Öffentliche Vorträge "Wissenschaft und Un-/Gleichheit"

Ort und Anmeldung

Die Vorträge finden im Hörsaal 2 des UZA II statt (Eduard Suess-Hörsaal, 2A122 - Ebene 1 im Geo-Zentrum nahe Ausgang A), alle Interessierten sind herzlich eingeladen. Zwei Vorträge werden auch online gestreamt, falls Sie online teilnehmen möchten, bitten wir um Registrierung; wir senden Ihnen den Link zum Stream rechtzeitig vor Beginn der Veranstaltung per E-Mail zu.

Sprecher*innen und Abstracts

Mo, 16.03.2026, 15:00: Brigitte Bischof

Naturwissenschafterinnen in Wien in der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts, biografische Skizzen und allgemeine Entwicklungen

  • Brigitte Bischof (LV-Leiterin)

  • Vortrag auf Deutsch

  • Abstract: Der Vortrag widmet sich Naturwissenschafterinnen in Wien aus historischer Perspektive. Die Entwicklung des Frauenstudiums in den Naturwissenschaften an der Universität Wien und einzelne Vertreterinnen - von den ersten Absolventinnen bis zur ersten Universtitätsprofessorin – werden vorgestellt. Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Wissenschafterinnen, sowie Trends und Entwicklungen werden beleuchtet.

  • Brigitte Bischof is a graduate physicist, freelance researcher (history of physics and women in science), lecturer in the field of gender studies in STEM, and diversity coordinator at the Faculty of Physics.

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 2, UZA II, Floor 1, 2A122

Mo, 13.04.2026, 15:00: Waltraud Schlögl

STEM at the University of Vienna: Data and Analysis in the Context of Gendered Societal Expectations and Gender based Employment Segregation

  • Vortrag auf Deutsch

  • Abstract: The lecture will provide an insight into the current gender distribution among students und academic staff in the fields of STEM at the University of Vienna. The data will be contexualized with gendered societal expectations and beliefs (e.g. “brilliance” versus “diligence”) and the different evaluation of female dominated and male dominated branches. More about Waltraud Schlögl (u:find)

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 2, UZA II, Floor 1, 2A122

Mo, 20.04.2026, 15:00: Sylvia Kirchengast

Wie wird Geschlecht und die Unterscheidung Sex / Gender aus biologischer Perspektive diskutiert?

  • Sylvia Kirchengast (Department für Evolutionäre Anthropologie der Universität Wien)

  • Vortrag auf Deutsch

  • Abstract: Die Begriffe Sex und Gender werden sowohl aus wissenschaftlicher als auch aus sozialer Perspektive heiß diskutiert. In diesem Beitrag soll die Sicht der evolutionären Humanbiologie thematisiert werden.

  • Sylvia Kirchengast, Biologin und Kulturanthropologin, a.o. Universitätsprofessorin für Evolutionäre Anthropologie an der Universität Wien mit Forschungsschwerpunkt Geschlechterforschung und Human life history

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 2, UZA II, Floor 1, 2A122

Mo, 04.05.2026, 15:00: Claudia Jesus-Rydin

The unwritten future of women in the 21st century

  • Claudia Jesus-Rydin (European Research Council (ERC), Champion(s) for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award EGU 2025)
    In cooperation with the EGU and the Culture and Equality Division of the University of Vienna
    Lecture in English
    Abstract:     Women make up for half of the world’s population. Women have gained significant rights almost everywhere. They are not a minority in any sense, but they remain underrepresented where and when decisions are taken, especially in the highest offices. 
    After centuries of progress, gender inequality persists. Women still enjoy less opportunities, earn less and have less power than men. Despite the absolutely vital nature of women’s roles in the family and economic spheres, they are marked by a persistent and systemic lack of recognition. So far, no country in the world has reached gender equality.
    The world we know is changing fast, and not necessarily for the better. Across the Atlantic, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies are being rolled back by leading companies and globally known brands, sending a strong message to the rest of the world. EDI has become a dirty word, which some now associate loudly with a path to societal mediocrity. 
    Election results of recent years in western democracies show an appetite for drastic political changes. Even if some people seem to have been caught by surprise, a careful and attentive analysis of socio-political consciousness reveals that clear signals of desire for change were impossible to miss. Since before the pandemic, the populist and far right movements are on the rise. Many progressive players scorned and intentionally ignored the facts and insisted on policies that alienated portions of the population who prefer moderate views, leaving them lost and confused at times. 
    The new socio-political order presents many challenges. The risk for reduction of women’s rights and freedom in general is undeniable, but it appeals to an increasing number of the population, women included. Political conservatives work hard and effectively to seduce women with potential women’s rights, family and motherhood policies. The payback is simple: women's capabilities are reduced to the traditional value of their reproductive dimension, and made invisible or secondary with regard to other productive activities. 
    Denying or ignoring reality is not helpful. Acknowledging it can at least ignite a discussion on what counter-movements might need to look like, as we endure the storm and work to bring about a brighter future. The present is unchangeable, but the future is unwritten.


  • Claudia Jesus-Rydin is a Geological Engineer graduated from the New University of Lisbon. In Portugal, she worked under the supervision of Prof. Carlos Nunes Costa in Civil Engineering Department, taking the role of assistant in classes and projects. She worked in multiple consultancy projects on soil contamination in collaboration with companies such as ENGIL and QUIMITECNICA. 
    In 1999, she moved to Denmark as Marie Curie Research Fellow working in organic contamination of soils, at the Danish Technological Institute. Claudia continued as a project manager at ROVESTA Denmark, working on various geo-environmental projects, namely on the project design of biogas plants in collaboration with AnoxKaldnes Sweden. 
    Claudia was one of the owners and founders of NORDEConsult Sweden, a geo-environmental consultancy company with offices both in Portugal and Sweden. She was the overall coordinator of various large European funded projects with numerous European partners. In parallel, Claudia was invited to serve the European Commission as an expert evaluator in assessing projects submitted for European funding. 
    After working as a senior consultant in Denmark, Portugal and Sweden for several years, in 2009 Claudia moved to Brussels to join the launching of the European Research Council. Since then, Claudia is the coordinator of the Earth System Science research area at the (ERC). In this role, with her team, she oversees the evaluation procedures of projects and monitors the funded projects. Since 2014, Claudia is also the coordinator of the Gender and Diversity Activity Group at the ERC Executive Agency. 
    Claudia is also active at international conferences, both as invited speaker as well as convener of sessions, namely at the Euroscience Forum (ESOF1), European Geosciences Union (EGU2), Goldschmidt3, American Geophysical Union (AGU4), and Japan Geosciences Union (JpGU5).
    Building on the success from her pro bono activities as member of the EGU Outreach Committee since 2016, Claudia was nominated in 2018 chair of the newly created EGU Diversity and Equality Working Group, where she served a mandate of 3 years. She is currently an EGU Ambassador with the goal of disseminating the EGU’s mission and vision to a wider public, namely as regards to inclusive excellence in science and society.

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 3 (!!), UZA II, Floor 2, 2A211 & online (Please register for online-participation here)

Mo, 04.05.2026, 16:15: Paneldiscussion with Bethan Davies, Johanna Irrgeher, and Valentin Laurent

Who Gets to Explore? A Panel Discussion on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Earth and Space Sciences

  • Paneldiscussion with Bethan Davies (Newcastle University), Johanna Irrgeher (Montanuniversität Leoben) and Valentin Laurent (Imperial College London). Moderation: Francisca Antonia Soto Bravo

  • Abstract Bringing together Bethan Davies, Johanna Irrgeher, and Valentin Laurent, this panel aims to explore challenges and strategies for advancing EDI in and beyond the Earth and Space Science classroom. the panel discussion  will open up questions around access, participation, and academic culture.

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 3 (!!), UZA II, Floor 2, 2A211 & online (Please register for online-participation here)

11.05.2026, 15:00: Chi Zhang

Beyond the Leaky Pipeline: Practical EDI Strategies for Earth and Space Sciences

  • Chi Zhang (Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, University of Vienna)

  • Lecture in English

  • Abstract: The Earth and Space Sciences remain among the least diverse STEM fields, facing persistent systemic barriers and significantly underrepresented groups at senior levels. This lecture translates high-level diversity strategies into practical, everyday tools for researchers. We will examine discipline-specific challenges, from recognizing bias in supervision to ensuring safety and inclusion during fieldwork. Participants will explore key concepts such as intersectionality and equitable mentorship, gaining actionable skills to help design inclusive research environments and foster a more supportive scientific culture.

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 2, UZA II, Floor 1, 2A122 & Online-Stream (Please register for online-participation here)

Mo, 18.05.2026, 15:00: Mathea Sophia Galanski

Es ist niemals zu spät. Eine transidente Wissenschaftlerin erzählt ihre Geschichte

  • Mathea Sophia Galanski (Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and NMR Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna)

  • Vortrag auf Deutsch

  • Abstract: In Zeiten von Fake News, Desinformation und wachsender Feindseligkeit gegenüber LGBTIQ+ Personen – insbesondere gegenüber trans Frauen – ist die Sichtbarkeit von trans Personen ein kraftvolles Zeichen. Allzu oft wird über trans Menschen gesprochen, statt mit ihnen. In diesem Vortrag teilt Prof.in Galanski ihre persönliche Geschichte und gibt Einblicke in ihre Transition in Wien, ihr Coming-out an der Fakultät für Chemie sowie ihre Erfahrungen als trans Forscherin. Darüber hinaus erläutert sie zentrale transspezifische Begriffe und Abkürzungen und beleuchtet medizinische wie rechtliche Aspekte einer Transition.

    Mathea Galanski ist ao. Univ.-Prof.in am Institut für Anorganische Chemie der Universität Wien. Sie studierte Chemie an der Universität Heidelberg und promovierte dort 1996. Zudem ist sie stellvertretende Leiterin des NMR-Zentrums, einer Core Facility der Fakultät für Chemie, und Mitglied der Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem). Sie ist (Ko)autorin von mehr als 160 Publikationen im Bereich der Bioanorganischen Chemie mit Schwerpunkt auf der Entwicklung platinbasierter Tumortherapeutika. Prof.in Mathea Galanski ist eine offen translebende Wissenschaftlerin. Als LGBTIQ+ Beauftragte bei DoSChem und WoChem – Women in Chemistry – engagiert sie sich für eine inklusive, respektvolle und unterstützende Arbeits- und Lernkultur an der Fakultät für Chemie.

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 2, UZA II, Floor 1, 2A122

Mo, 08.06.2026, 15:00: Gender & Diversity Team FGGA

Presentation & discussion

  • Anahí Caldu, Petra Heinz, Christiane Hintermann, Heidi Weinhäupl (Gender & Diversity Team at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography, and Astronomy, University of Vienna)
    The Gender and Diversity team of the Faculty presents current projects and initiatives and looks forward to a discussion.

  • Diversity Days @ Geography - student initiative presented by Nina Ballhausen

  • Embracing Diversity in STEM - event Feb 2025 of UNIVIE doctoral schools, presented by members of the organizational team

  • Venue: Lecture Hall 2, UZA II, Floor 1, 2A122