Leica Microsystems, a leader in microscopy and scientific instrumentation, has entered a partnership with Mentoring Hessen and strengthened its efforts to support female students to prepare and actively drive their careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Mentoring Hessen is a joint project of Hessian universities to promote the careers of women. The aim is to increase the proportion of women in specialist and management positions in both business and academia. With the help of four different funding lines, women are supported and accompanied in the decisive phases of their professional development – from student to professor.

“Diversity and inclusion enrich our company and are crucial to our culture. As Leica Microsystems, we are at the forefront of science, empowering our customers to create a better and healthier world. Our diverse teams, with their varied backgrounds, differentiated and agile mindsets, and skills, are one of the backbones and drivers of our culture and our success. Partnering with Mentoring Hessen is another crucial step for us to continue in our D&I journey,” emphasizes Annette Rinck, president of Leica Microsystems.

In the first year, a total of eight female mentors from the two German company sites support the program and accompany female students on their career path. “I myself was a mentee at Mentoring Hessen during my PhD studies,” says Miriam Weller, systems engineer at Leica Microsystems. “I’m looking forward to now being able to give something back as a mentor and accompany young talent.”