The meccanica feminale is a project of the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Wurttemberg.

#mfbw23 – Review and Impressions

REVIEW | Furtwangen, Villingen-Schwenningen; March 2023 | Netzwerk Frauen.Innovation.Technik Baden-Württemberg

From February 21 to 25, 2023, meccanica feminale entered its 14th round - after two years as a digital format, finally back on site. At the spring university with its focus on „Medical Engineering - Opportunities and Risks“ female students and professionals not only met for joint continuing education, they also took advantage of the opportunity to network for their studies and careers.

Lavanya Yogalingam from the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg and Prof. Robert Schäflein-Armbruster, Prorector for Teaching at Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences welcomed the participants and pointed out the important role women play for the future of our society and the research landscape.

Prof. Alena Buyx, Chair of the German Ethics Council and Professor of Ethics in Medicine and Health Technologies at the Technical University of Munich, was called in for the keynote address on medical ethics. In her lecture and the subsequent discussion, it became clear what challenges medicine faces today and in the future through the use of modern medical technology and AI. Afterwards, the first contacts were made during a get together at the buffet.

Once again this year, the courses in which participants could learn programming in a wide variety of ways were particularly popular, especially Python. Of course, there were also courses on the main topic: The course participants explored what effect apps can have on the future of health or practiced the technique of "lab-on-a-chip". Social skills courses on patent protection, the use of the voice, and salary negotiations rounded out the program.

On Career Day, participants could choose between exciting lectures and workshops on career development. At the same time, the KLS Martin Group provided an insight into its plants in Tuttlingen and Mühlheim. At the booths of Fraunhofer IPA and VDE Südwest e.V., the participants were able to make one or two important contacts. Five female doctoral students from the STEM subjects presented their research work to each other in parallel and took the opportunity to exchange views on the problems and challenges in this career phase.

The day was concluded by the networking dinner. In a relaxed atmosphere, around 50 women took the opportunity to exchange ideas and practice active networking under the guidance of Young BWP e.V. members.

The heart of meccanica feminale is the cafeteria. Over delicious snacks and drinks, participants gathered there not only during lunch breaks.

Once again this year, meccanica feminale was a great experience for all the women involved - especially because they were finally able to meet live and in color. We are looking forward to the next time!

You can find more impressions of the events on | twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | facebook: #mfbw23 or #scientificaBW.

All pictures: Copyright Netzwerk Frauen.Innovation.Technik BW