Science Heroines: Girls Discover the Future of Cybersecurity!

Science Heroines: Girls Discover the Future of Cybersecurity!

On April 3, 2025, 30 students between the ages of 15 and 17 visited the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (UniBw M) as part of Girls' Day. The aim of this program was to offer participants insights into study options and the field of cybersecurity. Germany's security is increasingly being defended in cyberspace, which is the number one priority for the future. The CODE Cyber ​​Defense (FI CODE) research institute played a central role and taught the students how important it is to protect people, data and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.

Prof. Michaela Geierhos, Director of FI CODE, underlined the importance of research and scientific training, especially in future-oriented topics such as cybersecurity. Together with Dr. She told Daniela Pöhn, a research assistant, about her career in IT and highlighted the research focus on digital identity management. Dr. Pöhn highlighted the challenge of identity theft through social engineering, a common problem that she wants to address.

Practical insights into technology

As part of Girls’ Day, the students not only received theoretical content, but also practical insights. Prof. Marta Gomez-Barrero, Professor of Machine Learning, presented the extensive range of courses offered by the Faculty of Computer Science. In the E-Lab, students were able to work with modern technologies, including a 3D printer and microscopes to examine chips. In addition, they programmed an application to reduce the power consumption of a smartphone.

A special highlight was the demonstration of quantum computing and quantum encryption by the MuQuaNet team, which offered the students an interactive experience with VR glasses and a 3D printed frigate.

Networking and informal conversations

After the intensive academic program, lunch in the cafeteria served as an opportunity for informal networking between the students of UniBw M. They led the students around the campus and informed them about life and learning at the university as well as about officer careers. Girls' Day is a nationwide orientation day that aims to introduce girls to specific career and study opportunities in professions with a proportion of women under 40 percent, including IT, skilled trades, natural sciences and technology.

The initiative plays a crucial role in supporting women and girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects at an early age. The aim is to stimulate interest in technology and particularly cybersecurity. Creating an inclusive working environment and diverse teams is just as important as gender-independent pay. These aspects were also highlighted by Elisa Torres, who emphasized the importance of encouraging young women to cultivate their curiosity and act outside their comfort zone. Digital platforms offer numerous training opportunities, and girls are advised to actively watch coding videos and research cybersecurity with friends.

Additionally, the “Girls in Quantum” program aims to establish a leading learning platform for new technologies such as quantum computing. The ambitious plan includes expanding reach to over 50 countries and supporting more than 50,000 students, especially girls. The educational initiatives currently make it possible to reach more than 3,000 students from 21 countries. These objectives are in line with efforts to encourage women and girls into technological careers and to break down barriers that have previously held them back.

The Bundeswehr takes an active role in Girls’ Day, with over 100 locations taking part on the day. The University of the Bundeswehr Munich has been a host for many years and its commitment contributes to promoting equal opportunities in technical professions. UniBw M reports that... The initiative supports the idea that technology can help solve everyday problems and ignores labor market inequalities demonstrated by such programs.

Looking forward, it is hoped that these initiatives will continue to be successful and increase young women's interest in cybersecurity technologies and fields of study, as well as STEM as a whole. Elisa Torres adds that…