Mission statement 

Technische Universität Dresden aims to be “a gender-equal university which offers the same possibilities and opportunities to every individual in every status group” (TU Dresden Equality Concept 2018). The 2018 Equality Concept outlines the strategy and specific measures agreed upon at TU Dresden.

A survey conducted in 2016 showed that many of the objectives outlined in the 2014 Equality Concept have not yet been achieved in various areas of the university, including the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. There is still a gender imbalance at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, with men making up a much higher percentage of research personnel than women (TU Dresden’s 2017 Equality Concept). In an effort to counteract this situation, the Faculty has developed measures to achieve the objectives set out in the Equality Concept.

The Faculty of Environmental Sciences’ FrauenUmweltNetzwerk* (FUN*) was initiated within this context, with the aim of creating a platform primarily for straight and lesbian cis women as well as intersex, non-binary, trans and agender individuals studying at the Faculty, enabling them to build a professional network during their studies and as they start their careers. Networks provide the opportunity to share information and to get to know many different people and professions. They are also useful long-term in the course of one’s professional career.

FUN* provides a space for the target group to discuss the difficulties they encounter in everyday university life (both during their studies and at work), as well as to find solutions and develop possible courses of action together. The organization supports participants in developing their hard and soft skills.

FUN* organizes regular meetings, fostering a dialogue between people from different subjects, professionals from potential future career paths, students and staff of TU Dresden. Workshops, lectures and excursions also belong to the range of events on offer, which aim to advance gender equality work in STEM+ fields at TU Dresden.