International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognizes the importance of equality and diversity in research and innovation. At ETH Zurich, this day of action is also intended to raise awareness of the achievements of female scientists through various offers, initiatives and campaigns.
According to the external page UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the worldwide share of women in research and development is less than 30 percent. In most countries, there is still a long way to go towards achieving gender balance in the so-called STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at all levels of the education system. This means that knowledge potential is being lost worldwide, because there are too few highly qualified women working in research.
To draw attention to this gender imbalance, the "International Day of Women and Girls in Science" was launched in 2015. It is celebrated annually on the 11th of February and aims at raising awareness of the crucial role played by girls and women in science and technology. UNESCO and UN-Women organize the international annual celebrations. As part of this day, we would like to draw attention to the many exceptional female scientists who study, teach and research at ETH Zurich.
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 .
Netzworking event of the "Foster. Lead. Promote" programme (Englisch)
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 information
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. Read more
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 information
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 information
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 Learn more
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. Mehr Infos
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 Infos
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”. More information
External offers and events
3rd EELISA Roundtable for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (English)
This roundtable, which takes plase 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 Learn more
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 More Info.
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.” external page More info
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 More info