Blog article

Women in science

February 09, 2024

The world needs science, and gender equality is a key factor for scientific excellence. Every year on 11 February, the International Day for Women and Girls in Science highlights the unequal access of women and girls to education, studies and scientific careers. Various organisations, universities and research institutions around the world use this day to draw attention to the participation of women and girls in science and the importance of diversity in research - including Fraunhofer FFB. Six female FFB researchers share their perspectives on why they enjoy working in science.

Last modified: February 09, 2024

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science raises awareness of the challenges faced by women and girls in science. At the same time, the day recognises the contributions of women and girls to research and development (R&D).

This serves to raise awareness of the need to overcome gender inequality in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), because according to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, women in Germany continue to represent a significant minority in the field of research and development: As recently as 2021, the proportion of women was just 29,4 per cent, making it one of the lowest in the EU. The proportion in the research departments of German companies is also just 15,6 per cent. The figures show that women are still underrepresented in research in Germany. However, there is a ray of hope in the representation of women in higher education: with a share of 41,4 per cent in the higher education sector and a share of 38,3 per cent in the public sector, the proportion of women is significantly higher.

As pioneers for the next generation, our female scientists are enriching the field of battery research with innovative solutions, new ideas and scientific excellence. On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is high time to emphasise the research potential of highly qualified and well-trained women.

Franziska works in the "Digitalisation of battery cell production" group. She studied Biosciences in her Bachelor's degree and then went on to complete a Master's degree in Molecular Biomedicine.

Kristina is group leader of the "Process Engineering" group. After her doctorate and her time as a postdoc at the Helmholtz Institute in Münster, she moved to Fraunhofer FFB in 2021.

Natalja studied mechanical engineering for her Master's degree and supports the Fraunhofer FFB as a research assistant in the "Digital Production Planning" group.

Joana is a research assistant at the Fraunhofer FFB. She is writing her master's thesis in the "Electrode Production" group and is about to complete her master's degree in industrial engineering.

Carola Rindi is a member of the "Process Engineering" group and studied aerospace engineering at Aachen University of Applied Sciences

Anna joined the Fraunhofer FFB in 2022 and completed her PhD in "Physical Chemistry".

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Blog article

Women in science

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Dr. Barbara-Henrika Sicking