Natural and Technical Sciences

This page provides information on gender-sensitive research in the natural sciences and engineering at the University of Jena.

A view of the amplifier stage of one of the world’s most powerful fully diode-pumped laser systems at Jena University

Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
A view of the amplifier stage of one of the world’s most powerful fully diode-pumped laser systems at Jena University
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Numerous funding bodies, such as the German Research Foundation (DFGExternal link) and European funding lines such as Horizon EuropeExternal link place particular emphasis on taking gender aspects in research into account. This term encompasses both equal opportunities in research projects and the consistent consideration of gender throughout the research cycle.

In its Statutes for Safeguarding Good Research Practicepdf, 349 kb, the University of Jena has stipulated that researchers must consider "whether and to what extent gender and diversity dimensions may be significant for the research project" (Section 8, paragraph 3).

On its website, the DFG provides information on the relevance of sex/gender and diversity in researchExternal link, offers further subject-specific examples for guidance, and makes a checklistExternal link available to applicants.

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) regularly organises informative workshops on the topic of "Gender Dimension in Research"External link.

From an international perspective, the "Gendered Innovations"External link initiative at Stanford University (USA) is particularly relevant. Here you will find not only guidance on fundamental concepts and methods, but also a wide range of examples and case studies from a variety of research areas.

Examples from research

  1. Sex and Gender in Research

    Research on gender and sex is being made more visible and promoted as part of the 'Gender in Focus' project.

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    Roll-up banner Gender in Focus
    Image: Anna Schroll

  2. What happens in the brain during mental exercise?

    Go experiment at the University of Jena from 18 to 23 April will be broadcast on the Internet—including live commentary on the game and brain activity

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    Go game board with black and white pieces. Go is considered one of the most complex strategy games of all.
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)

  3. The gender view of AI

    Computer scientists in Jena analyse AI models for recognising facial expressions

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    Facial Expressions
    Image: AdobeStock
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Research topics covered in the podcast

Four circles or role models in Mathematics

placeholder image — Podcast-Recording with Julchen Brieger (mid)

Dr Julchen Brieger is a mathematics education specialist at Chemnitz University of Technology. In our interview, she tells us how she developed an interest in Mathematics quite late on in her school days, which role models influenced her, why Mathematics is not a culture-free space, and why she focuses her research on queer mathematicians. (in German)

Image/Audio: Gender in Focus

Research on an equal footing. Why we all need to get involved

placeholder image — Anita Thaler bei der Podcast-Aufnahme

Anita Thaler holds a PhD in science and technology studies and works at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Technology, Work and Culture in Graz. We talk to Anita about why diversity must be taken into account right from the research process onwards, and why developing knowledge collaboratively yields more sustainable results. (in German)

Image/Audio: Gender in Focus

Projects funded by the "Gender in Focus" program

  • Thinking under pressure: neural profiles during peak mental performance (Ilona Croy/Manja Marz) - 2025/26

    Title

    Thinking under pressure: neural profiles during peak mental performance in the game of Go

    Affiliation

    Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

    Bioinformatics for High-Throughput Methods, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science

    Abstract

    Whilst gender-specific performance differences in ultra-long-duration physical exertion in elite sport are increasingly converging, differences persist in high-performance cognitive disciplines such as the game of Go: women have so far been less likely to reach world-class level in this field. The reasons for this are unclear, as basic cognitive functions show hardly any gender-specific differences.

    This pilot study investigates for the first time whether men and women exhibit different patterns of neural activation and compensatory strategies during prolonged periods of peak mental performance. During Go matches lasting several hours, involving several top-level female and male players in each session, brain oxygenation patterns (fNIRS) are continuously recorded and linked to the course of the game and decision-making strategies using AI analyses. The aim is to identify inter-individual differences in the availability of neural reserves and recovery following cognitive strain. The results could provide new impetus for gender-sensitive performance enhancement in subject areas|fields involving high mental demands – such as surgery or aviation.

Ambassador for the research area

Holger Cartarius, University Professor Dr

Professur für Physik und ihre Didaktik
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Room E008
August-Bebel-Straße 4
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link