Equality offensive at the KU: women's power in science!

Equality offensive at the KU: women's power in science!

On March 8, 2025, a significant mentoring program for young female scientists will be introduced at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU). The program aims to promote women's careers in science and facilitate exchanges between experienced scientists and young talent. One of the promising participants is Martha Egan, a doctoral student in European studies who is mentored by her mentor Dr. Eva Ries is supported. This initiative is part of KU's broader commitment to advance equality for women in science and is led by Prof. Dr. Kathrin Schlemmer, the university's women's and equal opportunities officer.

The KU also focuses on family-friendliness by providing mobile children's rooms, so-called kids boxes, directly on campus. In addition, a holiday program for school holidays and a play area in the Eichstätter cafeteria were introduced. These measures are accessible to all members of the KU and help create a supportive environment for female scientists and their families. Prof. Schlemmer plays a central role in the application for the professorship program, which aims to further develop the equality goals and activities and to continue successfully implemented measures.

The 2030 Professor Program

The 2030 Professor Program, which was decided in November 2022, represents a significant milestone in the promotion of women in leadership positions within universities. This program builds on the successes of previous phases and aims to increase the number of female professors, promote young female researchers and anchor structural equality. The BMBF reports that the federal and state governments are providing a total of 320 million euros for these initiatives over a period of eight years. To date, the program has already funded 907 professorships.

The need for these programs is made particularly clear by the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon, in which women in the science system are increasingly losing out in academic careers despite high success rates in educational qualifications. While the proportion of women among doctoral students is 46% and among postdoctoral candidates 37%, it is currently only 28% among professors. The BMBF has set itself the goal of counteracting this divergence and promoting parity in science.

Evaluation and future perspectives

The first three phases of the professorship program were evaluated positively, with demonstrable structural progress being achieved. For the new funding period, which began in 2023, 92 universities successfully participated and submitted their equality concepts. Only higher education institutions with approved concepts can apply for further funding. The application deadline for start-up funding for permanent professorships runs until September 30, 2025.

This program and the measures to promote women in science are important not only for the development of those affected, but also for the international competitiveness of German universities. A diverse academic landscape leads to better research results and supports innovative strength in the relevant countries. Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien, President of the KU, emphasizes the importance of equality in the scientific community and is actively committed to the implementation of these programs.

In summary, it can be said that the KU is sending a signal towards equality with its concrete measures and is thus helping to significantly improve equal opportunities at universities in Germany.