Future for women in MINT: Workshop in Hildesheim inspires students!

Future for women in MINT: Workshop in Hildesheim inspires students!

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, took place at the University of Hildesheim the first workshop as part of the nationwide program PIONEER instead of. The event was aimed at students from the tenth grade onwards and offered an exciting opportunity to deal with computer science and environmental technologies. The participants, Nele and Lia, both shortly before entering the twelfth grade, learned how to design and implement smart irrigation systems for houseplants.

Overall, the program aims to build bridges between school and studies and, in particular, to reduce fears when dealing with computer science. This includes technologies like3D printing, microcontrollers, sensorsandActorsfor use. The participants not only gain access to complex topics, but also gain an insight into the possibilities of studying computer science with a special focus on environmental informatics.

Goals and structure of the workshop

The workshop is part of a broader goal to increase the proportion of academically qualified women in computer science. With the PIONIERIN program, the University of Hildesheim also supports the equal participation of women in research and innovation processes. The activities include, among other things, digital fabrication workshops, role model lectures and the presentation of relevant IT job profiles.

Through close cooperation with other universities, including the University of Koblenz and the universities in Bamberg and Kassel, various subject areas are covered. While Koblenz, for example, deals with programming and modeling, the focus in Hildesheim is clearly onEnvironmental informatics.

Collaboration and support for women in MINT

Another aspect is examining the effectiveness of the learning content offered. The University of Hildesheim also carries out regular evaluations in order to continually improve its offerings. This happens as part of a broad network of projects to promote computer science in MINT subjects. Loud ELLISA Although the presence of women in MINT disciplines is high, equality has not yet been fully achieved.

The event and similar programs aim to help not only make computer science studyable, but also make careers in MINT more attractive for women. They help to break down barriers and offer a variety of support options, such as numerous initiatives and mentoring programs aimed at promoting women in STEM fields.

The next workshop will take place during the autumn holidays from October 20th to 22nd and will focus on the construction ofEnvironmental measuring stations for houseplantsfocus. Projects like this aim to optimally prepare students for future courses of study and discover their passion for computer science and environmental technology.