BTU STEM women's scholarships for a further nine female students

The scholarship is not only intended to make it easier for them to start their studies in study programmes in which women are still underrepresented, but also to provide important mental support and strengthen their skills through targeted workshops. The funds for the scholarships are financed by the Female Professors Programme III.

The scholarships were presented on 28 October 2025 by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs at BTU Prof. Dr Peer Schmidt and were embedded in the third network meeting of the university's STEM women's network, which took place at the Cottbus main campus. Once again, Birgit Hendrischke, Central Equal Opportunities Officer at BTU, and STEM ambassador Dr.-Ing. Ramona Riedel accompanied the presentation of the scholarships.

Professor Schmidt honoured the scholarship holders in his laudatory speech and introduced them.
"This funding instrument is the ideal way to guide our scholarship holders through the first two semesters of their studies," he explained in his speech. "They are also included in the BTU MINT women's network, which gives them the opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange, or as we tend to say today, quick and uncomplicated networking."

The scholarship holders come from the study programmes Physics, Biotechnology, Environmental and Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Medical Engineering and Civil Engineering. They impressed the selection process with their motivation for their study programme, outstanding achievements and, in particular, their personalities.

The BTU STEM Women's Scholarships 2025 went to

• in Faculty 1 - STEM - Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology to:

Jennifer Wieland, Physics study programme
After training as a two-wheeler mechanic, then switching to the sales sector after 13 years, she decided to catch up on her A-levels via the second educational route, which she achieved with flying colours. Her goal is to gain a foothold in research as a physicist or to play an active role in shaping the future in companies.

• in Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences:

Ayline Salessky, Biotechnology study programme
For her, the course not only means that she will specialise in depth in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, technology and medical applications, but also that she will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the major research issues of our time.

Angelina Mietusch, Biotechnology study programme
She loves to deepen her specialist knowledge, which she already proved during her A-levels. Her advanced biology teacher describes her as follows: "Mrs Mietusch is characterised by her precise and structured way of working. She reflects on her thought processes and shows a high degree of independence, determination and a sense of responsibility..."

Aneetta Bijoy, Environmental and Resource Management study programme
Having grown up in India, she feels a sense of responsibility to contribute to solutions that prevent such disasters and fund sustainable, resilient communities. For this reason, she decided to study Environmental and Resource Management at BTU.

Helen Rausch, Environmental Sciences study programme
She is particularly interested in the effects of climate change on Lusatia.
During her studies on the new Environmental Sciences study programme, she would like to learn about innovative solutions for a sustainable future and actively develop them in order to contribute to environmental and climate protection.

• in Faculty 3 - Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems:

Lotta Buttgereit, Medical Technology study programme
After graduating from high school, she decided to study Medical Technology at BTU because she is excited about the interplay of STEM subjects in this study programme. She also sees this as the greatest opportunity to deepen her passion and knowledge for the natural sciences and it is important to her to make her own personal contribution to our society.

Anelie Walter, Biomedical Engineering study programme
Fascinated by the technical processes behind imaging procedures,she would like to learn what is behind the technology during her studies and deepen the knowledge she gained as a medical-technical radiology assistant in a targeted manner. Her goal is to actively contribute to the further development of innovative medical technologies.

• in Faculty 6 - Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning:

Gina Jolie Rossow,Civil Engineering study programme
She is passionate about science and thinks that the proportion of female students in Civil Engineering is far too low. She experienced this during her Orientation Studies Programme. She is therefore keen to be a role model for other young women and has decided to study this subject at BTU.

Nina Goldberg, Civil Engineering study programme
She discovered her interest in technical subjects during her evening A-levels. She would like to play an active role in the STEM women's network and get young women interested in scientific and technical subjects. She is convinced that the scholarship will enable her to maximise her potential and contribute her knowledge to projects that are relevant to both science and society.

The nine new STEM women scholarship holders were welcomed by the 23 previous scholarship holders at the fourth network meeting of the BTU STEM Women's Network. The networking and exchange of experiences with the network participants began during the review of the past years and deepened during the interactive workshop that the Fraunhofer Institute IEG organised with all scholarship holders that evening. This resulted in creative personal vision boards, on the basis of which the participants introduced themselves to each other in smaller groups.

Further information on the BTU STEM Women's Scholarship

Specialist contact
Dr.-Ing. Ramona Riedel
MINT Ambassador of BTU Cottbus - Senftenberg
T (+49) 0355 69 4385
ramona.riedel(at)b-tu.de