The "Girls Day" is an annual nationwide event, which aims to motivate girls and women to pursue a career in jobs where they are traditionally underrepresented, such as in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This year the TRR333 “BATenergy” took the opportunity and welcomed students from local schools to the labs within the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University Clinics in Bonn and introduced them to the world of biomedical research. While showcasing the fascinating side of basic research, the emphasis was also on possibilities and career perspectives as a woman in science.
Women are still significantly underrepresented in research and development in Germany, with a share of about 30%. To point out career paths in science to women as early as possible, the TRR333 participated in the Girls Day Event. This year, female students from local schools visited our laboratories to learn about the most important biological molecule: DNA. Guided by scientists, the girls isolated DNA from bacteria and from their own oral mucosa. The day in the lab was rounded off by an introduction into light-microscopy and the visualization of brown and white adipose tissues.
The event was organized by ImmunoSensation2 in cooperation with IRENE (Inclusive REsearcher Network for Equality) and the TRR 333 - BATenergy (Brown and Beige Fat - Organ Crosstalk, Signaling and Energetics), with support from the the team of Prof. Alexander Pfeifer, Prof. Katrin Paeschke and the SFB Metaflammation.