International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The International Day of Girls and Women in Science on 11 February recognises the importance of equality and diversity in research and innovation. At ETH Zurich, we use this day to raise awareness of the achievements of female scientists. This is achieved through various offers, initiatives and campaigns which draw attention to the crucial role of girls and women in science and technology.
According to the external page UNESCO Institute for Statistics, women are among the underrepresented groups in research and development (below 30 percent worldwide). Especially in the STEM subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology), gender equality is still far from being achieved at all levels of the education system. This is accompanied not only by social inequality, but also by the loss of important research potential, as too few highly qualified women work in research.
Despite the inequalities, there are some exceptional female researchers today, whom we would like to introduce to you below. Among them are women who study, teach or conduct research at ETH.
These women are shaping the future of science
ETH Zurich events and offers around the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025
All events and offers from ETH Zurich and its units are collected here. If you have something to contribute, please send an email to .
Networking event of the "Foster. Lead. Promote" programme
At the event on February 10, 2025, female doctoral students and postdocs can learn about the "Foster. Lead. Promote." programme. There is the opportunity to network with other doctoral students and postdocs from all ETH institutions and to get to know women role models from science and industry. (Registration deadline: February 6, 2025) external page More info on FLP Website
Article “The relationships you build with peers are essential”
Angela Steinauer, professor of chemistry, reflects on how the “Foster. Lead. Promote.” programme for women in science helped shape her career. Applications for 2025 are open. A networking event takes place on 10 February in Bern. Go to article by Angela Steinauer
Girls Go Quantum! - Workshop for girls (German only)
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Quantum Center invites 40 girls on 25th of February 2025 to a unique physics workshop to introduce them to science and especially to STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). More info Girls go Quantum
Trial study by CSNOW (in German only)
Once a semester, the Female Association of D-INFK, CSNOW - Network of Women in Computer Science, offers a trial study for women school students. This allows young women to gain insights into computer science studies at ETH Zurich. The next trial study will take place from February 10 to 14, 2025. More info on trial study by CSNOW
External offers and events
4th EELISA Roundtable: From plans to impact, advancing gender equality in STEAM education
The gender gap in STEM education persists into the professional world, limiting innovation, slowing scientific progress, and causing economic consequences. The fourth edition of the EELISA Roundtable, which takes plase on February, 11th 2025 , will discuss how European University Alliances contribute to transformative changes in higher education and gender equality. Representatives from EELISA, ENHANCE, and EUt+ will share insights on implemented measures and student perspectives within this transnational context. external page To EELISA website
More about women and equal opportunities at ETH Zurich:
Past events and offers for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Schnupperstudium von CSNOW (Deutsch)
Einmal pro Semester bietet die Female Association des D-INFK, CSNOW - Network of Women in Computer Science, ein Schnupperstudium für Schüler:innen an. Dieses erm?glicht jungen Frauen Einblicke in das Informatikstudium an der ETH Zürich zu gewinnen. Das n?chste Schnupperstudium findet vom 12. bis 16. Februar 2024 statt. Info Trial Study by CSNOW
Girls go Chemistry - Schnuppernachmittag (German)
Anl?sslich des M?dchen-??und-?Frauen-in der-??Wissenschaft-?Tags im Februar l?dt das Departement für Chemie und Angewandte Biowissenschaften (D-?CHAB) interessierte Schülerinnen zwischen 12 und 15 Jahren am Mittwoch, 14. Februar 2024 von 14:00 bis 17:00 Uhr zu einem spannenden Blick hinter die Kulissen ein! Mehr zu Girls go Chemistry
Book exhibition “Get Inspired by Women Scientists”
To celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science on February 11, the Chemistry | Biology | Pharmacy Information Center wants to bring attention to successful women scientists with the exhibition, “Get Inspired by Women Scientists”.
External offers and events
3rd EELISA Roundtable for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (English)
This roundtable, which takes place on February, 9th 2024, gives the spotlight to individuals and initiatives within the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA) community who are actively working towards change through the development of fresh narratives. external page Go to EELISA Website
Female scientists and their research at ETH Zurich
Seraphine Zhang and Valentina Gasser
The two scientists talk about personal experiences, upcoming challenges, and plans for the association "Women in Natural Sciences" (WiNS), at ETH Zürich. Their recipe for success is to include all genders, raise awareness, strengthen networks, and have fun doing it.
Nicole Aegerter
Materials scientist Nicole is co-?founder of the ETH spinoff Antefil, which produces glass-?fiber-reinforced plastics for industrial lightweight structures. Nicole talks about her motivation to contribute to the circular economy.
Niao He
The computer science professor at the Institute for Machine Learning at ETH Zurich conducts research on artificial intelligence and its meaningful benefits for humans.
Sonia Seneviratne
As professor at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science at ETH Zurich Sonia researches climate change and explains why we unfortunately have to get used to winters with little snow.
Vira Bondar
The particle physicist conducts research with ultracold neutrons and co-founded "Engaging Physics Tutoring" Hub to help teaching assistants with their practice sessions.
Karin Iten
The ETH alumna studied environmental sciences at ETH Zurich and now works not on climate change, but on cultural change in the Catholic Church.
Maria Conen
Professor of Architecture and Housing has long advocated for preservation and reuse in building because of sustainability and the history and identity of places.
Barbara Dembin
The mathematician conducts research in the field of theoretical mathematics and develops new insights in the so-called percolation theory at ETH Zurich.
Freideriki Michailidou
The chemist is developing new processes to produce fragrances sustainably and without the use of animal testing.
Annette Oxenius
The professor of immunology at the Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich conducts research on infection immunology and receives the well-known Clo?tta Prize for her outstanding research work.
Nicole Kleger (l.) und Simona Fehlmann
The materials scientists have developed a 3D printing process with which they produce salt templates that ultimately create highly porous lightweight metal components, for example. As Pioneer Fellows, they want to transfer this process to industry.
Events for the day of action
11.02.2023 - 500 Women in Science in the Pub, Bern
Join for a evening of science, games and free snacks. Grab a drink, relax and listen to the two inspiring scientists about their research (Dr. Christina Kast, Prof. Dr. Susanne Wampfler). external page LinkedIN 500 WOmen in Science in the Pub
14.02.2023 - Global Women’s Breakfast 2023, Zurich
SwissWomenChem and WiNS (The Society for Women in Natural Sciences at ETH) are inviting to the IUPAC #GWB2023. The IUPAC GWB is an annual event that promotes discussions on overcoming barriers to gender equality in science, and this year’s theme is “Breaking Barriers in Science.”
23.02.2023 - WiNS panel discussion: Women in Academia, Zurich
Have you ever wondered what the opportunities and challenges are around a career in academia? Then this is the event for you! Come and quench your curiosity by asking the excellent speakers about their academic paths in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere! external page Registration form WiNS Panel