Review of the first event on 11.02.2023

As PhD students, we know how important it is to exchange with like-minded people and learn from their experiences. During our term in the 6th and 7th PhD Council, there were discussions about weak perceptions of women's academic achievements especially during the corona period. After two and a half years of preparation, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science Day of Action has put together a programme tailored to the needs and challenges of PhD students and prospective PhD students.

The event is a contribution to promoting exchange among female doctoral researchers and those who would like to become one, as well as helping to ensure that each of us is successful in our doctoral studies.

Thus, the scientific achievements of women and girls were recognised for the first time on 11.02.2023 on the day of action "International Day of Women and Girls in Science" at TU Dresden.

Girls and women in science are faced with many questions: How do I structure my scientific career? How do I present myself correctly at symposia? How do I behave in committees? How do stays abroad help me? In which phase of my academic qualification does starting a family make sense? What career opportunities do I have? Can I still start an academic career after professional practice?

The very personal path of life, the very different professional cultures, but above all the funding structures must be taken into account.

The event on 11.02.2023 was the kick-off for an annual meeting for networking and exchange in a relaxed atmosphere. The day of action brought together numerous students, doctoral candidates and lecturers and showed that careers are not always straightforward and that courage and confidence should not be given up despite difficult situations.

Angela Rösen-Wolff, our prorector, entrusted with the promotion of research and young researchers at TU Dresden, presented different career paths as an introduction.

Important insights into the career path and the decision interfaces into private life were given by the speakers, who also emphasised how important mentors and role models can be on the path to success. This was particularly valuable and encouraging input for the students and doctoral candidates present.

After the inspiring presentations, a birthday cake was symbolically cut at a subsequent get-together and there was lively discussion and exchange. Despite the cold temperatures and the Saturday date, many participants made their way to the event and contributed to its success.

Our thanks go to all the participants and speakers, whose commitment and openness contributed to an enriching dialogue format and thus made an important contribution to the promotion of women and girls in science. The event also provided the impetus for the DFG SPP 2262 "MemrisTec" and "Women@DDc" to mention the Action Day.

We hope that this successful event will create a basis for further inspiring formats of this kind.

You are cordially invited to help shape and discuss this day in 2024.

Contact: Dipl.-Ing- Maren Weissig, PhD student of TU Dresden

Feel free to send your questions to the organising team by e-mail:

Programme and information for reading.