Mentoring of Female Scientists
KU provides comprehensive support to young researchers. Special attention is given to female junior researchers through specific mentoring and coaching initiatives. KU takes additional steps to support female researchers with financial scholarships and specific aid for those returning from parental leave. This includes extra student assistant hours and childcare services during university events, making it easier for women researchers to balance work and family life.
Female Professors Program
The Female Professors Program, initiated by federal and state governments, aims to retain women in the science field post-doctorate and enhance gender equality at German universities. The program works on two levels: increasing female professorships and strengthening gender equality structures through gender-sensitive appointment guidelines, scholarships for young female scientists, and childcare services. The mentoring program, a part of the “Forum Mentoring,” supports young female scientists who are planning an academic career. Both female doctoral and post-doctoral students can apply for the 12-month program, which encompasses three modules: exchange with a scientifically experienced person (mentoring), participation in a specially designed qualification program (training), and active networking among the participants. The program pairs mentees with mentors from external institutions, fostering confidential discussions on competencies and career challenges. The program includes joint events to strengthen mentor-mentee relationships and connections among participants. Workshops cover crucial career topics like acquiring third-party funding, job application training, and leadership skills. Both mentees and mentors benefit from this relationship, with mentors expanding their consulting and gender competence through increased leadership responsibility.