In a series of diverse and entertaining portraits, the book focuses on women who are providing answers to the challenges of our time. The common thread is artificial intelligence – from the discovery of fundamental algorithms to the development of groundbreaking applications, all of which make an important contribution to society. These include climate protection, sustainable energy supply, health, medicine, disaster protection, mobility and transport, as well as machines and production.

The amazing women in this book are infectious in their curiosity and motivation. Above all, they remain authentic and honest. It is not only clear between the lines that the path to the goal often leads through unexpected detours, that some places want to be conquered, or how »woman« emerges strengthened from difficult situations. »You need stamina and a certain tolerance for frustration. Sometimes you make good progress, but there are also dry spells and phases when it's difficult. You just have to keep at it and not be intimidated,« advises Prof. Dr. Anita Schöbel, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM, who is committed to promoting and motivating women.

Individual Stories, Individual Formats

The fictional character Ms. N. Hofer – an allusion to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft – guides readers through the book and tells individual stories of passion, determination and a thirst for knowledge. The editorial formats in the book are as unique as the female scientists themselves. Personal and scientific interest combine to create exciting stories on a double page each – as an interview, a dialog with team partners or in a few sentences that get to the heart of the matter. In many of the portraits, readers will think to themselves: this topic is perfect for exactly this scientist. Questions from young people are answered, career paths and funding opportunities within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are highlighted, research approaches to artificial intelligence are explained – but first and foremost, the women have their say with their unique stories.

»Looking at the World With an Open Mind« Through Applied Research

Manja Mai-Ly Pfaff-Kastner, group manager in the field of digitalization in production at the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU and one of the initiators of the book: »42 women from 22 Fraunhofer institutes talk about their scientific work and also very openly about themselves. They are colleagues from all levels of the hierarchy, scientists at the beginning of their careers as well as managers up to the level of institute directors. It is their book. But this book would not have been possible without the support and work of so many more great women – in the editorial team, the graphic design and the publishing support.« Pfaff-Kastner emphasizes: »This book shows ›real‹ role models for female and male students. But not only. We want to promote STEM professions – explicitly for everyone in society. It starts with perception. And research that aims to make a lasting difference needs diversity at all levels.«