Women have been working successfully in science for centuries and have contributed to groundbreaking innovations and discoveries: Ann Tsukamoto, Katherine Johnson and Lise Meitner are just a few examples.
You've never heard of them? And that despite the fact that they achieved decisive advances in cell medicine, were involved in the moon landing or discovered nuclear fission? This is probably because women in science are still far from receiving the support and attention that their male colleagues receive. And even today, STEM professions are still predominantly male-dominated. This applies both to career starters who have completed a degree in the STEM field, as well as in apprenticeships, as a study by the German Economic Institute (2) shows. (1)
Experts see the problem as a combination of social conditioning, the promotion of gender stereotypes and often a misjudgement of their own skills. (1)
Nevertheless, the situation has developed positively since the 1990s: While 22.4% of female students were enrolled in STEM subjects at German universities in the winter semester of 1992/93, this figure had already risen to 32.4% by the winter semester of 2022/23. (1)
As an employer in a scientific and technical industry, it is important to schülke to inspire women and girls for a career in STEM and to support them. Our female colleagues from the various specialist areas deal with highly complex issues on a daily basis and their work makes a significant contribution to protecting lives worldwide.
In our series "World-changing women working in STEM at schülke", we would like to introduce you to some of these impressive women.
I have always been fascinated by natural sciences and chemistry in particular, as our entire environment is made up of chemical substances and chemical reactions. That's why I decided to study chemistry back then. My job in Regulatory Affairs gives me the opportunity to combine my scientific knowledge with real products. I also work as an interface with many internal and external departments.
schülke's diverse product range offers me many opportunities to expand my knowledge and work with colleagues from other departments across departments. I believe that there is an area in our company for all future female colleagues that suits their interests.
I would also like to say to young women who are interested in a career in STEM: If you want to pursue a career in science, don't be influenced by the opinions and ideas of others. You know best what you want and can do.
Intern Scientific, Clinical & Medical Affairs
I chose a career in STEM because I discovered my passion for science at school. During my pharmacy studies, I realized that I could use my scientific understanding to improve people's overall wellbeing.
At schülke, I work with inspiring women who show me that a successful career in STEM is achievable for everyone. I am involved in a variety of science and technology projects here. This allows me to acquire a broad spectrum of knowledge.
Based on my positive experience at the company, I strongly encourage young women to consider a career in science or technology at schülke. STEM in particular is a diverse and dynamic field that offers you countless opportunities to develop your interests and talents.
Microbiology Manager, Bioxal in France
I discovered my enthusiasm for STEM subjects in secondary school: in a biology project, we investigated how microorganisms cause milk to spoil. That's when I realized that I wanted to carry out such experiments later in my career.
I later discovered that the world of STEM subjects at schülke is very large and offers many opportunities. In a single day, I deal with chemistry, materials, engineering techniques and, of course, microbiology. Although I specialize in one field, I have learned a lot from my colleagues in other areas.
I would like to explicitly encourage young women to study a STEM subject. It's not always easy, because in many lectures you'll be the only woman in the room. But you can help to change that. Ultimately, you can even improve research in companies as a whole, because I am convinced that they benefit from diverse teams.
Sources:
(1) Statista (2024): STEM has a shortage of women (Infographic: STEM has a shortage of women | Statista)
(2) German Economic Institute STEM Autumn Report 2023: Attracting more STEM teachers, mastering the challenges of the future - Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW) (iwkoeln.de)