Wednesday, February 11, 2026, marks the eleventh International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Leipzig, a hub for science, is also participating.
The United Nations states on its website that gender equality in science is crucial to creating a better future for all, but women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and prejudices in pursuing scientific careers.
This year, many Leipzig research institutions, universities, and colleges—members of the LSN—are once again organizing themed events on this day to provide information about progress and prospects for women in science. For further information and registration, please contact the respective institution directly.
How do we forge alliances that can withstand headwinds?
Panel discussion with representatives of the Leipzig Science Network. In cooperation with Leipzig University.
Date/time: February 11, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
From 6:00 p.m. Networking opportunities and closing reception in the foyer of the Augusteum
Type: Panel discussion/roundtable discussion, in person
Location: Paulinum – Auditorium and University Church of St. Pauli, Augustusplatz 10, 04109, Leipzig
Lectures, workshops, discussion groups
The afternoon of February 11 will be filled with a variety of contributions from the university community itself and the Leipzig Science Network.
Program from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
Film screening
“Picture a Scientist” will be shown at HTWK. Organized by Linda Hempel in cooperation with Flimmersession.
February 10, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m.
HTWK, HfTL building in T_A1.40
Open to all interested ones
FemCafé
Christin Raue (FiF, contact point for “Women in EU Research”) provides insights on gender and equal opportunities in EU research funding. The FiF contact point serves as the central advisory office in Germany for all questions relating to equality and equal opportunities in Horizon Europe.
February 11, 2026, 10 a.m., online/German
registration here
Leibniz-Institut für Geschichte und Kultur des östlichen Europa (GWZO)
Women in (Citizen) Science – Perspectives from Medicine and Biodiversity Research
Together with the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is hosting an online lecture on the above topic. The role of female researchers in the fields of medicine, environmental and biodiversity research, and innovative, participatory, and transdisciplinary research approaches will be discussed.
#herstory. Saxony and its female academics
As part of “Women in Science 2026 – Alliances for Change,” there will be an open information and networking event in the foyer of the Augusteum at Universität Leipzig, with information stands and activities related to the day of action.
Date/time: February 11, 2026,
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Foyer of the Augusteum
Lecture and award ceremony
The day will begin with a festive opening ceremony at 1 p.m. for all interested parties. This will be followed by various events on topics such as gender equality and the university's equality award.
Program from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lecture with discussion
M.Sc. Lioba Enk, doctoral candidate and spokesperson at the MPI, will give a lecture on gender distribution in literature research and citation behavior.
Date/location: February 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Zoom/online, in English
Open to students, doctoral candidates, researchers
Contact for registration: Antonia Werner (
Holiday university
Free taster course for girls* “Connecting Dots”
Date/location: February 17 to 19, 2026
at HTWK Leipzig
Open to all interested ones