themselves in the natural sciences. Traditional images still play a major role in the choice of career paths. There is therefore an imbalance in science and research. I hope that young women have the courage and confidence to pursue these paths, that they encounter as many sponsors and supporters as possible, so that they can break with entrenched gender-based orientations.
What excites you most about your work?
Observing and analyzing social developments and social challenges and using the findings to call for equal opportunities for all and at the same time develop tools to achieve this goal is a very fulfilling task.
from the Zittau Institute for Process Development, Circular Economy, Surface Technology and Natural Materials Research / ZIRKON
Which aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?
Together we research the diverse possibilities of natural fibers and their use. My work at ZIRKON is not only technically challenging, but also meaningful - because we are actively contributing to a more sustainable world.
Is there a personal insight that has changed your view of science?
Tolstoy's quote: "It is always the simplest ideas that are extraordinarily successful" has often helped me when experiments and research results have not led to the desired success.
from the Zittau Institute for Process Development, Circular Economy, Surface Technology and Natural Materials Research / ZIRKON
What does research mean to you?
Between the field, laboratory and microscope, I explore the secrets of nature - from hemp roots to duckweed, always on the trail of new findings.
What excites you most about it?
What excites me most about my work is actually the variety you have. As I'm working with hemp roots in my new project, I'm often out in the hemp field, especially in summer, and not just sitting in the office.
Science needs strong female scientists. Have the courage to go your own way and help shape the future!
