ERFURT – Women are still underrepresented in science and technology professions, and this is set to change: The Thuringian networking evening "STEM Whispers," taking place on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the COMCENTER Brühl (Erfurt), aims to contribute to this effort. The acronym "STEM" stands for the fields of study and careers: mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology. All women who work in these fields or are pursuing studies or a career in them are invited to the networking evening. "STEM Whispers" is organized by the Thuringian Coordination Office for Science and Technology, based at the TU Ilmenau, and LEG Thüringen, whose headquarters are located at the COMCENTER Brühl.
This year's theme, "Work-Life Balance – Reconciling Family and Career," addresses a topic that affects women at all Career levels and in diverse ways. The introductory presentation and subsequent discussion will engage participants in different ways. "Whether it's the young graduate who needs to coordinate her next career steps with her family planning, or the experienced Career woman who has to care for family members in need of care: we want to discuss with our guests what it means to have a good work-life balance and what conditions both companies and employees need," says Melanie Meder-Jurcin, project coordinator of the Thuringian coordination office.
The networking evening is aimed at all women who want to exchange ideas with like-minded individuals from the fields of science and technology. It is open to female students, graduates, doctoral candidates, women returning to the workforce, employees, and female managers at Thuringian universities or in the regional economy. At the event, women will share insights into their career paths, a panel discussion will feature experts discussing STEM career fields and paths, and a get-together will offer ample opportunity for networking.
The keynote address will be given by Anika Schmidt, co-founder of FreeMOM. This digital platform specializes in serving working mothers. It offers them options for employment – often flexible – and conversely, companies can use it to find skilled workers. Mothers who want to work represent a valuable resource in times of skilled labor shortages, and FreeMOM's services address a significant current challenge. "The FreeMOM example demonstrates that creative approaches can achieve two important goals: enabling women to access professional opportunities – especially in STEM fields – and simultaneously supporting companies in recognizing this potential and finding new skilled workers," says Sabine Wosche, Managing Director of LEG. "Innovative ideas and strategies for career advancement emerge precisely through mutual exchange, and our networking evening provides a platform for this."
A panel discussion moderated by freelance journalist Franziska Klemm will provide inspiration and insights throughout the evening. Participants include Anika Schmidt from FreeMOM, Prof. Dr. Maria Dienerowitz, Professor in the SciTec department at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena, Dr. Sigrun Fuchs, Project Manager at LEG Thüringen and Federal Board Member of "Wir pflegen e. V." (We Care Association), and Dipl.-Ing. Katrin Hujo, Cluster Manager for Medical Technology at Helios Klinikum Thüringen Mitte (Helios Clinic Thuringia Central). Following the panel discussion, a get-together in a relaxed atmosphere will offer participants an opportunity for in-depth discussions.
From 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, a workshop will be held in advance of the event, offering valuable information on the topic of communication. This workshop is aimed at female students.
Background:
LEG has always been deeply committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Since 2007, it has held the "TOTAL E-QUALITY" award, which recognizes its dedication to these areas. Furthermore, the Thuringian Agency for Skilled Worker Recruitment (ThAFF), located within LEG, promotes Thuringia as a place to work, supports Thuringians returning to the local job market, and assists companies in meeting their skilled worker needs. The Thuringian Coordination Office for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a unit of Thuringian universities; it encourages female students to pursue STEM studies in Thuringia and supports female students throughout their studies.
Participation and dinner are free. Anyone interested in the "STEM Whispers" can register until June 7th at [website address] www.thueko.de. Registrations for the workshop beforehand are still possible via this URL.
All media representatives are cordially invited to the evening event. A program for the event is enclosed with this press release.
