Potsdam as a pioneer: women's power in science is promoted!

Potsdam as a pioneer: women's power in science is promoted!

On March 9, 2025, the University of Potsdam confirmed its role as a pioneer in promoting gender equality in the higher education sector. She is one of the 56 German universities that are supported as part of the 2030 Professor Program. This comprehensive funding program has already included over 850 successfully funded professorships since its introduction in 2008.

The University of Potsdam has distinguished itself with a sophisticated equality concept, which earned it the title of “University with Strong Equal Opportunities”. This gives her the opportunity to apply for additional positions for young female scientists. Vice President Prof. Dr. Barbara Hohl called the success in the female professor program a recognition of the university's previous achievements in gender equality.

The central role of women in science

The promotion of women at universities is of central importance, not only for equality, but also for the innovative power of science. Markus Blume, chairman of the Joint Science Conference (GWK), emphasized the importance of more women in top scientific positions for international competition. With a proportion of women of over 40 percent in the professoriate, the University of Potsdam is above the national average of 28 percent.

The 2030 Professor Program was created to counteract the so-called “leaky pipeline,” which describes how women often lose out in their academic careers after completing their doctorates. The proportion of women by academic level clearly shows the problem: While 46 percent of doctoral students are women, the proportion of female professors is only 28 percent. The aim of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is to close this gap and to sustainably anchor gender equality in the higher education system.

Financial support and program structure

The BMBF and the federal states are making a total of 320 million euros available for the 2030 female professor program. These funds will be distributed over a period of eight years. Universities can submit applications for start-up funding for the initial appointment of women to permanent W2 or W3 professorships. The application process takes place in two phases: First, an equality concept is submitted and then a formal funding application.

To qualify for the program, you must submit externally reviewed equality concepts. In the first selection round, 92 universities were convincing, with 22 universities receiving special awards for their concepts. These state and state-recognized universities can submit applications for the next round of funding until September 30, 2025.

The success of previous program phases has been demonstrated by evaluated progress in equality. These structural change approaches are crucial to increasing the visibility of women in scientific and innovative fields. The BMBF also promotes initiatives that strengthen diversity at German universities.

The entire initiative shows that gender equality and diversity are not just social requirements, but are essential factors for better scientific output and international competitiveness. It remains to be hoped that the progress made through the Professor Program will not only increase the number of female professors, but also create a sustainable climate of equality.

Further information about equality for women in science and specific programs can be found on the websites of the BMBF and the University of Potsdam: bmbf.de and uni-potsdam.de.