Women in Research
Science thrives on diverse perspectives. Yet for a long time, women remained largely invisible in research – despite making important contributions that continue to shape our lives today. Many of their achievements went unnoticed or were attributed to others.
This lack of visibility still has an impact. It influences who is perceived as a role model, who feels confident pursuing a scientific career – and whose achievements are remembered.
Annual Theme 2026 of the 7th Faculty
From early on, women have made key contributions to scientific and technological progress. Three well-known examples illustrate this clearly:
Ada Lovelace developed the first known computer program as early as 1843.
Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper in 1903 – an idea that was initially underestimated but later became a global standard.
Hedy Lamarr co-developed a frequency-hopping technology in 1942 that forms the basis of modern wireless communication.
These examples represent many other women researchers whose contributions were not adequately recognized for a long time.
Against this backdrop, our Annual Theme 2026 is dedicated to “Women in Research.” Our aim is to make historical pioneers visible, highlight contemporary researchers at the University of Graz, and make scientific careers more tangible for (young) women.
Visibility means more than recognition. It provides orientation, enables identification, and opens up new perspectives.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
As part of the Annual Theme, we will present one researcher from the University of Graz each month. Through interviews and short video formats, we offer insights into their research, their personal journeys, and their experiences within academia. These portraits and contributions will be published on Instagram, LinkedIn, and here on our website.
We are launching the initiative today, on February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In an Instagram post, we focus on the historical pioneers Ada Lovelace, Mary Anderson, and Hedy Lamarr. From there, we will further develop the topic and soon begin publishing interviews with researchers from the University of Graz.
With the Annual Theme “Women in Research,” we aim to make research visible from different perspectives, acknowledge existing achievements, and encourage women to pursue scientific paths.