Exhibition "STEM Passion": Helmholtz Munich Advocates for Greater Visibility of Women in Science

Events, Public Engagement, February 12, 2025

To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Helmholtz Munich has opened the exhibition STEM Passion at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus. The exhibition celebrates the achievements of outstanding female scientists and highlights the diversity of their roles in research. With this initiative, Helmholtz Munich reaffirms its commitment to greater visibility and equal opportunities for women in science. The exhibition is open to visitors until March 13.

A Multimedia Exhibition Offering a Powerful Experience

Created by Prof. Elisabetta Citterio (molecular biologist and photographer) and Prof. Claudia Cagliano (communication manager), in collaboration with Andrea Pozzoli (composer, artistic producer and sound designer), the exhibition weaves together photography, words, and sound to take visitors on a compelling journey through the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).* It shines a spotlight on the women who remain underrepresented in these fields. Globally, only 33 percent of researchers are women, and in the life sciences, just 15 to 26 percent reach professorships or leadership positions. STEM Passion raises awareness of these challenges and helps spark a broader societal dialogue on equality and opportunity in science.

Prof. Matthias Tschöp, CEO and Scientific Director at Helmholtz Munich said: "Diverse perspectives are a key factor for excellence and success in any field. I am personally convinced that fostering an inclusive environment is essential for groundbreaking research and cutting-edge innovation. That's why at Helmholtz Munich we actively support and promote women in leadership positions and want to give them special visibility with this exhibition."

More information about the international art project STEM Passion is available at www.stempassion.com.

Four Inspiring Scientists in the Spotlight

This year’s STEM Passion exhibition at the Helmholtz Munich Campus showcases the stories of four exceptional scientists:

Prof. Annette Peters, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, explores the impact of air pollution, as well as genetic and environmental factors, on health – particularly in relation to cardiovascular diseases.
Prof. Magdalena Götz, Head of the Stem Cell Center and Director of the Institute of Stem Cell Research, investigates the mechanisms of brain development and neurogenesis in both the developing and adult brain.
Prof. Carolin Daniel, Head of the Type 1 Diabetes Immunology Research Unit, studies the immune system’s role in the onset and progression of type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Sarah Kim-Hellmuth, Emmy Noether Research Group Leader at the Institute of Translational Genomics, examines how genetic factors shape immune responses and influence clinical applications.

A Month Celebrating Women in Science

Following the exhibition’s opening, guests had the opportunity to engage in discussions and network. The exhibition kicks off an Awareness Month, during which Helmholtz Munich will amplify the conversation across social media. Leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8, the spotlight will be on the experiences and insights of renowned female scientists. A standout highlight of the campaign is the closing event on March 11 in Munich, titled "Inspiring Careers – Insights on Female Leadership." More details about the event can be found here.

*Exhibition execution:
Project: Elisabetta Citterio, Claudia Cagliano
Photography: Elisabetta Citterio
Sound Design: Andrea Pozzoli
Graphic Design: Claudia Brambilla
Exhibit Design: Elisa Citterio