Day of Women and Girls in Science - Happy #WomeninScienceDay !

Leipzig, 11.02.2026 – Sarah Rausche & Roxana Cremer

We are happy and proud to have many dedicated women in our teams who do great work!

‘Women in science bring diverse perspectives and enhance the quality of research, because good science can only be achieved through a diversity of perspectives. The participation and work of women and girls in science deserves visibility and recognition,’ emphasises Prof. Andreas Macke, Director of TROPOS.

To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we would like to introduce a few of them with their photos. And here are two personal stories:

„When I was a young girl in school, I was never seen as someone who would go on to have a career in science. I did not have perfect grades, and I was not very quick to think on my feet. Because of that, I never thought of becoming a scientist as something that was possible for me.

That only changed many years later, when I met a teacher who believed in me. She did more than just teach what was in the textbook. She helped me see how science connects to the real world and how it helps us understand the world around us. For the first time, learning felt meaningful. She also encouraged me constantly, especially when things felt hard. Slowly, things began to change. I started believing in myself. I became more interested in the subject, and over time that interest turned into a real passion for science. 

This was in 2016. Since then, I have earned two advanced degrees in chemistry and moved halfway across the world to follow that passion. Becoming a scientist has opened doors for me that I never even knew existed. I still today think about that teacher and remain incredibly grateful to her for giving me a chance. Since then, I have been surrounded by women who have supported me, believed in me, and guided me, just like my teacher did back then. I understand that not every career path is clear when you are young. Some interests take time to discover. Please do not let that discourage you. STEM subjects can seem scary or difficult at first, but they are also extremely rewarding. And most importantly, you will never be alone. 

Every woman in science has had moments where she felt unsure, where she wondered if she belonged, or where she was afraid this path was not meant for her. But I want you to know that the womenwho came before us fought hard for our right to be here. They truly believed that women belong in science, and because of them, each generation has been able to make things a little better for the next. Today, because of those women, I can write to you and tell you this, there is nothing impossible If you set your mind to it but most importantly, If you ever decide that science is for you, there will always be women around you who are ready to support you, guide you, and believe in you, even on the days when you doubt yourself. You belong wherever your curiosity leads you.“ - Mokshika Saxena

„I was drawn to science not only by curiosity, but by the awareness that representation and impact matter. When I began my undergraduate studies in chemistry in 2015, I rarely saw women at the front of the lecture hall. Although my cohort was close to gender balanced, female lecturers were uncommon, which subtly shaped my early perception of who scientists “are.” As my training progressed, I realized that chemistry is far more diverse than I had initially imagined. Opportunities arise that I never anticipated as an undergraduate, such as conducting research in Antarctica. This made it clear to me that scientific careers are not only about discovery, but also about shaping the culture and future of the field. 

In my PhD, I collaborate with many inspiring women, learning from them and growing alongside them. These experiences have reinforced my belief that visibility, collaboration, and mentorship matter, not only for personal development, but for the generations of women who will enter science after us. What I hope to share with other women is that science is broad, dynamic, and open to those who choose to shape it. “ – Christina Breitenstein