On 24 April 2025, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology opened its doors as part of Vienna's Daughters' Day to 16 schoolgirls aged 14 and above, who spent a day gaining insights into cutting-edge applied research and technological innovations. The diverse programme ranged from artificial intelligence, automation and virtual reality to energy and battery research.
Brigitte Bach: ‘Curiosity needs space – and role models’
It remains essential to target girls specifically and repeatedly, as many are still hesitant to pursue a career in technology when choosing their education and profession. ‘When girls experience how fascinating research can be and at the same time see that women are naturally visible in research, development and innovation, we create more than just enthusiasm – we create the future,‘ emphasised Brigitte Bach, AIT Managing Director. “That's why Daughters” Day is an important building block for shaping diversity in technology in the long term,’ said Bach.
From AI to energy labs: a day full of research experiences
Under the motto ‘Future makers: Your day as a scientist,’ AIT researchers and employees accompanied the schoolgirls through several stations: They experienced how AI teaches cars to drive, how autonomous machines and drones work, and how virtual reality can be used to train first aid. In a battery laboratory, they tested new storage technologies and were able to playfully work with energy in the ‘PowerPlayground.’ In a final discussion, the experiences were reflected upon together.
The focus was primarily on practical applications and interactive experiences designed to make applied research visible and tangible for young girls.
