Lecture given by Dr. phil. Lara Altenstädter

Female researchers continue to be underrepresented in the German media.
The invisibility of female experts contributes to the slow pace of
change in traditional gender roles. Communications officers at
universities, who act as intermediaries between female researchers and
media representatives, could play a key role in changing this situation.
As part of the research project “Discovering and Communicating
Excellence” (EXENKO), we interviewed this group of people in 2022 to
find out their views on their influence on gender equality. Although the
interviewees emphasized their fundamentally positive attitude toward
equality, they considered their scope for action to be very limited.
Constant time pressure in their everyday working lives means that they
often rely on established – and thus predominantly male – expert
contacts. This vicious circle significantly worsens the opportunities
for female researchers: they receive less media attention and are
therefore less likely to be seen as experts in their field, which in
turn reduces their reputation among the professional public.

This lecture is given in English.

Participation is free, but registration is required. So please register below before 7 November 2025: