Ask a Scientist: Networking event for Women

For the third time, the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics invited women from the Women in AI & Robotics association to an online 'Ask a Scientist' lunch session on February 10, 2023. About 50 guests and 10 female and male scientists digitally exchanged ideas on robotics research, technology transfer, and career opportunities at DLR. Due to the great success of previous years, the event was repeated this year.

"Promoting women in scientific and technical careers is very important to us at DLR," said Prof. Alin Albu-Schäffer, director at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics. "'Ask a Scientist' is part of a series of events designed to target women," Albu-Schäffer explained. "In addition to scientific exchange, it allows us to showcase the excellent opportunities for women in leadership, research, and junior positions at DLR."

The occasion for the invitation is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Women are still underrepresented in the sciences, especially in engineering and technology. Only one third of all people employed in science worldwide are women. In the field of artificial intelligence, the so-called "gender divide" is particularly striking - here, the proportion of women is only 22 percent, according to UNESCO's latest World Science Report.

Other events aimed specifically at women included on-site Women in Tech in fall 2020, and online 'Ask a Scientist' events in 2021 and 2022 to mark International Women's Day.