Are women different from men in science and leadership?  

If I answer as a scientist, I have to say that men and women differ due to evolution and probably (re)act differently in the working environment. Advantages and disadvantages are likely to balance each other. But I am convinced that emotional competence, feeling emotions and also showing them, are extremely important for good individual leadership. And here I see a small advantage of the female leaders.

Which advantages for companies do you see in diverse teams?

Diversity results in a large pool ofdifferent perspectives – everyone can learn and benefit from it. In my position, I have the opportunity to work with very different personalities from all over the company: scientists from many countries, colleagues with different educational backgrounds, women/men/diverse. I find it exciting to hear and understand the different perspectives and to work together to get the best results for the institute. This is a clear advantage.

You are about to take parental leave – in April you are expecting your first child. What factors give you confidence that family and career at Fraunhofer IWKS can be reconciled?

I receive great encouragement from the institute management and my colleagues regarding my pregnancy and the upcoming parental leave. Fraunhofer IWKS offers many models to reconcile parenthood and professional life, such as shared leadership positions. If moms or dads don't want to come back in a 100% job, the leadership role can be split between two people.

Why is Fraunhofer IWKS a good employer for women?

Fraunhofer IWKS is one of the few Fraunhofer institutes that have a female managing director. She always has an eye on promoting qualified women and filling management positions with female staff. This provides a balance, because at the moment there are still many male department heads. Biography-friendly conditions such as part-time options and flexibility in working hours and locations are also very positive.

What tips would you like to give to female scientists who are interested in an employment at Fraunhofer IWKS?

To be brave and to trust in your skills – the hard and the so-called soft ones! In addition, it is worthwhile to apply for jobs that may only match 60% of your own CV and also to say in your job interview what the you want to achieve, how you wants to get involved.