News
Mar. 17th, 2026, Bochum, Germany
Josephine Oppotsch Earns Her PhD & Shares Her Journey (CRC 287)
Josephine Oppotsch, a researcher within CRC 287, has successfully completed and defended her doctoral thesis titled “Development of a Fast and Non-Invasive System for Particle Tracking.”
🎉 We warmly congratulate her on this significant achievement.
Throughout her PhD work as part of SFB 287, she contributed a distinctive viewpoint, combining her background in particle physics with an engineering-focused research environment. Following the completion of her doctorate, she is now pursuing a professional path as a patent attorney. We had the opportunity to speak with her about her journey and experiences.
Insights from the Interview:
As a physicist specializing in experimental hadron physics and theoretical astrophysics, I worked a lot with abstract models. In general, my work was strongly rooted in fundamental research and focused on the details of individual process steps. Within the collaborative research center, a new dimension was introduced through practical implementation, shifting the focus toward real-world applications. Technical feasibility and the concrete applicability of concepts became key aspects of the overall picture. For me this was particularly exciting, as previously (sometimes almost) nebulous concepts and isolated processes were suddenly assigned a tangible purpose. Ultimately, the overall picture emerges from the interaction of the different disciplines. In my view, the CRC287 is a very good example of how excellent research arises when different perspectives do not simply coexist but actively engage with one another and work together on shared research questions.
The interdisciplinary work within this Collaborative Research Center primarily shaped my ability to respond flexibly and openly to new questions and approaches. I learned how to structure complex problems collaboratively and to integrate different perspectives in a way that leads to creative and robust solutions. At the same time, the close collaboration with colleagues from very different disciplines sharpened my communication skills and showed me how important mutual understanding, patience, and constructive exchange are for the success of joint projects. On a personal level, this experience also strengthened my awareness of how valuable diversity in scientific teams is and how it enriches one’s own work and opens up new paths.
The foundation for my decision to pursue a career in patent law was laid early by my aunt, who worked in this field for many years. After researching various other career paths, it quickly became clear that patent law is ideal for me, as it combines technical and scientific understanding with the opportunity to systematically assess and legally secure innovations. I find this combination within a single field of work extraordinarily fascinating. At the same time, this profession allows one to actively support innovations and assist clients in implementing their ideas. This combination of technical depth, analytical challenge, and practical relevance ultimately motivated me to pursue this path.
I believe that the ability to quickly grasp, analyze, and clearly present complex technical and scientific matters will be particularly valuable in my new role. Equally important is the experience of bringing together different perspectives and communicating content in a clear and understandable way—both in writing and verbally. Together, these competencies will help me to analyze technical innovations precisely, to assess intellectual property rights soundly, and to advise clients competently.
Article
Latest Publications:
Nov. 6th, 2025, Particuology
Title: Tabulation applied to thermal conduction within complex particle geometries in the Discrete Element Method.
Authors: Bergold, T. Illana. E., Scherer, V
Article
Mar. 13th, 2026, Combustion Science and Technology
Title: Numerical Study of the Influence of Bed Stoking on Pyrolysis of a Polydisperse Bulk of Spherical Particles Using DEM/CFD.
Authors: N. Hilse, B. Jaeger, C. Hentschel, E. Illana, M. Schiemann & V. Scherer
Jul. 10th, 2025, Particuology
Title: Tabulation as a method to accelerate intraparticle models in DEM: Thermal conduction as an example.
Authors: Bergold, T. Illana. E., Scherer, V
Article
Jul. 10th, 2025, International Journal of Energy for a Clean Environment
Title: Experimental investigation of reflection phenomena in a simplified packed bed using pixel-resolved temperature distribution.
Authors: M. Tyslik, M. Schiemann.
Article
Jul. 10th, 2025, International Journal of Energy for a Clean Environment
Title: Numerical Study on Residence Time and Contact Heat Transfer of Spherical Particles on a Continuously Operated Hearth Furnace Floor using the Discrete Element Method (DEM).
Authors: N. Hilse, V. Scherer.
Feb. 25th, 2025, Particuology
Title: Modelling of Heat Transfer in Moving Granular Assemblies with a Focus on Radiation using the Discrete Ordinate Method: A DEM-CFD Approach.
Authors: R. Abdi, B. Jaeger, E. Illana, S. Wirtz, M. Schiemann, V. Scherer
Direct download link: Abdi et al., Particuology, 2025.
Award for CRC 287 Project A2 Paper
Oct. 27th, 2025
JMR/JMRO “New Voices in Magnetic Resonance” Award for CRC Project A2 Paper
We are delighted to announce that the paper “MR based magnetic susceptibility measurements of 3D printing materials at 3 Tesla”, conducted as part of CRC 287 sub-project A2, has been selected among the top three articles in the JMR/JMRO joint Special Issue “New Voices in Magnetic Resonance.”
This recognition highlights the outstanding quality and impact of the work, which has been honored with a $500 award. The study, published in 2023, introduces a magnetic resonance imaging–based approach to accurately measure the magnetic susceptibilities of commonly used 3D printing materials at 3 Tesla and establishes an open database to support MR experimental design.
The award will be formally presented during the JMR/JMRO/ISMAR Virtual Symposium on December 4th, 2025, where the prize recipients will give invited lectures.
Dec. 12th, 2025, Bochum, Germany
PhD Defense of Reza Namdar (CRC 287)
Reza Namdar, a member of CRC 287, successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled “Numerical Study of Reactive Flows in Packed Beds using a Monolithic Hybrid Lattice Boltzmann–Finite Difference–Phase Field Model.” The defense took place on Friday, 12 December 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in IC 02/722 at Ruhr University Bochum. The event consisted of a 30-minute presentation, followed by a one-hour examination by the doctoral committee.
The PhD work was supervised by Prof. Fathollah Vornik, with Prof. Dominique Thevenin as second supervisor. The examination committee was chaired by Prof. Viktor Scherer.
Oct. 14th–17th, 2025, Rome, Italy
Mini-Symposium on “Recent Advances in DEM–CFD Descriptions of Reacting Particle–Gas Systems”
At the Numerical Combustion Conference in Rome, the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) is organizing a focused Mini-Symposium dedicated to recent developments in the coupled Discrete Element Method DEM–CFD modeling of reacting particle–gas systems. The abstract is provided below:
Sep. 1st, 2025.
Book of Abstracts Published
The Book of Abstracts for the International Workshop on Particle-Gas Systems 2025 has now been published and is available online.
👉 Access the Book of Abstracts (DOI: 10.25673/118928)
More information related to the workshop: click here
Conference
(CMFF’25)
Aug. 26th–29th, 2025.
CRC 287 at the Conference on Modelling Fluid Flow (CMFF’25)
From 26–29 August 2025, CRC 287 contributed to the Conference on Modelling Fluid Flow (CMFF’25) in Budapest, Hungary, by organizing a dedicated workshop session on
“Coupling Discrete Element Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics (DEM/CFD).”
The session, led by Prof. Viktor Scherer (Ruhr-University Bochum) together with Prof. Dominique Thévenin (Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg), provided a broad perspective on the modeling of particulate flows, with a strong focus on combining DEM and CFD approaches. Discussions highlighted the challenges of simulating reacting flows, the importance of experimental validation in complex geometries, and novel trends such as machine learning for model enrichment, hybrid resolved/unresolved DEM/CFD strategies, and advances in Immersed Boundary Methods.
CRC 287 members and collaborators presented a series of contributions, including:
Rezvan Abdi, Bo Jaeger, Torben Bergold, Enric Illana, Martin Schiemann, Viktor Scherer
Influence of packing density on the calcination process for lime production: A DEM-CFD studyNinghua Zhan, Enqi Liu, Andrea Dernbecher, Nicole Vorhauer-Huget, Rui Wu, Alba Diéguez Alonso, Abdolreza Kharaghani
Detailed characterisation of pore structure and transport properties of biomass particles during pyrolysisAli Mjalled, Bo Jaeger, Reza Namdar, Lucas Mieg, Enric Illana, Fathollah Varnik, Viktor Scherer, Martin Mönnigmann
Enhancing DEM-CFD simulations with machine-learning-based locally resolved Nusselt number correlationsDavide Mapelli, Don Dasun Attanayake, Berend van Wachem, Fabian Sewerin
Combining the partially stirred reactor with a DEM description: The pyrolysis of biomassBo Jaeger, Rezvan Abdi, Enric Illana, Viktor Scherer
Investigating the influence of particle shape on the pyrolysis of thermally thick particles in DEM/CFDReza Namdar, Mohammad Norouzi, Fathollah Varnik
An application of machine learning to compute thermochemistry of reactive flows: A mixture of experts approachWojciech Sadowski, Christin Velten, Maximilian Brömmer, Hakan Demir, Francesca Di Mare, Katharina Zähringer, Viktor Scherer
Numerical and experimental investigation of low Reynolds number flow in a packed bed of rotated bars
Farshad Gharibi, Dominique Thévenin
Equilibrium positions and dynamic behavior of thermal prolate particles in shear flow: Influence of particle size.
The workshop was well attended and fostered fruitful discussions on current advances and future challenges in DEM/CFD simulations.
Aug. 10th, 2025.
Maximilian Brömmer Wins Best Poster Award at DEM10 in Japan
M.Sc. Maximilian Brömmer (Project C7, Bochum) was awarded with the Best Poster Award for his presentation at the 10th International Conference on Discrete Element Methods (DEM10) in Japan.
His poster was entitled Transition between 1D and 3D intraparticle representation for heat transfer in DEM-CFD simulations.
Apr. 1st, 2025.
Prof. Kempf Presents Novel Approach to Fluid Mixing Simulation at OVGU Magdeburg
On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, we had the honor of hosting Prof. Kempf from the Chair of Fluid Dynamics at Universität Duisburg-Essen, who collaborates closely with our A5 group led by Fabian Sewerin at OVGU Magdeburg. His captivating talk covered:
“A Scale-Dependent Euler-Lagrangian Decomposition for Simulating Mixing at High Schmidt and Prandtl Numbers”
Prof. Kempf provided a novel approach to model fluid mixing behavior, demonstrating how it enhances accuracy compared to traditional FVM while also significantly reducing computational costs. The discussion highlighted the potential of this method in capturing complex transport phenomena more efficiently, attracting great interest among researchers and students.
Jun. 16th–18th, 2025, Mageburg, Germany:
2nd International Workshop on Reacting Particle-Gas Systems
The 2nd International Workshop on Reacting Particle–Gas Systems was held in Magdeburg from 16 to 18 June 2025. Hosted by CRC 287 BULK REACTION, the event attracted over 140 participants from universities, research institutions and industry to the historic Johanniskirche, which provided an inspiring setting for scientific exchange in reactive multiphase systems.
The scientific programme covered a wide range of topics related to particle-laden reactive flows, including detailed and reduced single-particle reaction models, gas-phase combustion and large-scale CFD/DEM simulations. There was a particular focus on integrating experimental and numerical methods, with sessions dedicated to advanced diagnostics as well as benchmarking and validation strategies. This interdisciplinary approach encouraged collaboration between simulation experts and experimentalists.
Keynote lectures were delivered by internationally renowned researchers Aibing Yu, Tamas Turanyi, Tina Kasper, and Berend van Wachem, providing highlights of the workshop.
A poster session enabled the presentation of ongoing research and emerging results. The diverse scientific backgrounds of the participants contributed to lively discussions and collaborations.
To ensure a lasting impact, a book of abstracts with a DOI will be published, and selected participants were invited to submit full-length contributions to a special issue of Particuology due to be published soon.
Thanks to its high level of attendance and the quality of the science presented, the workshop advanced research in reacting particle–gas systems and strengthened an international network of experts dedicated to this complex and rapidly developing field.
Workshop website:
Apr. 1st, 2025.
First industrial user for the CRC 287 Bulk-Reaction open-source DEM-CFD framework
thyssenkrupp Polysius is the first industrial user of the open-source DEM-CFD framework developed within the Corporate Research Center Center 287 Bulk-Reaction. The company is utilizing this DEM-CFD framework to simulate the flight and conversion behavior of refuse-derived fuels (RDF) in cement rotary kilns. These fuels have a size range of several centimeters and complex particle shapes. For such thermally thick particles, the DEM approach is well-suited to describe the physical and chemical intra-particle processes. When coupled with OpenFOAM as the CFD solver, this approach also enables the accurate simulation of the flight behavior of these complex-shaped particles.
About thyssenkrupp Polysius (copy from the thyssenkrupp webpage)
As a partner and a full range-supplier of the cement industry, we are leading the way to a more sustainable cement business. Providing green tech, digital and automation solutions, on-site and remote services, we are the number one partner for our customers whether in new build plants, products and machines or services. With solutions such as polysius® pure oxyfuel as the game-changing solution for carbon capture and storage/usage (CCU, CCS), we are able to offer groundbreaking tools to transform the industry – even today!
Dec. 6th, 2024.
Award of the Title „extraordinary professor“ to CRC Member apl. Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Reza Kharaghani
On December 4, 2024, Prof. Dr. Jens Strackeljan, President of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, awarded apl. Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Reza Kharaghani the title “Extraordinary Professor.” Dr. Kharaghani, the principle investigator of project B4 within SFB/TRR 287, has been leading the Drying and Pore Networks Group at the Faculty of Process and Systems Engineering, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, since 2013.
The CRC congratulates Dr. Kharaghani on this recognition!
Online Article
Nov. 26th, 2024.
New Online Article in RUBIN, the science magazine of the Ruhr University Bochum, published.
Researchers from the Collaborative Research Center Bulk Reaction have set out to understand how the heat distribution in large-scale industrial furnaces affects the products inside. This should aid the energy transition.
Read more:
https://news.rub.de/wissenschaft/2024-11-26-computersimulation-effizient-erwaermt
https://news.rub.de/english/2024-11-26-computer-simulation-heating-efficiently
Oct. 7th, 2024.
Dr. Martin Schiemann Awarded the Title of Apl. Professor
Dr. Martin Schiemann, principal investigator of projects B3 and C3 within BULK-Reaction, has been honored with the title of apl. Professor.
Dr. Schiemann studied physics at the University of Bochum and earned his Dr.-Ing. degree in 2012 with a thesis on the spray roasting of iron chloride solutions. His habilitation follwed in the year 2018 with a thesis on optical thermography for engineering applications.
He also serves as a principal investigator in the SFB/TRR 129 Oxyflame, focusing on oxy-fuel combustion of biomass. Additionally, his research interests extend to metal fuels, a key area of his scientific work.
The CRC congratulates Dr. Schiemann on this great achievement, which highlights his exceptional contributions to BULK-Reaction and his broader scientific impact.
(Workshop)
Sep. 26th, 2024.
1st doctoral researcher’s self-organized workshop in funding period 2
The first doctoral researcher’s self-organized workshop in funding period 2 took place in Bochum in September 2024. It included a data-sprint to foster RDM best practices. There was a guest lecture by Anika Weber (PhD student at DLR) on the topic of Development, Modelling, and Experimental Investigation of a New, Innovative Particle Concept for Solar Fuel Production.
Sep. 24th–25th, 2024.
3rd Retreat of the CRC/TRR 287 BULK-REACTION in Bochum
The 3rd Retreat of the CRC/TRR 287 BULK-REACTION took place in Bochum in September 2024. It was the first in-person meeting of all CRC members after the 2nd funding period was granted by the DFG in may this year. The team discussed the current status and the strategic orientation of the CRC and a group of new PhD students was welcomed. Prof. Stefan Heinrich (TU Hamburg), invited guest speaker, held a key note lecture about reactive fluidized beds, presenting state-of-the-art measurements techniques in the field of particle technology and giving insight into a topic that is of great interest to the CRC.
Jun. 19th, 2024.
Nikoline Hilse Receives Best Student Paper Award Recognition at Clearwater Clean Energy Conference
M.Sc. Nikoline Hilse (project C3, Bochum) was awarded ‘The First Runner Up’ in the best student paper award competition for her contribution with the title “Numerical Study of Residence Time and Contact Heat Transfer of Spherical Particles on a Continuously Operated Hearth Furnace Floor Using the Discrete Element Method (DEM)” at the 48th International Technical Conference on Clean Energy, Clearwater, Florida, USA.
Jun. 13th, 2024.
Prof. Scherer Delivers Seminar on DEM/CFD Simulation at University of Salerno
Prof. Scherer gave a seminar at University of Salerno, Italy, on June 13 2024 on “DEM/CFD simulation of moving and reacting granular assemblies with gas flow”
(IPNF 2024)
Jun. 11th–12th, 2024.
Prof. Scherer Delivers Keynote on DEM/CFD Simulation at IPNF 2024 in Frankfurt
Prof. Scherer was a keynote speaker at the Modeling and Simulation Session during the International Powder & Nanotechnology Forum (IPNF 2024) in Frankfurt on June 11-12, 2024, entitled “DEM/CFD simulation of chemically reacting, thermally thick particles in moving granular assemblies with gas flow: challenges and recent developments.”
See website for IPNF 2023:https://ipnf2023.com/.
( CRC )
Jun. 1st, 2024.
CRC Granted for Another 4 Years
Great success: the CRC287 has been granted by the senate of the DFG for another 4 years until 30 June 2028.
Read these links for more info:
https://www.ovgu.de/Presse+_+Medien/Pressemitteilungen/PM+2024/Mai/PM+40_2024-p-139244.html
Soft skills lecture
Dec. 14th, 2023, 11:00-13:00
Soft skills lecture
Bookreading: Parenthood and science – (in)compatibilities, Corona Gaps and us.
During this lunch lecture, Dr. Sarah Czerney and Dr. Lena Eckert gave an insight into their books.
Sarah Czerney, Lena Eckert, Silke Martin (2022) Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft in der Pandemie: (Un-)Vereinbarkeit zwischen Kindern, Care und Krise, Verlag Barabara-Budrich-Verlag, ISBN: 978-3-8474-2654-7.
Sarah Czerney, Lena Eckert, Silke Martin (2020) Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft: Die (Un-) Vereinbarkeit von Mutterbild und wissenschaftlicher Tätigkeit, Springer Verlag, ISBN: 978-3658309312.
In order to explore the tension between parenthood, motherhood, other unpaid care work and science. After the lecture, participants had the opportunity for discussion.
Further reading:
Sarah Czerney, Lena Eckert, Silke Martin (Hg.): Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft in der Pandemie. (Un-)Vereinbarkeit zwischen Kindern, Care und Krise. Budrich: 2022
“Nähkästchen extended: Netzwerk Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft” – Podcast from University of Hamburg
“KARRIERE NUR OHNE KINDER?” – Interview with rbb kultur
“Ungleichheit bei Unikarrieren: Forscherinnen durch Pandemie benachteiligt” – Report in Tagesspiegel
Speaker
Dr. Sarah Czerney and Dr. Lena Eckert (Netzwerk Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft)
Soft skills workshop
Soft skills workshop
Dec. 13th, 2023
Workshop on “Gender appropriate candidate assessment” in Magdeburg by Dr. Steffi Nothnagel (Diversity Consulting)
The workshop addressed gender appropriate candidate assessment during recruitment processes. It presented strategies and good-practice examples on how to avoid gender bias within the recruiting process based on equal treatment of all applicants. Established approaches at both universities were discussed and evaluated with regard to opportunities for improvement.
INF-pilotgroup
Dec. 1st, 2023
INF-pilotgroup
A new INF-pilotgroup was created. Elected doctoral researcher from the research projects support their colleagues in the long term data storage of data.
Nov., 2023
Code and Data Sprint in Magdeburg
The Code and Data sprint was a two day event and took place in Magdeburg.
This CDC continued the first CDC in Berlin and further actions were undertaken to develop RDM in the CRC287. Data Management plans of the projects were updated by the doctoral researchers and example data sets were prepared. Further in-depth diving into the central data management platform Confluence was conducted. Group discussions with experts helped to answer urgent questions regarding RDM. In addition, the projects conducted several steps of internal review process to optimize the preparation and documentation of their datasets. Lastly, a pilot group for RDM was formed to support the CRCs data steward and their colleagues.
Jun. 22nd, Twente University, Netherlands
Lecture on “DEM/CFD simulation of reacting moving thermally thick particles” at Twente University
Prof. Scherer and Dr. Wirtz gave an invited lecture on “DEM/CFD simulation of reacting moving thermally thick particles” at Twente University, presenting newest results from the CRC 287.
The lecture took place in the course of the Multi-Scale Mechanics Seminar of the group of Prof. Luding.
26- 28 April 2023 in Rouen, France
The CRC/TR 287 has organized a workshop at the 11th European Combustion Meeting (ECM) 2023:
Discrete kinetic methods for combustion simulation: Fundamentals and Practice
It is organized by Dr. Seyed Ali Hosseini.
Development of efficient and physically sound new algorithms adapted to the constantly evolving high performance hardware architecture is of the utmost importance, especially in computation-intensive applications such as combustion. Over the past decades the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and other kinetic- theory-based numerical approaches have proven themselves to be very efficient alternatives to classical Navier-Stokes-based solvers in the incompressible regime both on CPU- and GPU-based platforms. The rapid growth of industrial solvers based on the LBM is a clear testament to computational advantages of the latter. This success in the incompressible regime prompted the community at large to extend the scheme to compressible flows, and eventually combustion simulations. The past 5-10 years have witnessed a rapidly growing interest in the development of discrete kinetic methods for combustion simulations in both low and high Mach regimes.
The aim of this workshop, held in the context of the 2023 edition of the European Combustion Meeting in Rouen (France) is to gather experts in the area of the kinetic theory of gases and discrete methods based on the latter to discuss challenges and opportunities, recent progress and future of discrete kinetic methods for the simulation of reacting flows. The half day workshop included talks by experts in the field followed by short presentations from doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers illustrating most recent applications of discrete kinetic methods.
We warmly invite all interested parties to take part in this first edition of the workshop and, for those active in that area of research, submit abstracts to present their most recent progress. Accepted abstracts led to oral presentations of 5-10~mins in the last section of the workshop. Should the number of abstract be large, the possibility for poster presentation was also considered.
During the 2nd International Workshop on Reacting Particle-Gas Systems of CRC Bulk Reaction on June 16th-18th, 2025, we offered a specific program for 8 female Master students from RUB, OVGU, Kiel and TUD in the frame of our Gender equality measures.
Besides conference participation (including social activities, lunch, dinner, etc.) the interested students were offered the following program:
- 16.06.25 Talk “Doing a doctorate in Germany” with referee Dr. Barbara Witter from OVGU
- 17.06.25, Workshop “Rethinking Productivity” with Desiree Dickerson from Dickerson & Botella S.L. (Spain)
- 18.06.25 Workshop “Short workshop on career planning” (including e.g. self-reflection; evaluation of preferred working conditions; evaluation of skills and bingo topics) with referee Dr. Christiane Hedtmann from OVGU.
The SFB Team would like to welcome everybody in the project to an onboarding event to connect members of the CRC with different social backgrounds and provide broad information about the possible support at the partner universities.
During this lunch lecture, Dr. Sarah Czerney and Dr. Lena Eckert gave an insight into their books.
Sarah Czerney, Lena Eckert, Silke Martin (2022) Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft in der Pandemie: (Un-)Vereinbarkeit zwischen Kindern, Care und Krise, Verlag Barabara-Budrich-Verlag, ISBN: 978-3-8474-2654-7.
Sarah Czerney, Lena Eckert, Silke Martin (2020) Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft: Die (Un-) Vereinbarkeit von Mutterbild und wissenschaftlicher Tätigkeit, Springer Verlag, ISBN: 978-3658309312.
In order to explore the tension between parenthood, motherhood, other unpaid care work and science. After the lecture, participants had the opportunity for discussion.
Further reading:
Sarah Czerney, Lena Eckert, Silke Martin (Hg.): Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft in der Pandemie. (Un-)Vereinbarkeit zwischen Kindern, Care und Krise. Budrich: 2022
“Nähkästchen extended: Netzwerk Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft” – Podcast from University of Hamburg
“KARRIERE NUR OHNE KINDER?” – Interview with rbb kultur
“Ungleichheit bei Unikarrieren: Forscherinnen durch Pandemie benachteiligt” – Report in Tagesspiegel
Speaker
Dr. Sarah Czerney and Dr. Lena Eckert (Netzwerk Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft)
The workshop addressed gender appropriate candidate assessment during recruitment processes. It presented strategies and good-practice examples on how to avoid gender bias within the recruiting process based on equal treatment of all applicants. Established approaches at both universities were discussed and evaluated with regard to opportunities for improvement.
Speaker
Dr. Steffi Nothnagel (Diversity Consulting)
Strategies to reconcile family and professional life
The workshop analyzed and discussed the results of the evaluation conducted in summer 2022 within the CRC. The positive results were highlighted (e.g. the top working climate), areas for improvement were identified (e.g. impact of high workload on family care responsibilities) and strategies to further improve the work-life balance of the members of the CRC were discussed. Examples are the strengthening of researchers, especially with care responsibilities, in the face of the continuous blur of lines between work and free time; or the efficient use of free time for regeneration. Existing differences between male and female researchers were thereby addressed.
Speaker
Dr Melanie Kintz
Gender and Diversity Consultant
Otto von Guericke University
Based on the results of the evaluation conducted in summer 2022 in the CRC, this workshop discussed the positive aspects of the evaluation and identified areas for improvement. Special room was given to the possibilities of using DFG funds to promote intercultural competencies or gender sensitive team work.
Speaker
Dr Melanie Kintz
Gender and Diversity Consultant
Otto von Guericke University
On April 28, 2022 high school students visited Otto von Guericke University in the frame of “Girls and boys day – Future day”. As part of her research in the Collaborative Research Center CRC-TRR 287 Bulk Reaction, Dr. Nicole Vorhauer-Huget took the high school students on a tour through the laboratories, the technical hall and a lecture hall. Afterwards, she introduced them to the work with a physical computing platform. The students could experience to build and program a small measuring device for temperature and humidity measurement. Both variables are of great importance for processes, such as studied within the CRC.
Visit to a pilot plant where particle systems are studied on an intermediate scale.
How does a typical scientist look like? What is a leaky pipeline? How can the differences between female and male researchers be quantified? The documentary film illustrates the situation of US female scientists who work in STEM fields and their experiences with discrimination, sexism and racism in the year 2020. The documentation of the still difficult situation of women in the STEM field was used as a base for discussion between the participants after the movie.
The online workshop was used to exchange ideas between the three partner universities. Core of the discussion was the improvement of future job advertisements in order to become more attractive, especially for women. Subjects for improvement and respective possible strategies were presented.
Speakers
Dr. Anette Hoeschen (Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg)
The workshop “Shall I do a PhD?” took place online on November 4, 2021. Female students, majorly from the field of process engineering, attended the workshop. It had the aim to identify and evaluate the individual personal situation as a starting point for an academic career. Female speakers from the CRC gave a general introduction about the various possibilities of doctorates in Germany, research institutes, work environment, different kinds of work contracts, etc. Special attention was thereby paid to doctorates within a Collaborative Research Center, such as the CRC Bulk Reaction. Dr. Barbara Witter presented the Graduate Academy of the OVGU and Dr. Amanda Dunkel-Grimus held an online workshop for the interested students, with a major focus on reflection and analysis of the personal situation.
Speakers
Dr. Nicole Vorhauer-Huget (Postdoc at Otto von Guericke University)
M.Sc. Afrin Merchant (PhD within the SFB)
Dr. Barbara Witter (Graduate Academy Otto von Guericke University)
Dr. Amanda Dunkel-Grimus (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
Dr. Melanie Kintz (Gender Consulting Otto von Guericke University)
The workshop had the aim to provide an overview about gender equality measures in other European countries as a starting point for the advancement of their own work. Athena SWAN was selected because it is already established in several countries, also outside Europe, and it is recognized as a successful tool with a significant impact on a high professional level.
Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) is a framework and accreditation system in the UK, established for the promotion of careers of women in the STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine) field. It is conceptualized to celebrate good practice in higher education and research institutions with the central goal to achieve better work environments.
The speakers introduced the principles of the Athena SWAN charter, presented examples from their universities and discussed their own experiences.
Speakers
Dr. Melanie Kintz (Gender Consulting Otto von Guericke University)
Prof. Berend van Wachem (Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg)
Prof. Moira Dean (Queen’s University Belfast)
Dr. Charikleia Charoula Tzanakou (Oxford Brookes University)
https://www.vst.ovgu.de/Ladies+Night/Retrospektive/Ladies+Night+2021.html
How unconscious thought patterns influence our working world.
The workshop was conceptualized to strengthen the social competences of the PIs, postdocs and students of the CRC. As unconscious biases are independent of gender, nationality or age, the topic was addressed to everyone. The participants learned based on illustrative examples how biases are formed by the unconscious “sieving” and sorting of information. Strategies to overcome biases and to avoid unintentional discrimination were presented and discussed, e.g. by changing the perspectives, avoiding established processes, breaking out of habits, leaving the comfort zone, making new experiences and determining biases.
The workshop was held by a team from EAF Berlin which is a non-profit organization. The participants gave a very positive feedback.