Inspiring Curiosity for Science: Vienna Daughters’ Day 2026 at the Faculty of Chemistry

For 25 years, Vienna Daughters’ Day has offered girls the opportunity to explore careers in technology, digitalisation, skilled trades and the natural sciences. In 2026, the Faculty of Chemistry once again invited female students to gain insights into current research and the wide range of career opportunities available.

At the University of Vienna, the gender balance in chemistry degree programmes has been even for years, with almost equal representation at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level. Nevertheless, academic careers can still present particular challenges for women researchers, especially when it comes to balancing family life and career development. This makes it all the more important to inspire young women to pursue science at an early stage and to highlight different career paths. The Faculty of Chemistry and the Women in Chemistry (WoChem) network therefore once again took the opportunity to present their research areas to interested students.

Insights into laboratory work and latest research

On 23 April 2026, high school students had the opportunity to carry out experiments in the labs and meet research groups from various institutes. Following a welcome session with Prof. Ellen Backus, Ass. Prof. Evelyn Rampler and other members of the WoChem network — ranging from doctoral candidates to senior scientists — the participants, equipped with lab coats and safety goggles, got straight to work. They made soap, carried out experiments in cell culture laboratories, toured a clean room equipped with high-end mass spectrometers, or analysed substances at the Core Facility for X-ray Structure Analysis. The students learned about the role of fundamental research in inorganic chemistry in the development of cancer drugs, how materials chemists are developing a fungus-based leather alternative, and the importance of computer modelling and simulations in modern chemistry.

Role models and peer-to-peer exchange

Members of WoChem also took plenty of time to answer questions about studying chemistry and pursuing a scientific career. Researchers and doctoral candidates spoke about their own career paths and shared personal insights into their day-to-day work. Evelyn Rampler, one of the coordinators of the network, emphasised: “It was inspiring to welcome so many curious and motivated students. We hope we were able to show just how diverse and exciting chemistry really is. Perhaps we'll see some of the girls who visited us again in our courses and lectures.”

Maria Marichici, district councillor for Alsergrund, who visited one of the groups at the faculty, underlined the importance of such initiatives: “In the natural sciences n particular, we need female role models as well as targeted support for girls and women. Vienna Daughters’ Day at the Faculty of Chemistry proves that girls can achieve anything if we encourage and support them.”

Evelyn Rampler has been an assistant professor at the faculty since 2024. As an analytical chemist and mother of two, supporting young women researchers is particularly important to her: “It is important to me not only to inspire the next generation’s enthusiasm for the subject, but also to demonstrate that, while a career in science alongside family life presents certain challenges, it is nonetheless fulfilling and achievable.”

The Faculty of Chemistry would like to warmly thank WoChem and all participating research groups for their outstanding commitment.

 

Highlights from Daughters' Day 2026