Promoting women in STEM professions at Fraunhofer IOSB

Women are still underrepresented in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professions – so we are very proud that many female scientists are advancing their careers at Fraunhofer IOSB and that several women also hold management positions. We highly value professional equality and diversity. In addition to equal opportunities, parent and child offices, and optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, we offer a customized development program for women in STEM and engineering with “Fraunhofer TALENTA” (German website). It is aimed at women in all phases of their careers, from entry-level to manager, and offers qualifications, a support program and many networking opportunities within Fraunhofer.

In the following interview, our research scientists Anne Sielemann and Anna Taphorn talk about their experiences at Fraunhofer IOSB and how TALENTA is helping them get started in science.  

From university to science

You both studied computer science. Were there any particular challenges you had to overcome during your studies?

Anne Sielemann: At the very beginning of my studies, I was unsure whether I should study computer science and whether I would be able to do it. These uncertainties were also due to the fact that computer science is a male-dominated domain. I decided to study computer science because I had always liked logic puzzles and mathematics. Nevertheless, it was challenging because I was the only one in my group of friends who had never programmed before. Many had taken computer science at school and already knew how to program. I lacked this prior knowledge at the beginning and it was difficult to catch up. But then I got better grades than I had expected – in some cases even better than some of my fellow students. That made me feel better about my worries.

Anna Taphorn: I had computer science at school, but that wasn't the deciding factor in my choice of studies. I had doubts about whether I could succeed in this subject as a woman. In the beginning, I compared a lot, doubted myself and wondered if this was the right place for me. That was a challenge for me. But I enjoyed the subject and wanted to see how far I could get.

How did you come to Fraunhofer IOSB?

Anna Taphorn: After completing my bachelor's degree in Applied Cognitive and Media Sciences, which combines psychology and computer science, I continued my studies in computer science in Reutlingen. The course is called Human Computer Interaction. You come into contact with Fraunhofer early on, for example at the Hannover Messe. I was particularly attracted by the applied research aspect, so I applied to Fraunhofer IOSB. I also saw in the job description that women in particular were encouraged to apply and that there were corresponding funding opportunities. That particularly motivated me to apply here.

Anne Sielemann: It was similar for me. I studied computer science at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and came to Fraunhofer IOSB through a friend's recommendation. Exciting topics for bachelor theses then convinced me to write my own bachelor thesis in the MRD department, where I then worked as a student assistant, then wrote my master's thesis and am now doing my doctorate.

Working at Fraunhofer IOSB

What is your role at the institute and who do you work with?

Anna Taphorn: I work as a research scientist in the Visual Inspection Systems (SPR) department, where I mainly work with spectral imaging, for example in the fruit and vegetable scanner that we use to measure the quality characteristics of fresh food. I work primarily with my team, but also with other colleagues in the department. We also cooperate a lot with external partners and companies that support us or help us advance in projects. I was hired as a research scientist and software developer and also took on responsibility for a project from the beginning. In addition to software development, I do a lot of project coordination, supervise students and research new solutions or processes.

Anne Sielemann: I am a doctoral student in the department Systems for Measurement, Control and Diagnosis (MRD) and am investigating the quality of synthetically generated sensor data from simulation environments in the context of autonomous mobility systems. Currently, I am mainly working with image data and researching how well different methods work and how they can be compared in the future. I work closely with my colleagues and student employees, have my own projects and project meetings. My group manager takes on more of the project acquisition work, so that I can concentrate more on the project work and my doctoral studies.

Career and women in science

How does the TALENTA program support you?

Anne Sielemann: TALENTA gives me the freedom to pursue my doctoral studies in the available time and to explore my career prospects. The exchange with other TALENTA participants is inspiring. Through TALENTA, I also have the opportunity to attend a lecture that I am very interested in.

Anna Taphorn: I use the program to invest time in topics in which I want to develop expertise. It doesn't necessarily have to advance a specific work project, but rather serves my personal career development.

What advice would you give to young female scientists who are aiming for a career in research?

Anne Sielemann: Have courage. Both of us have found that as a woman you are often unsure at the beginning. In my opinion, this is because men are socialized differently and it is easier for them to claim that they have done something well. Women, on the other hand, often find this more difficult and this can quickly give the impression that you are not so good – although that is nonsense, of course. You have to have the courage to say: “I can do this and I want to do this!”

Anna Taphorn: Absolutely! Often there is no real difference in ability or skills, but rather in the way you present yourself. Another tip would be to look out for funding programs while you are still studying. There are many of these, and it is definitely worth applying for them, because many scholarships are not properly taken advantage of.

What do you particularly like about Fraunhofer IOSB?

Anne Sielemann: What I really like about this job is the flexibility I have in all areas. I can organize my working hours very flexibly and my group is very open to me determining my home office times myself. Also, internal communication and coordination of tasks are always such that everyone can work on what they like. The colleagues are great, and there are many role models in management positions and in the departments where women play a visible role.

Anna Taphorn: Yes, that's right. You have the freedom to find your own way. Here you work on very current and socially relevant topics – in my case, for example, the topic of food waste in retail or digitalization in the agricultural sector for more resilient agriculture. You feel like you're creating real value with your work, not just doing a job.

Thank you very much for the interview, we wish you every success in your future career at Fraunhofer IOSB!

The interview was conducted by Miriam Lappe and Claire Grüner.