University of Halle receives substantial funding for fostering equality in scientific research

The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) is taking significant strides towards promoting gender equality in science with the FEM POWER project. Funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) for a period of five years, until the end of 2027, the university is receiving 3.5 million euros to continue this important initiative.

FEM POWER II, a nationwide program, is not limited to MLU but aims to promote and achieve gender equality in science and research across Germany. The project is coordinated by the Diversity and Equal Opportunities Office, which is directly attached to the Rectorate at MLU.

The goal of FEM POWER is to improve the conditions for women's eligibility for professorships. To achieve this, three junior research groups led by women will be established in the university's strong research areas of materials science, protein research, and plant research. The groups are led by Prof. Dr. Julia van Weert, Dr. Lena Müller, and Dr. Anja Schmidt, respectively.

In addition to the establishment of these research groups, measures in the FEM POWER project include mentoring, career advancement, and support for network building for female scientists. The mentoring program, funded by FEM POWER II, receives new impetus and caters to the individual needs of participants. There are separate programs for female students in the final stages of their studies and early-stage PhD students, and for advanced PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

The first funding phase of FEM POWER II ran from 2016 to 2022. During this time, MLU made significant progress in promoting gender equality in science. The university is a signatory of the self-commitment to increase gender equality in appointments, decided by the Higher Education Council in 2024.

MLU's commitment to gender equality extends beyond FEM POWER. The work of the network office gender*bildet, which focuses on strengthening gender research at MLU and integrating gender perspectives in research and teaching, is continued.

The FEM POWER project aims to strengthen the university's research foci and large collaborative research projects. By promoting gender equality, the project seeks to create an excellent environment for female scientists to develop their scientific profile and acquire leadership skills.

FEM POWER II is now in a second funding phase, ensuring that MLU's commitment to gender equality in science continues to thrive.

University of Halle receives substantial funding for fostering equality in scientific research