On February 11, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day of the United Nations highlights the vital importance of equal participation of women in research, science, and technology worldwide.

At the Institute of Biophotonics at TU Darmstadt, women make a decisive contribution to scientific progress. Our international team currently includes five female doctoral researchers – Susi Li, Olesya Kostyuk, Lisa Kaul, Livia Barros Campos, and Aigerim Dyussupova (from left to right) – who are advancing innovative research at the interface of photonics and the life sciences. Through their expertise, creativity, and dedication, they play a key role in shaping our research and driving the field forward.

“In our biophotonics group, we are strongly committed to supporting young women in science. We foster an appreciative and inclusive environment in which diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life paths are valued, because diversity is a key driver of excellence in research,” says Prof. Torsten Frosch, head of the research group.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an important opportunity to recognize the achievements of female scientists and to inspire young women to pursue careers in research, especially in STEM disciplines.