Scholarship holders’ meeting in Bayreuth brings female researchers together

For one day, the Iwalewa House at the University of Bayreuth became a meeting place for committed women and FLINTA individuals from a wide range of disciplines and generations. In July 2026, the University of Bayreuth hosted the annual Bavaria-wide networking event for current and former female and FLINTA scholarship holders of the Bavarian Programme for the Realisation of Equal Opportunities for Women in Research and Teaching. For this networking event, the University of Bayreuth’s Equal Opportunities Service collaborated with the BMFTR project GO Forschung (Gender – Offensive – Research) and the State Conference of Women’s and Equal Opportunities Officers (LaKoF). 

Current and former scholarship holders from across Bavaria gathered at the Iwalewahaus, shared their professional experiences and engaged in discussions with one another. The participants travelled from across Germany and abroad – bringing with them diverse perspectives, fascinating life stories and a shared enthusiasm for personal exchange. They were welcomed by Miriam Bauch, Head of the Equal Opportunities Service Centre; Prof. Dr Heike Feldhaar, Women’s Officer at the University of Bayreuth; and Prof. Dr Helga Stopper, Spokesperson for the State Conference of Women’s and Equality Officers.

Following this, Miriam Bauch spoke with three female academics about their career paths: Dr Ines Kawgan-Kagan, a research fellow in cultural geography; Prof. Dr Johanna Pausch, holder of the Chair of Agroecology (both at the University of Bayreuth); and Dr Alžběta Šváblová, a freelance researcher, writing consultant and lecturer on topics relating to academic writing. The experienced academics provided insights into their career paths, recounted formative experiences and turning points, and discussed the influence of gender in academia. Questions from current scholarship holders brought new perspectives, queries and suggestions to the discussion. This gave rise to an open dialogue that offered encouragement and guidance, and demonstrated just how valuable a strong network can be over time.

Another highlight of the programme was the keynote address by PD Dr Elena Köstner, from the Office for Equal Opportunities at the University of Bayreuth, on the topic ‘Gender Matters – in the Past and the Future: Gender Aspects in Research Projects as a Career Booster and Criterion of Excellence’. The presentation impressively demonstrated that taking gender aspects into account in research has long since become far more than a marginal issue: it helps to improve the quality of research, develop innovative research questions and create socially relevant solutions. At the same time, gender aspects are becoming increasingly important in securing third-party funding and in the assessment of scientific excellence. The presentation sparked a lively discussion, which was subsequently continued in small groups. It provided an opportunity for exchange and networking, as well as for collaborative thinking at various thematic tables, such as on science communication (Dr Mirjam Horn-Schott), securing third-party funding and gender impact assessments (Dr Annette Götz), the integration of gender aspects into existing research projects (PD Dr Elena Köstner), and various career paths in academia (Dr Jane Ayeko-Kümmeth).

The discussions within the working groups made it clear that a nuanced perspective on gender issues not only adds academic value but can also open up new opportunities for one’s own academic career. Among other things, we were able to celebrate this year that Dr Valerie Nur, a former scholarship holder and social and cultural anthropologist at the University of Bayreuth, was awarded the Ethnography Research Prize by the German Sociological Association at this year’s fieldwork days at Dortmund Technical University. 

By incorporating gender perspectives into her research, Valerie Nur examined the work of Tamasheq craftspeople in Niger as a family practice. At the end of the day, the participants took home not only new academic insights, but also numerous inspiring encounters and the satisfying feeling of being part of a strong Bavaria-wide network. 

The scholarship holders’ meeting at the University of Bayreuth impressively demonstrated just how vibrant, diverse and forward-looking this community is.