BMBF campaigns for more women researchers in Europe Federal Research Ministry launches awareness week on "Opportunities for women scientists in the EU's Seventh Framework Programme" More women should be encouraged to participate in the EU's Seventh Research Framework Programme. That is the aim of a country-wide campaign launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Berlin on Monday. "If we want to strengthen Europe's innovative strength in the long term, we need to encourage women to take better advantage of the opportunities available to them in the areas of science and research", said Federal Research Minister Annette Schavan at the kick-off event. The kick-off event offered women working in science and politics an opportunity to exchange views and find out more about the importance of EU funding for the careers of women scientists and the participation of women in research and development. Numerous events across Germany between now and 8 May will offer information about research opportunities and structures at EU level. Workshops, lectures and other events organized by the BMBF-funded contact point "Women into EU Research" (FiF) and more than forty universities and non-university research institutions will contribute to increasing the participation of women scientists at a European level. A brochure offers practical advice for women researchers who are interested in becoming involved in the EU's Seventh Research Framework Programme. An accompanying exhibition featuring profiles of women scientists will also form an important part of the awareness week. Detailed information about the awareness week, the Seventh Framework Programme and contact partners at "Women into EU Research" (FiF) can be found online at http://www.eubuero.de/fif_aktionswoche Countries Germany
