The “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN”
Contributing to equality in the technical sciences
The prevailing stereotypes make it harder for girls and young women to embark on careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sectors. They therefore tend to choose STEM subjects and careers less: this is a finding of such studies as the STEM Proficiency Study, carried out by acatech and Körber-Stiftung. The proportion of women steadily declines at all levels of qualification up to professor. acatech’s aim in awarding the “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN” is to develop female talents in science and engineering and to motivate them to further their careers. The EUR 3,000 prize is just one of the Academy’s activities aiming to bring about greater equality in science and engineering.
Nomination of rising stars by acatech members
acatech members nominate graduates of courses in technology and the natural sciences for the “Schnieder-Preis Junge Macherin”. To be eligible, the candidate’s final year thesis, completed no more than one year prior, must have received the highest grade.
Why it is worthwhile for members to nominate outstanding graduates?
The fact that the judges shared my opinion that the prizewinner is an extraordinarily talented and capable graduate gave me confirmation that I had found the right employee for our project. Of course, I am particularly pleased that the prize comes with mentoring by other acatech members, as not only does this mean valuable feedback for Ms Berthold but also for our work at the institute in general.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Wallaschek, Leibniz University Hannover,
Institute of Dynamics and Vibration Research
It enables me to shine a light on extremely talented, successful young women.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ursula Gather, TU Dortmund University
As a supervisor, naturally I would like to see the graduates I have supervised during the course of their studies and final year thesis embark on a career that is as successful as possible. The “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN”, which is not only an accolade in itself but also comes with a mentoring programme, is, of course, a great support that any supervisor would wish for their students. Last but not least, I, the supervisor, get confirmation that my commitment to teaching and motivating the students has borne fruit.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilfried Sihn, TU Wien,
Institute of Management Science
To what extent was your nomination for the prize an important mark of recognition and appreciation?
Winning the “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN” was a fantastic sign of appreciation for my work, which gave my self-confidence a tremendous boost and is highly motivating. In addition, I found winning such a renowned prize to be very reassuring that I have chosen the right career path and it encourages me to stick with it.
Theresa Madreiter (2021 winner)
I was delighted to get special mention, as indeed I was to be put forward by Prof. Wallaschek. Receiving a special mention encouraged me to start a science career after finishing my studies. I am particularly pleased that not only my scientific work but also my social involvement was acknowledged and I hope that the path I have taken will enable me to pass on my experiences to other young rising stars.
Rebecca Berthold (2021 recipient of special mention)
I “only” got special mention in the “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN” and didn’t win, but it didn’t feel like that for a second. It was a great feeling to come in the top four out of so many talented women. Getting this endorsement from the committee but also the congratulations and best wishes from my colleagues was important recognition and appreciation for my months of work. And although I “only” received special mention I did win a prize – mentoring.
Francesca Schenkel (2021 recipient of special mention)
Receiving special mention in the Schnieder-Preis was something special for me because I was selected not just in my own specialist field but from among many graduates across all disciplines. This showed me that my research is appreciated, and motivated me to continue to work in science.
Carina Witt (2021 recipient of special mention)
Prize
In addition to the EUR 3,000 prize money, the overall winner and the recipients of special mentions receive mentoring. This involves an experienced scientist of the Academy providing advice and support to the mentee.
To what extent does “one-on-one mentoring” help you in your further career in the technical sciences?
It’s great to have an experienced mentor on hand with advice and help with career planning, in addition to winning the “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN”. This is very motivating, gives fresh perspectives and insights, and has been a huge help in my personal development.
Theresa Madreiter (2021 winner)
Mentoring gives me the opportunity to share experience and views with an experienced mentor and to determine my own career path. It gives me insights and perspectives that enrich and enhance my personal development.
Rebecca Berthold (2021 recipient of special mention)
At first I had no idea what form and direction this mentoring programme would take. It soon became clear that it was a huge opportunity for me. The support I get is incredibly helpful and I am very thankful that Mr and Mrs Schnieder and acatech have given me this opportunity.
Francesca Schenkel (2021 recipient of special mention)
“One-on-one mentoring” makes it possible for me to engage both professionally and personally with a renowned scientist. The most important aspect for me is that it has enabled me to build up a scientific network outside the walls of my own university and will help me in my future career.
Carina Witt (2021 recipient of special mention)
Award ceremony
acatech President Jan Wörner and member of the Academy Tobias Schäffter gave addresses at the award ceremony on 11 October 2023 in the Institute Berlin of the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB). The winner: Jana Zhang, TU Berlin.
At the award ceremony at HANNOVER MESSE (in German) on 2 June 2022, trustees Antonio and Katharina Schnieder presented the prize to the winner: Ulrike Fitzer, University of Rostock.
The first award ceremony was held on 16 April 2021 at the Gender Summit. Dieter Spath presented the award to the winner (in German): Theresa Madreiter, TU Wien.
To what extent do you see the prize as a sign of appreciation for your students?
The prize recognises the special endeavours of Ms Berthold in an extremely formative, early stage of her professional development. The appreciation that the prize represents gives Ms Berthold important feedback that she is on the right path doing what she does well and getting recognition for it – including, and especially, beyond her immediate environment. The prize is also important for all other students at the institute and in the faculty because it shows them that good work is rewarded (in an unexpected manner).
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Wallaschek, Leibniz University Hannover,
Institute of Dynamics and Vibration Research
“Junge Macherin” or rising star is a nice way of describing a highly capable young woman.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Ursula Gather, TU Dortmund University
While prizes and awards are always a sign of appreciation for students, acatech’s “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN” has special significance because it is the truly stellar panel of judges from among the acatech membership that ultimately selects the winning nominee. It is not every day that one is recognised by such a high-calibre organisation and that is a particularly strong motivator for students. Since I work in Austria, I would like to add that the international profile lends the prize extra gravitas and expresses greater appreciation than a national prize could.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilfried Sihn, TU Wien, Institute of Management Science
The selection process
The process of selection begins with recommendation and evaluation by acatech’s scientific members. A panel selects the winner and the recipients of special mentions from among the nominees. Members of the panel are Hans-Peter Berlien, Ellen Ivers-Tiffée, Eva-Maria Jakobs, Antonio Schnieder, Katharina Schnieder, Martina Schraudner, Dieter Spath and Jan Wörner.
Funding
The “Schnieder-Preis JUNGE MACHERIN” is privately funded by Katharina Schnieder and Antonio Schnieder.