Dr. Veronika Brune (Uni Köln)

Prof. Dr. Wenwen Song (Uni Kassel)

Elke Roller (Friedrich Vollmer Feinmeßgerätebau GmbH)

Dr. Alla Kasakewitsch (Soluterials GmbH)

Under the heading "Female Role Models - Who they are and why do we need them", 26 women from science and industry met for a digital New Year's Brunch on 14 February 2023. The invitation was extended by former DGM President Prof. Dr. Martina Zimmermann, who initiated the topic of promoting women's networks in the DGM as a new focus topic with the Women's Breakfast at MSE 2022 in Darmstadt.

„Female role models are needed to change the picture of a leading role in our minds. They are important for younger female professionals to come to leading positions. We have to pay more attention to this theme.”  

With this clear statement, Dr. Veronika Brune (University of Cologne) opened the discussion round as one of the four impulse givers from the auditorium. She was joined by Prof. Dr. Wenwen Song (University of Kassel), Elke Roller (Friedrich Vollmer Feinmeßgerätebau GmbH) and Dr. Alla Kasakewitsch with their thoughts on female role models in science and industry. The participants did not associate the term "female role model" with an idealised image of women, but rather with approachable, charismatic personalities who have shown them the way in their private and/or professional lives. Prof. Dr Wenwen Song:

„I come from China and started my research journey of materials science in Germany in 2009. A women role model has been important and supported me all along my scientific career – not only in career pursuit but also in work-family balance. They can help to bring more confidence, self-motivation, and courage to conquer challenges to move forward.”

But role models or personal encouragement do not always point the way, as Elke Roller, Head of Sales and Customer Service and the authorised signatory at Friedrich Vollmer Feinmessgerätebau, knows. Elke Roller found her own way and saw the challenge of establishing herself as a woman in the male-dominated automotive and steel industry not as a burden but as an opportunity:

“There were no women either in sales or in technical discussions with customers, and certainly not in management positions. It was very interesting to find my own way. I would like to encourage you to keep an eye on the positive aspects and the opportunities.”

In her impulse, Dr. Alla Kasakewitsch encourages a further exchange of ideas. The Minsk-born materials scientist and co-founder of the company Soluterials GmbH has, in addition to her professional development, already dealt with the concept of the "role model" at an early stage: 

„I came in touch with the term “role model” quite early, as a teenager to be exact. Through my role as a singer in a band, I realized how my actions influence people around me. It made me take responsibility for my actions. This feeling of responsibility became the standard that I apply to myself and to my team.”

At the end of the discussion, it becomes clear: role models - we need them, women, as well as men! To inspire the next generation for materials science and materials engineering and to show them career perspectives; to support women in science in their academic careers regardless of their social environment (family, single parent); to advance science collectively.

Around the exchange on the topics of women's network promotion and diversity, the DGM is already planning further events in April and May 2023, including plenary lectures and a hybrid Women's Breakfast on 04 May 2023 in the time from 7:30 to 9:00 at the BioMAT 2023 in Weimar.

We keep you up to date in the DGM newsletter and mailings. If you would like to support and further expand the women's network in the DGM with a contribution, we look forward to receiving your feedback: eedgm.de