The Sustainability Initiative of the University of Cologne, which is carefully supported by the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Germany Chapter and the Materials Research Society (MRS) University Chapter, organized a workshop titled: Gender Equality – Women in Science. Indeed, a highly discussed topic nowadays, which spans a wide range of occupations. 80 participants from all over the world, just to name few: Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Hungary, Spain, Nigeria, Sweden, Ghana, America and England, joined in this workshop.

“Is the gender gap still a topic in the academia world, in particular for women in science, and what can we do to tackle this problem in a constructively way?” – was one of the profound questions that were asked during the workshop.

In this workshop a group of high-level scientists’ women springs from academia and industry, including a representative of UN WOMEN, to share and discuss their experiences whenever they encounter any difficulties in their careers. Their motivating stories and opinions on how they moved up in their career and managed their work-life balance to be successful in their professional work and handle the family besides. This extrapolated a portrait of what barriers women encountered in science in the past, but also what challenges and stereotypes are still to be overcome, striving to close the gap!

The overall goal of this workshop was to encourage young women not to hold back and follow their dreams!

Check out our highlight video!

Gender equality means to them...

We would like to thank once again all participants and especially the two invited speakers of the 2^nd International Workshop on Sustainable Work Environment.

The first speaker, Dr. Rachael Relph from My Green Lab, focused on the impact of scientific laboratories on the environment. With the slogan “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” she pointed a way, whereby we can become more sustainable with small practices every single day. She presented impressive facts in the fields of energy, water, and waste and motivated us to take more responsibility in order to achieve more environmentally friendly work in the laboratories.

During short breakout sessions, based on 5 of the 17 SDGs, the attendees had the chance to discuss about possibilities to be sustainable at their own facilities. A collection of many good ideas amassed, including careful planning of experiments, duplication avoidance and shared usage of instruments but also small measures like checking unnecessary turned on lights and equipment.

After the fruitful exchange, Dr. Stephanie Bölts continued with the second talk. As the project manager of EUniWell, she gave an introduction of the project which involves 7 universities, 102 associated partner institutions and 354 project partners. EUniWell focuses on the SDGs and empowers the well-being for all students, members and staff in research and education.
Do not miss the Launch Day on 17^th of November 2020 if you want more information on the fresh initiative.
 

Join the next workshop in January to learn more about sustainability.

Interested in learning more on sustainability?

The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Germany Chapter and the Materials Research Society (MRS) International Chapter at the
University of Cologne have the great pleasure to invite you to an International Online Workshop on "Sustainable Growth through Scientific Collaboration", which
aims to discuss the importance of sustainability in scientific research and their impact on the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
The aim of this two-hour workshop is to raise the general awareness of the nexus between materials, materials research, and sustainable laboratory practices
to support the UNSDG.

02:00 pm Introduction (Sanjay Mathur)
02:10 pm Ceramics Chapter (René Weißing)
02:20 pm MRS University Chapter (David Graf)
02:30 pm The Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs (Isabel Gessner)
02:40 pm Sustainable Education and Networking (Aida Raauf)
02:50 pm Sustainability in Industry (Anna Schmidt-Verma)
03:00 pm Open discussion round (Thomas Fischer)
03:30 pm estimated end of the workshop

Why should I participate: To experience an interactive discussion and training session that will enable you to champion the UNSDGs!
When: The workshop will be held via zoom on 28th September from 2:00 to 4:00 pm CET (9:00 to 11:00 pm JST; 8:00 to 10:00 pm CST; 5:00 to 7:00 am PT; 8:00 to 10:00 am ET).
Who should participate: Scientists interested in learning and implementing sustainable laboratory practices.

                                                 Registration

 

For years, chemists have been promoting a better world through recyclable plastics, cleaner-burning fuels, phosphate-free detergents, environmental monitoring, and green chemistry initiatives. To promote the positive role that chemistry plays in the world, ACS established the Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) public awareness campaign. During CCEW, ACS members and chemistry enthusiasts celebrate by coordinating events and communicating the importance of chemistry.

Be part and take action!