On the occasion of International Women's Day, Prof. Dr. Kohse-Höinghaus held a seminar on 13 March, which attracted a large group of interested people. In front of a packed audience and many online participants, the pioneer in the field of combustion not only gave an insight into her scientific career, but also shared personal experiences and gave practical tips. For example, she emphasised the continuing importance of networks and the stabilising effect of a life outside the laboratory. Prof Dr Kohse-Höinghaus explained that life's paths do not have to be straightforward and that obstacles and their creative solutions can often lead to great opportunities. However, she is critical of internalised concepts in the family context and traditional role models, which make gender equality in STEM professions even more difficult.
In addition to her numerous scientific achievements, Prof Dr Kohse-Höinghaus also motivates younger generations to remain curious. She was awarded the Order of Merit for founding the "teutolab" hands-on laboratories. Many of the youngest members of the SE²A research club changING also attended the lecture and listened to the experiences of several decades of science. Moderated by Prof. Federica Ferraro, the students asked important questions and encouraged an interactive exchange.
We would like to thank Prof. Dr. Kohse-Höinghaus for motivating and encouraging us to go our own way and work for change!
About Prof. Dr. Kohse-Höinghaus
Katharina Kohse-Höinghaus is a Senior Professor of Physical Chemistry at Bielefeld University, Germany, with a profile combining chemistry, physics, and engineering to study high-temperature processes. Research periods, guest and honorary professorships brought her to institutions in Europe, USA and Asia. She was honored with prestigious awards and lectureships, including the German Cross of the Order of Merit, the Giulio Natta Medal in Chemical Engineering, the Walther Nernst Medal in Physical Chemistry, and the Alfred Egerton Gold Medal for Combustion Science. She is a Fellow of several societies and received awards for international scientific cooperation by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the People's Republic of China.
She is a member of six academies, including the German National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, the European Academy of Sciences, and CAS as a Foreign Member. She was President of the Bunsen Society and of the Combustion Institute. Also, she served in numerous academic functions, including the German Council of Sciences and the Humanities, the International Advisory Board of the Humboldt Foundation, and the Senates of the German Research Foundation and the Helmholtz Association. She is also a pioneer of hands-on science activities for schools.
Cluster of Excellence SE²A –
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Aviation
Technische Universität Braunschweig
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