Grant program: TALENTA

Fraunhofer TALENTA is a program for women in research, focused on the STEM subjects such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and physics. It offers female talents support at every step in their Fraunhofer career throughout two years, as well as a comprehensive accompanying program with a broad scope for the personal career development and the opportunity to network with other women at Fraunhofer. Fraunhofer Institutes participating in the TALENTA program are granted internal funds in order to finance additional time and individual training.

Vivienne Leidel, a doctoral student in quantum optics at Fraunhofer IAF, is participating in the “TALENTA start” program.

“TALENTA gives me opportunities for further training, for example through workshops or specialist training courses at conferences and summer schools, and for networking.”

Dr. Rebekka Eberle, group leader of Quantum System Engineering at Fraunhofer IAF, is participating in the “TALENTA speed up” program.

“What I appreciate about TALENTA is that the program allows me to further develop my leadership style.”

Dr. Jutta Kühn, deputy director of Fraunhofer IAF, took part in »TALENTA speed up«:

»I used the TALENTA program to specifically prepare myself for my new position as head of department with a responsibility for 50 employees. The so-called ›career time‹ and the offers for further trainings in combination with networking opportunities and sharing experiences with other TALENTA participants, I was able to settle into my new role efficiently and quickly.«

Dr. Vera Klinger, group leader in process control at Fraunhofer IAF, was enrolled in the “TALENTA speed up” program to further her development as a manager:

“For me, the particular benefit of the program lies in the exchange with other women and in seeing how others are pursuing their career paths. In addition, the TALENTA program enabled me to participate in executive coaching, where ideas and challenges could be discussed in a confidential setting."