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Women at Helmholtz Munich

Science is better when everyone is included. Yet, only about a third of researchers worldwide are women. It’s time to change that. On this page, Helmholtz Munich celebrates inspiring careers and female leadership.

Science is better when everyone is included. Yet, only about a third of researchers worldwide are women. It’s time to change that. On this page, Helmholtz Munich celebrates inspiring careers and female leadership.

Inspiring Careers #WomenInScience

Campaign

From the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11) to International Women's Day (March 8), Helmholtz Munich shines a spotlight on the brilliance of female leaders in research, because #ScienceNeedsHer. Discover the inspiring journeys of our female researchers - their challenges, aspirations for future generations, personal advice, and the key milestones that shaped their careers.

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Portrait Ele Zeggini for Women in Science Campaign
Helmholtz Munich | ©Matthias Tunger Photodesign
Director of the Institute of Translational Genomics

Prof. Eleftheria Zeggini

What advice would you give your younger self?

“Surround yourself with inspiring people, delegate efficiently and learn how to say no.”

Read Story
Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla Portrait with Notebook for Women in Sciences Campaign
Helmholtz Munich | ©Petra Nehmeyer
Director of the Institute for Epigenetics and Stem Cells

Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla

What would you change for future generations?

"I would create a future where origin, race, and background are not even thought of in the workplace. Instead, everyone would be valued and united in the scientific endeavor based solely on their commitment, passion, work quality, and ethics."

Read Interview
Prof. Dr. Julia Anne Schnabel for Women in Science Campaign
Helmholtz Munich | Matthias Tunger Photodesign
Director of Institute of Machine Learning in Biomedical Imaging

Prof. Julia Schnabel

What was your career booster?

“Not doing it alone - a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, friends, and family, as well as taking turns not only in private, but also professionally and collaboratively. While there has certainly been an element of chance, seeking and then also daring to seize opportunities has been invaluable.”

To Julia's Page
Magdalena Götz Porträt for Women in Science Campaign
©Helmholtz Zentrum München | Jan Roeder
Director of the Institute of Stem Cell Research

Prof. Magdalena Götz

What advice would you give your younger self?

"Focus on your science and enjoy the fun of working on the unknown!"

Read Interview
Carolin Daniel for Women in Science Campaign
Helmholtz Munich ǀ © Matthias Tunger Photodesign
Head of the Research Unit “Type 1 Diabetes Immunology”

Prof. Carolin Daniel

What advice would you give your younger self?

“Be yourself, follow your passion, be curious and ask bold questions. Trust the journey, foster team growth and diverse perspectives. Science is a marathon, not a sprint - enjoy growing along the way.”

View Carolin's Page
Porträt Zeynep Akata for Women in Science Campaign
Helmholtz Munich | Zeynep Akata
Director of the Institute of Explainable Machine Learning

Prof. Zeynep Akata

What was your career booster?

"Success stems from many factors, some uncontrollable. Lacking privileges, I set clear goals, worked relentlessly, took risks, and pushed limits. With no precedent to follow, I embraced being the first."

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Marion Jasnin HPC Background for Women in Science Campaign
Helmholtz Munich
Principal Investigator at Helmholtz Pioneer Campus

Dr. Marion Jasnin

What advice would you give your younger self?

"Believe that you belong here, collaborate extensively to build your network, and disseminate your great science widely to carve your own original path among your peers."

View Marion's Page
Prof. Dr. Annette Peters for Women in Science Campaign
Helmholtz Munich | Matthias Tunger Photodesign
Director of the Institute of Epidemiology

Prof. Annette Peters

What advice would you give your younger self?

"Science is beautiful. It’s a freedom of the mind. Stick with science, engage, but also find a good life balance. It’s truly rewarding to experience the full breadth of life."

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Soni Deshwal
©Katharina Link
Group Leader at the Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death

Dr. Soni Deshwal

What advice would you give your younger self?

"If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to trust the process, embrace detours, and not stress about having everything figured out. Stay curious and ask for help when needed!"

View Soni's Page
Traidl-Hoffmann_Claudia_5086_full_O for Women In Science Campaign
Universität Augsburg | ©Anatoli Oskin
Director of the Institute of Environmental Medicine

Prof. Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann

What would you change for future generations?

"I would push for a stronger integration of environmental medicine into medical education and healthcare. Future generations of doctors should be equipped to understand and address the profound impact of climate and environmental factors on health - turning medicine into a truly preventive and integrative discipline."

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Portrait Susanna Hofmann_IDR-H
Helmholtz Munich | ©Petra Nehmeyer
Head of the Independent Research Group "Women and Diabetes"

Prof. Susanna Hofmann

What advice would you give your younger self?

"Remember the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Cultivate professional relationships, share knowledge, and empower one another. Together, you will build a resilient, inclusive, and innovative scientific community."

Read Story
Janna Nawroth for Women in Health Campaign
Helmholtz Munich I ©Veronika Pičmanová
Principal Investigator at Helmholtz Pioneer Campus

Dr. Janna Nawroth

What was your career booster?

"My career booster was to pick my research advisors based on both their track record in training people that moved on to scientific leadership positions that I would want for myself, and to always make the final decision based on my gut feeling end excitement I had for the project."

View Janna's Page

STEM Passion

Exhibition

STEM Passion takes visitors on a journey through photography, words, and sound, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. With a special focus on the Life Sciences, this multimedia exhibition celebrates the excellence, passion, and leadership of outstanding women in science.

Through powerful storytelling, STEM Passion showcases the achievements of leading female scientists from international research institutes, aiming to inspire the next generation and encourage young minds to pursue careers in STEM.

This year’s exhibition, created by artists Prof. Elisabetta Citterio and Prof. Claudia Cagliano, highlights women in science from diverse backgrounds, honoring their contributions and successes.

Visit the exhibition at Helmholtz Pioneer Campus
February 11 - March 13, 2025
Open: Mo-Fr 9:00 - 18:00 
Registration at the gate

Learn more about STEM Passion

Inspiring Careers – Insights on Female Leadership

On March 11, 2025 Helmholtz Munich brought women in leadership positions to the stage. Successful and inspiring personalities from science and business shared their insights on their journey to the top and the key moments that shaped their careers. There was a lot to learn from their experiences.

Learn more

Get To Know More of Us

Our female scientists are inspiring. Some of them share their visions, thoughts and experiences.

Have a look