Careers Need Role Models

It’s always good to have a little pick-me-up with you—a few words that remind you why the path you might be stumbling along right now is, after all, the right one. Dr. Rebecca Weber is handing out one such pick-me-up to the participants in the University of Siegen’s Women’s Mentoring Program (FraMeS). “For the scientist in you” is written on the small slip of paper, which is shrink-wrapped in plastic so it can accompany the female scientists for a long time. The idea came from Dr. Nadine Hoffmann, a research officer at the University of Siegen, who emphasized in her welcoming remarks: “Learn from the best.” With an eye toward doctoral studies and future research projects, she recommended taking a structured approach despite the heavy workload: “Don’t get lost in the details; focus on the steps that will truly move you forward—and enjoy the journey.”

This “journey” toward a top academic position is challenging. Through the FraMeS (Frauen-Mentoring Siegen) mentoring program, the University of Siegen has been supporting female doctoral candidates, postdocs, and assistant professors on their career paths for 16 years now. The program coordinators, Dr. Rebecca Weber and Dr. Inga Haase, are pleased that interest in the program remains high and that the participants they welcome at the certificate ceremony form a network into which they can, in turn, integrate new participants. After all, networking among female researchers from different disciplines is one of the three pillars on which FraMeS is based. The other two are mentoring and training. Over the course of one year, participants are supported by a mentor of their own choosing, either from within or outside the University of Siegen. The program is supplemented by workshops and seminars designed to help participants acquire interdisciplinary key skills, as well as opportunities for exchange.

Dr. Elisabeth Heinrich, the Equal Opportunities Officer, emphasized the program’s importance for personal and academic development. “The mentees have the opportunity to view their work through the expert, professional eyes of a mentor,” she said. She added that the exchange among the participants is equally valuable. “Even though many think their problems and insecurities are unique to them—most of the time, others share similar experiences.” Heinrich congratulated the graduates on their commitment and encouraged them to share their experiences. To the new participants, she offered this advice: “Adopt new perspectives and take advantage of the opportunities to make contacts and build networks.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Jenny Morín Nenoff, Senior Desk Officer for Diversity and Equal Opportunity at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Under the title “From invisible to indispensable—science needs diversity,” she spoke about her own experiences in a mentoring program. As a single mother during her doctoral studies, she said that interacting with other female scientists and the support of her mentor had been crucial. “Curiosity is the strongest source of power,” said Nenoff. At the same time, she believes female scientists have a responsibility to serve as role models for future generations. “So that more girls will say: I want to be a scientist, not a princess.”

During the discussion, participants identified financial uncertainties, balancing family and science, a lack of visibility, and the still-existing “glass ceiling” as key challenges in scientific careers. “Because these obstacles still exist, mentoring programs are so important,” Nenoff emphasized. She also pointed out that the achievements of women scientists have often gone unnoticed in the past—for example, in the cases of figures like Lise Meitner and Rosalind Franklin. “The voices of women in science must become even stronger and louder.”

With an eye on current developments, Nenoff urged that the commitment to diversity and equality not waver. In times of scarce financial resources, she noted, there is a danger that doors that have already been opened will close again. This makes it all the more important to continue highlighting the significance of equal opportunity in science.

The following female graduates received their certificates: 

Dr. Julia Kernbach, Eva Schramm, Jasmin Laura Gerfen, Emine Aşcı, Jessica Kuhlmann, Laura Graewert, Ronja Müller-Späth, Dr. Natacha Kuete Meli, Parvin Ghadamighalandari, and Dr. des. Annika Schebesta.

The participants in the new FraMeS cohort are:
Acting Prof. Dr. Jeannette Schnüttgen, Meryem Kücükhüseyin, Dr. des. Alina Aulbur, Sheila Gondar Tubío, Vanessa Dobbener, Ermioni Athanasiadi, Jil Alisa Weber, Dr. Rebecca Weber (FraMeS Program Coordinator) Absent: Dr. Anne-Grit Su Becker, Magdalena Molkenthin, Dr. Sidra Naveed, Caroline Streck, and Lea Weckert.