Equal Opportunities Award and scholarships for female Master’s students presented

Mirko Mothes from the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, who delivered the laudatory speech, said of his Italian-born colleague Flaviana Tagliaferri – who came to Germany after completing a degree in mechanical engineering in Rome (a male-dominated field) and a PhD in aeronautical engineering in Naples –: “She is a consummate networker; she loves interacting with people, supporting them and inspiring them. She loves motivating people to work towards a better future.”

Tagliaferri has been working at the HSMW since 2018, initially in research and now also in teaching and within our European university alliance, EURECA-PRO. According to Mothes, she champions women in all her activities, but she is also committed to the responsible use of resources and environmental protection.

Flaviana Tagliaferri says that the most important thing was instilled in her from a very early age: “My father never let me believe that STEM subjects weren’t for girls.” She adds: “The concept of equal opportunities must begin long before one’s professional career and even before school.” And today, she sees the university as a place where equal opportunities are truly a reality.

“A shining example of dedication, perseverance and passion for her profession as a lecturer,” said Professor Klaus Dohmen, who presented the award, describing the second prize-winner, Dr Mandy Lange-Geisler. She had studied mathematics at HSMW, completing both her diploma and Master’s degrees there, before obtaining her PhD in 2019 through a collaborative programme with the University of Groningen.

Having worked as a lecturer in the Mathematics Department in Mittweida since 2014, “she encourages young women to pursue their career aspirations and achieve their goals”. A particular highlight of her academic career is the maths tutoring programme she initiated in 2021. Through her voluntary work in the cultural sector, including with young women, she also embodies, “much like Dr Ingrid von Reyher, a highly esteemed lecturer who combines professional success with voluntary work for the good of society”, says Dohmen.

“Teaching is a labour of love for me,” says Lange-Geisler, explaining her commitment to the HSMW, which she describes as “a place of growth and fulfilment”. “I try to underpin my maths lectures with easy-to-understand and practical examples, so that maths becomes a little more appealing to the students.” In many cases, this appeal leads to success and enthusiasm, and the tutorial programme initiated by Lange-Geisler achieves its two objectives: reducing the failure rate and inspiring student tutors to pursue an academic career in STEM subjects – with a particular focus on female students in these disciplines, where women are still under-represented.

The HSMW Equal Opportunities Award is named after Dr Ingrid von Reyher (1908–2004), who, from 1947, became the first woman to teach at what was then the Mittweida School of Engineering. First awarded in 2012 and carrying a prize of 1,000 euros, the award now not only focuses on equality of opportunity between men and women, but also recognises projects and initiatives that go further in promoting the integration and inclusion of diverse individuals and groups at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences.

The diversity of nationalities and disciplines at the HSMW is also reflected in the five Master’s students who will each receive a scholarship of 600 euros over the next five months. They were selected on the basis of their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional commitment.