International Day of Women and Girls in Science: 3 astrophysicists who stand for a new generation of scientists

To date, significantly less decideas men for studying in the MINT area (which includes mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). According to the Federal Statistical Office, the proportion of new students in 2022 was 35 percent. Why is that?

Basically, women today have the same opportunities and opportunities as men. In reality, you have to prevail, especially in male -dominated areas, partially against gender -specific prejudices.

RWTH Aachen University, one of the leading technical universities in Europe, examined exactly that. Less rational and logical and more emotional thinking, less ambition and leadership weakness are, among other things, prejudices with which women are faced with science. Despite these challenges, there are numerous scientists nowadays who go their way and research extremely successfully. The following three astrophysicists stand for a new generation of scientists - and motivate you to do exactly what you burn regardless of external circumstances.

The astrophysicist researches physics at the University of Bamberg. It evaluates the data that the space satellites of NASA and the ESA as well as the X -ray telescope erosita with the development teams developed by Bamberg's research teams. “Astrophysics is a very international field of research because without collaborations between several institutes that are distributed all over the world, you cannot build and operate large telescopes - whether on earth or in space. You get to know a lot of interesting people and cultures and you can see how science policy is carried out or agencies such as NASA or ESA work. "

As a child, the scientist knew that she wanted to deal with the universe: “I have always fascinated me. AsI stood in the garden at night and admired the starry sky. " With her interest in mathematics and natural sciences, she was an outsider at school. “Universities and research institutes now support women in the MINT area very well. It would be nice if the fascination with physics in girls could be awakened and encouraged early. ” Incidentally, the astrophysicist also proves that motherhood and science cannot be mutually exclusive: During a research stay in the United States, she received her first son, two years later a daughter. “It was important to me to spend the first time with my children. So I stayed at home for three years. That was feasible in science. "

The scientist is interested in the influence of supermassing black holes in galaxies. Since 2020 she has been researching as a group leader at the Astronomical Rechen Institute at Heidelberg University. With a team of researchers, she was able to examine the universe as one of the first astrophysicists with the new James-Webb world dream telescope in 2021. As a girl, Dr. Wylezalek, where the limits of space are - and what is behind it. "Although I understand the universe much better today than 30 years ago, I am more than ever aware of how much we still don't know and how much is still waiting to be discovered and understood."

Dr. was directly discriminated against Wylezalek as a woman in research never, "but it is obvious that there are still many conscious and unconscious prejudices," said the scientist. "For example, many people are very surprised when they find out what I do." She advises students to look around mentors and consultants at an early stage: "I was very lucky to have had wonderful mentors in the course of my career who were great teachers - but also helped me enormously to find my way around the world of science."

The Austrian native researches and teaches at Cornell University in the USA and explores the question: Are we alone in space? As one of the most renowned scientists, she was involved in the discovery of the exoplanets "Kepler 62e" and "Kepler 62f". Today she advises the US room trip authority NASA.

With the prejudices against women in science, she was only confronted late in how she told SWR1 format "SWR 1 People": "From the beginning I had the idea that I could do what I like. My parents always felt that the world is open to me. That is also what I want to give my daughter. I only came across the-is-but-not-for-one girl border late. Something you want to show young women with their recently published book "Alien Earths: Looking for new planets and extraterrestrial life": "There are also women in top research that research and work with creative means. Often you get the picture of being either logical or creative. And when you are creative, science is not for you. Which is not true at all, ”said Dr. Lisa Kaltenegger.