On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, AIT emphasises its consistent commitment to greater equality in research and technology. Innovation Minister Peter Hanke expressly acknowledges AIT's contribution to promoting talent and strengthening STEM skills in Austria as a research location.
‘Equal opportunities in science and technology are a key factor for the future viability of our innovation and research location. AIT's commitment to diversity, promoting talent and strengthening STEM skills is therefore of particular importance. Only by investing specifically in all potential can we combine social progress and economic strength,’ said Innovation Minister Peter Hanke.
‘Studies show that diverse teams and a higher proportion of women increase the innovative strength, productivity and profitability of companies. Diverse teams make informed decisions, communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts better and work more creatively. More consistent efforts are needed to break down structural barriers and attract girls and women to STEM careers at an early stage and retain them in the long term. Research thrives on diversity, curiosity and different perspectives’, emphasises Brigitte Bach, Managing Director and Spokesperson for the Management Board of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and President of Forschung Austria. ’At AIT, we are specifically creating a programme along the employee life cycle that promotes scientific excellence, individual development and the compatibility of career and life realities.'
At AIT, we implement targeted measures throughout the entire employee life cycle: from internships, theses and PhD programmes to structured career paths and transparent development and leadership opportunities. The institutionally anchored Gender Equality Plan, flexible working models and initiatives to improve the compatibility of work and life realities form the framework for this.
The aim is to further break down structural barriers, promote potential at an early stage and open up long-term prospects for women in applied research. We see diversity as an essential factor for scientific quality and innovative strength – and as an integral part of our strategic development.