Prizes for MINT students: Women’s power at the BTU Cottbus!

Prizes for MINT students: Women’s power at the BTU Cottbus!

On August 5, 2025, an award ceremony was held at the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) that honored the commitment of women in MINT subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). The BTU awards these prizes to promote equality, visibility and empowerment of women. Prof. Dr. emphasizes Peer Schmidt, Vice President for Studies and Teaching, describes the importance of such awards as a symbol of a new role model. The honors come in the context of a historically male-dominated discipline in which women continue to be underrepresented staravis.com executes.

Elisa Korb was awarded the prize for the “Best MINT student in the master’s program”. She has demonstrated excellent academic performance in industrial engineering with a specialization in environmental technology and is actively involved in the Association of German Industrial Engineers (VWI), where she organizes events and collects donations. She also works as a student employee at the Center for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) and completed an internship at Porsche Leipzig. Smilla Kuhnt received the award for the “Best MINT student in the bachelor’s program” while she is studying medical technology in her fourth semester. Her commitment includes tutoring and programs to support international students.

Awards for commitment and excellence

Archana Paimpillil Abraham was honored with the special MINT award for academic excellence and social commitment. With a Master of Technology in environmental technology and five years of professional experience in India, she is studying environmental and resource management at the BTU. She also works as a research assistant and doctoral student and volunteers in her community and student groups. Birgit Hendrischke, the BTU's Central Equal Opportunities Officer, emphasizes that awarding these prizes is essential to breaking down stereotypes and increasing the visibility of women in MINT subjects.

The limited access of women to STEM careers has historical roots. Since the Enlightenment in the 18th century, the proportion of women in these disciplines has remained low. Despite some progress, there are still significant barriers, such as the lack of female role models and discriminatory structures in the world of work. A study describes that lower opportunities for advancement and gender stereotypes severely hinder the development of women in STEM. These challenges require comprehensive measures to promote equality, such as targeted educational initiatives and mentoring programs to significantly increase the proportion of women in leadership positions uni-heute.de thematised.

The path to equality in STEM

Although the number of women in STEM studies has increased from 19.5% in 1977 to 32.4% in 2022, the path to full equality remains difficult. The proportion of women among doctoral students is also 46%, while it is only 29% among professors. This unequal distribution, often referred to as a “leaky pipeline,” leads to the need for structural changes in university culture. The BTU pursues targeted approaches within its programs to address these challenges and create gender-equitable quotas and more flexible working conditions.

In summary, the award ceremony at the BTU not only represents a sign of current commitment to promoting women in MINT, but also underlines the need to make further progress towards equality in this area. The award has a signaling effect and is intended to show that excellence in MINT is diverse and should be recognized in society.