VDI Congress 2025: Women engineers provide impetus for a sustainable future

On September 26 and 27, 2025, the VDI Congress "Women in Engineering" will take place at TU Dresden under the motto "Creating Circularity - Women Engineers for a Sustainable World". The aim of the event is to discuss current developments in the engineering sciences with a view to sustainability and the circular economy and to make innovative solutions visible.

The congress is aimed at female engineers from all departments, students and anyone else who is interested. In addition to specialist presentations and workshops, the event offers a wide range of networking opportunities.

The programme on Friday, 26 September 2025, includes the opening by the Vice-Rector University Culture and Internationalization, Prof^. Roswitha Böhm, as well as representatives of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering and the VDI, a keynote speech by Dr. Anna Bukowski (Porsche Consulting) and a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of sustainable technologies. The thematic sessions on Saturday, September 27, 2025, will cover topics such as the role of female engineers worldwide, the use of recycled materials, innovative approaches for the future of photovoltaics, circular business models and issues of leadership communication and contract design.

The program will be complemented by a company stand from Ramboll. The exhibition on the topic of the circular economy by the Saxon Agency for Structural Development (SAS) and the VDI exhibition "Women in STEM" will also offer insights into the main topic and the achievements of female scientists in the STEM field to accompany the congress. A special highlight will be the awarding of the Dr. Wilhelmy VDI Prize 2025, endowed with a total of 9,000 euros, at a festive evening event at the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden. The aim of the dissertation prize is to promote young talent and secure Germany's need for skilled workers as a technology location in the long term.

The VDI Congress 2025 not only shows which technical innovations are necessary for a sustainable future, but also how important it is to attract more women to the engineering sector and to support them on their path. As host, TU Dresden is therefore not only committed to the technical discussion. It is also pursuing a holistic approach in order to reach girls and women at an early stage, but also to support them in the long term and strengthen them on their educational path through to starting their careers. With inspiring role models, personal support and a wide range of offers, TU Dresden wants to encourage women to break new ground and fully develop their own potential in the STEM field.