From April 15 to 17, the annual “BeWISE – Women in Science and Engineering” conference took place in Dresden. As a co-organizer, the Cluster of Excellence CeTI looks back on three intensive days of inspiration, coaching, and empowerment, where numerous female scientists from our cluster took the opportunity to actively shape their career paths.
Interdisciplinary excellence thrives on diversity. This is why CeTI, together with other DFG-funded projects, is committed to co-organizing the BeWISE conference. The goal is to provide a dedicated platform for women in science to network and to equip them with the tools necessary for a successful career in research and academia. The high level of interest in this initiative was evident from the large turnout at the kickoff event, with 80 women in attendance.
Day 1: Visibility as a Success Factor
The event kicked off with an inspiring opening talk by Prof. Christina Scheffler. Sharing a personal look at her own professional journey – which, like many successful careers, did not always follow a linear path – her central message to the participants was clear: “Visibility is key.” She emphasized the importance of active networking and the courage to seize unplanned opportunities.
Following the keynote, a variety of workshops began, such as “That’s My Story. How to Use the Art of Storytelling to Present Yourself in Scientific and Private Contexts” and “Push Your Career: Job Interviews and Salaries”. During the workshop “Strong Mind, Strong Presence”, participants learned that an engaging academic presentation requires more than just well-designed PowerPoint slides. Mental and physical preparation are equally important for projecting confidence in an academic setting. The first day ended with a networking dinner, which offered a chance to forge new connections in a relaxed setting.
Day 2 and 3: From Deep Dives to Individual Coaching
The second day focused on intensive skill development. In full-day workshops, participants worked on specific competencies ranging from leadership skills to strategic career planning. These deep-dive sessions allowed for a thorough exploration of the challenges and opportunities within the scientific landscape.
On the final day (April 17), the focus shifted to the individual level. In exclusive one-on-one coaching sessions, our researchers received tailored advice and had the opportunity to discuss personal career questions with professional coaches. This personalized approach is a cornerstone of the BeWISE program, ensuring that the unique needs of each scientist are addressed.
A Strong Network for the Future
For CeTI, participating in BeWISE is a vital component of our commitment to promoting equal opportunities and diversity. We would like to thank all co-organizers and DFG partner projects for the successful cooperation, as well as the trainers and coaches for their valuable support. We look forward to integrating the impulses from these three days into our daily research work at the cluster.
Pictures: © Sebastian Weingart
