Vienna BioCenter Members celebrating International Day of Women & Girls in Science 

The Vienna BioCenter comprises six research institutions and over 50 biotech companies, start-up incubators, and organizations, making it one of Europe's leading biology research hubs. The extended campus hosts more than 2,800 employees, including 2,000 scientists, all dedicated to advancing life sciences. Notably, over half of the Vienna BioCenter's staff are women, playing a vital role in the campus's scientific achievements. While we celebrate the brilliant minds here every day, today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we especially recognize the contributions and research of our colleagues who identify as women. 

Learn more about a few of them in the following excerpts from some of our members: 

 

Max Perutz Labs Vienna

At Max Perutz Labs, women play a significant role in shaping the future of life sciences. Currently, 50.6% of scientists at the institute are female. To support pregnant researchers, the Max Perutz Labs provide funding for a Master's position for up to one year, ensuring the seamless continuation of scientific projects. Female scientists at the institute serve as inspiring role models, encouraging and motivating female students to pursue careers in life sciences. 

They honor the the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with this video showcasing many of the great female scientists at Max Perutz Labs Vienna. 

 

University of Vienna – The Faculty of Life Sciences

The Faculty of Life Sciences has a strong commitment to gender balance, with women representing 50.8% of the academic staff and between 50% and 80% of the student body. A proactive recruitment strategy has successfully increased the proportion of female tenure-track professors to 55%. To further support early career researchers, the Faculty annually awards the Gertrud Pleskot Award to highly qualified female postdoctoral researchers in recognition of their outstanding publication record. To ensure continued progress in gender equality, the Faculty management works closely with the Equal Opportunities Working Group to proactively address potential challenges. 

Additionally, a number of female scientists in the Faculty of Life Sciences formed the Women in Biology (WoBio) initiative in 2015, in order to fight the uphill battle of glass ceilings and leaky pipelines together. They run career workshops, networking events and highlight the achievements of women in their faculty.  

You can find an extensive presentation of the faculty’s female scientists on their Women* in Science at the Faculty of Life Sciences page  

University of Vienna – Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS)

At CeMESS, women play a vital role in shaping the future of science. With more than half of their researchers identifying as women they recognize the importance of diversity in driving innovation and discovery. This year, for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, they are highlighting their contributions through a special feature. 

Explore their Women at CeMESS page to discover inspiring portraits, and personal insights from their researchers. Their passion, perseverance, and curiosity fuel groundbreaking work across microbiology, environmental science, and beyond. 

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