Sandra NiemeyerWomen in Science: Dr Anna-Lena Lorenz
diesen Beitrag auf Deutsch lesenThe blog series “Women in Science” introduces women from the TIB who give insights into their careers and personal experiences in science. Dr Anna-Lena Lorenz studied physics at Bielefeld University and is now working as a community manager at TIB. There she is responsible for the Open Research Knowledge Graph (ORGK) and the ORKG Ask service. In this interview, she talks about the wide variety of scientific work, the importance of exchange and collaboration, and why it is important not to be limited by role models.
Dr Anna-Lena Lorenz // Photo: TIB/C. BierwagenWhat fascinates you about working in science?
Working in science is not a dull routine. The tasks are so diverse and I have so much room to explore interesting topics and develop my own ideas and solutions. In science, I have met many wonderful people with similar interests and, thanks to the international context, I have been exposed to cultures and perspectives that I would never have encountered otherwise.
As a woman in science, what would you have liked to have known earlier?
I wish I had known earlier that it is acceptable to ask questions and that it is even part of the process. When I thought of a “scientist”, I used to have the stereotype of a lonely, mostly male, solitary genius who could figure out the answers to every question on their own. But in reality, science involves a great deal of collaboration; it thrives on exchange and different areas of expertise.
For a long time, I believed I had to choose between femininity and science because my more feminine interests would make me seem like a lesser scientist and my interest in science would make me seem too masculine. But the fact that I like to wear dresses and bake in my spare time has no bearing on my understanding of data. Just as it doesn’t make me any less of a woman that I find elementary particles and artificial intelligence exciting.
What advice would you give to girls and young women who are considering a career in science?
Never doubt your place! Whether it’s a place at university, a job or a presentation at a renowned conference – you’re not here because you’re a woman, but because you’ve done a good job.
Form alliances! It is so important to exchange ideas with like-minded people. Friends who also work in science are great, of course, but there are also many other opportunities to exchange ideas, for example through the many networks offered at universities.
A wish for the future of women and girls in science …
I wish that the phrase “That’s quite unusual for a girl” would die out. It would be cool if books, films and TV series featured more women as scientists, hackers or mechanics, but without them having to be “masculine”.
Women in science – a blog series
The blog series “Women in Science” introduces women at TIB who provide insights into their scientific careers, role models and experiences from their everyday working lives. They all share their perspectives and wishes for the future of science and encourage other women to take their place with confidence.
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